Exploring European Union Culture and Values Through Shakespeare’s Plays

ongoing

"Sakarya University is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of European values and integration across disciplines. As part of this commitment, we are developing ""SHAKESEU,"" an innovative Jean Monnet Module designed as a university-wide elective course. This module will leverage the transformative power of Shakespeare's plays to engage students from diverse academic backgrounds in an exploration of core European values, including democratic principles, justice, gender equality, and human rights. While the project originates within the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, its interdisciplinary nature will allow students from across the university to benefit. SHAKESEU will utilize Shakespeare's rich tapestry of characters, settings, and conflicts in plays like Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, and Measure for Measure to provide a dynamic journey through the historical and philosophical roots of these values, their evolution through centuries, and the ongoing challenges they face. Students will not merely absorb information but actively engage in critical analysis, debate, and collaborative interpretations. By applying contemporary lenses to these timeless narratives, students from various disciplines will cultivate a nuanced understanding of how European values have developed and evolved. This university-wide elective course aims to empower students to become not just knowledgeable about European values, but also active promoters of intercultural dialogue and understanding. SHAKESEU will contribute to a broader understanding of the fundamental values that bind the European Union together, fostering a sense of shared citizenship and encouraging informed engagement with European integration."