Shakespeare, Whodunit?
Means, Motive and Opportunity
Doubt about the authorship of plays attributed to William Shakespeare, first expressed in the 18th century, have continued to grow over the ensuing 200 years. To solve the case using logical analysis like Sherlock Holmes, this course will review the principal evidence gathered in favor of the four most likely suspects -- Francis Bacon; the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere; Christopher Marlowe; and the Man from Stratford. Readings and lectures will include historical and contemporary sources. Students will be asked to draw conclusions at the end of the investigation.