Authoritarianism has been a common method of governance throughout history; even today, dictatorships control the lives of billions of people. Of the many accounts of infamous tyrants who have ruled through the ages, some of the deepest insights into such dictators can be found in the histories and tragedies of William Shakespeare. In this Zoom course, we will focus on Richard III and Macbeth, both of which are based on historical texts and depict military heroes who scheme to seize and hold on to a monarchy. We will delve into the psychology of each title character as well as that of his victims and enemies. In addition, we will examine how Shakespeare adapts his historical sources, employs his unique style, and develops his plots to represent the rise and fall of tyrants. We will also study Shakespeare’s use of dramatic conventions in the plays as well as the cultural context of the Early Modern Period. Learners will gain insights into the workings of dictatorships and develop a deeper understanding of Shakespearean drama. The teaching methods for the course will include guided discussion, close readings of key passages, and PowerPoint presentations.