Years ago the famous political theorist, Leo Strauss wrote of "regime change" that television commentators and even American Presidents have subsequently popularized. Among other theoretical concepts, the category has resourceful application to Shakespeare’s  history plays such as Richard II and Julius Caesar that trace regime change and its significant repercussions.   Shakespeare presents an unknown history in a language not heard on stage before in any sustained fashion, let alone a series of history plays, some linked. Several plays are cautionary such as Richard III. Shakespeare traces the emergence of melodramatic politics presided over by ruthless politicians mouthing slogans of liberty and freedom. Join the course in a timely reading of some of the greatest history plays of Shakespeare such as Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, and Hamlet.