Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2016 - 2017
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Description This course offers an introduction to Anglo-Irish literature starting with English-language versions of Irish mythology and moving swiftly to 20th Century examples of short stories and novels. The carefully selected works provide students with insights into key Irish cultural and historical issues and events that have helped shape contemporary Irish society. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Learning Outcomes 1. demonstrate an understanding of the novel and short story as important literary genres in twentieth century Ireland 2. relate in an informed and sensitive manner to the social, political and cultural contexts of the works studied 3. construct an informed vision of life in Ireland and of the Irish people in the twentieth century through the reading of novels, short stories and secondary literature 4. evaluate critically the effectiveness of the main narrative techniques and devices employed in the novels and short stories discussed 5. write a critical essay which demonstrates an ability to analyse and compare and contrast works studied, in a meaningful, insightful way | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Indicative Content and
Learning Activities This is an approximate account of the material to be be read and discussed in class. Slight variation is possible and will be flagged on Moodle.NB Slight changes may be made and these will be indicated at the top of EN332 Moodle WEEK 1 INTRODUCTION WEEK 2 FOLK STORIES AND MYTHOLOGY The oral tradition. Examples from the great epic cycles: The Children of Lir, How Cúchulainn got his name, The pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne. TEXT: Over Nine Waves ed. Marie Heaney and other published sources. WEEKS 3/4/5 SHORT STORIES Short story writers in the 20th Century: Frank O’Connor, James Joyce, Sean O’ Faolain, Edna O'Brien etc. The stories to be discussed include The Trout by Sean O'Faolain, Frank O’Connor’s The Guests of the Nation, Michael Mc Laverty’s The Poteen Maker and J. Joyce’s The Dead and Edna O'Brien's Sister Imelda. TEXT: Classic Irish Short Stories ed. F. O’Connor OUP. NB online versions are available on Moodle. WEEK 6 READING WEEK WEEK 7 SHORT STORIES Claire Keegan’s second (2007) short story collection Walk the Blue Fields from Faber and Faber: We will discuss the following stories: The Parting Gift, Dark Horses and Close to the Water’s Edge. WEEKS 8/9 NOVELS Jennifer Johnston’s short (1974) ‘Big House’ novel How many miles to Babylon is set in 1914 and examines the friendship between an officer and soldier who grew up on the same Anglo-Irish estate. WEEK 10/11 Hugo Hamilton’s The Speckled People (2003) an account of a German/Irish childhood in 1960s Dublin. WEEK 12 Review and revision of module. Discussion of issues relating to essay preparation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Indicative Reading List
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Archives: |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||