Fionnuala ReganOffice: Basil 022
Office hours, Spring 2008:Home phone: 385-2345
M 10:00-11:00am by appointmentEmail:
Modern Irish Literature and Ethnicity--English 262P
Course description: Over the last hundred years, the sea changes that have weathered Ireland (including transitions from English dominance to Irish independence; from Northern Ireland’s Troubles to peace talks; from economic isolationism to the boom of the Celtic Tiger and membership in the European Union; and from emigration to immigration) have also dramatically impacted what it means to be Irish. Not surprisingly, Irish writers have had much to say about the evolution of their country and its culture. In this course, we will examine Irish ethnicity as it is portrayed by some notable Irish writers of the past century, including James Joyce, Seamus Heaney, and others selected by students during the first week of class.
Students will write three research papers (5-7pp each), and they will present some aspect ofresearch to the class. There will be a two part (short answer and essay) final exam. Students must also turn in a portfolio at the end of the semester. Discussion, not lecture, will be the primary method of learning in this class, so preparation for class and participation in discussions are essential.
Course requirements:
Three (3) research papers, 5-7 pp.20%, 25%, 25%
Final exam10%
Presentation10%
Other assignments, participation, and portfolio10%
Required Texts:
Forkner, Ben, ed. Modern Irish Short Stories. New York: Penguin, 1980.
Owens and Radner, eds. Irish Drama: 1900-1980. Washington, D.C.: CatholicUniversity of America Press, 1990.
Suggested reading:
Brown, Terence. Ireland: A Social and Cultural History, 1922 to the Present. Ithaca: Cornell UP, 1985.
Student Learning Goals: 1. Students will gain an appreciation for modern Irish literature, and be able to critically read and analyze individual works in relation to Irish ethnicity. 2. Students will be able to identify and analyze various perspectives, themes, styles, and contexts in the readings. 3. Students will effectively present on a related topic (approved by me) in an oral presentation. 4. Students will thoughtfully and substantially participate in discussions.
Attendance
As college students, you are responsible enough to know the importance of attending class. Please be aware that missing class carries significant risk, potentially resulting in a lower or failing final grade.
Academic Honesty
Plagiarism is the undocumented use of another person’s ideas, organization, or research on a written assignment. Students who plagiarize on any assignment may receive a grade of ‘F’ for the whole course. It is each student’s responsibility to abide by the guidelines presented in Fisher’s Student Handbook and the college’s official policy on academic honesty.
Students with Disabilities
In compliance with St. JohnFisherCollege policy and applicable laws, appropriate academic accommodations are available to you if you are a student with a disability. All requests must be supported by appropriate documentation/diagnosis and determined reasonable by St. JohnFisherCollege. Students with documented disabilities (physical, learning, psychological) who may need academic accommodations are advised to make an appointment with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in the StudentDevelopmentCenter, K202. Late notification will delay requested accommodations.
Fionnuala ReganOffice: Basil 022
Office hours, Spring 2008:Home phone: 385-2345
M 10:00-11:00am by appointmentEmail:
NOTE: STUDENTS MUST THOROUGHLY PREPARE ALL READINGS BEFOREHAND FOR DISCUSSION IN CLASS ON THE ASSIGNED DATE
Jan. 14Introduction to course. What
do we mean by ethnicity, particularly Irish ethnicity?
Historical perspective
Jan. 16James Joyce, “The Dead” + the film
Jan. 18Joyce, “The Dead”
Jan. 21Joyce, “The Dead”
Jan. 23Joyce
Jan. 25Read William Butler Yeats’ poems, “To Ireland in the Coming Times,” “Easter 1916,” “The Second Coming,” and “Parnell.”
Jan. 28Yeats and other early 20th century poets. Read Brown (on reserve in Lavery), chapter 2-“An Irish Ireland: Language and Literature” (pp.37-61).
Jan. 30Art and music
Feb. 1Recess Day
Feb. 4Tragi-comedy - Sean O’Casey, Juno and the Paycock
Feb. 6O’Casey
Feb. 8More tragic-comedy – Brendan Behan, The Quare Fellow
Feb. 11Behan. Read Brown (on reserve), chapter 5-“The 1930s: A Self-Sufficient Ireland?” (pp.109-131).
Feb. 13Read Brown (on reserve), chapter 7-“Stagnation and Crisis” (pp. 162-184).
Feb. 15Yet more tragic-comedy – Samuel Beckett, All that Fall
Feb. 18Beckett
Feb. 20Mary Lavin, “Happiness”
Feb. 22Research Day
Feb. 23- Mar. 2 Spring Break
Mar. 3Paper 1 due
Hugh Leonard, Da (film)
Mar. 5Leonard, Da
Mar. 7Read Brown (on reserve), chapter 10-“Conclusion: Culture and a Changing Society” (pp.238-248). Review class direction.
Mar. 10Music
Mar. 12Presentations
Mar. 14Frank McCourt, Angela’s Ashes
Mar. 17McCourt, Angela’s Ashes
Mar. 19-23 Easter Break
Mar. 24Seamus Heaney – poetry, prose, politics
Mar. 26Heaney
Mar. 28Heaney
Mar. 31Paper 2 due
Paul Muldoon, Brian Gallagher, and other poets TBD
Apr. 2Poetry
Apr. 4Presentations
Apr. 7Presentations
Apr. 9TBD
Apr. 11TBD
Apr. 14Presentations
Apr. 16Presentations
Apr. 18Perspectives on the evolution of Irish ethnicity and literature since the beginning of the 20th century
Apr. 21More Irish music in Ireland and beyond
Apr. 23Paper 3 due
Review
Apr. 25Review; Portfolio work
Apr. 28Final exam week begins
Bring portfolio to class