Department of English

Home Rule in 1922 formalized the Irish nation's indepence after approximately eight hundred years of British colonial rule. This course will trace literary responses to the long and violent history of imperialism in Ireland as well as Irish writers' reflections on the experiences of an emerging and divided nation. We will also examine the roles of religion, music, myth, and popular culture in this Irish literary renaissance. Readings will span the period from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present and will explore a variety of genres including fiction, drama, poetry, and film. We will read works by W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Sean O'Casey, Eavan Boland, and Colm Toibin. Course requirements include midterm and final examinations and two papers.

English majors--or prospective majors--interested in this topic may wish to consider our new "Celtic Studies" concentration.