The Politics of Irish Literature

Overview

This module examines Irish political and cultural debates and battles about identity, society, the past and the future, as revealed through written sources (novels, plays, polemical literature, history-writing, journalism) from the eighteenth century to the present day. Literature has had, and continues to have, an important role in manifesting and influencing political consciousness in Ireland. This module considers the production of a range of Irish writing, and the importance that texts had in both reflecting and shaping historical awareness, political thought, and identity.

Learning Objectives

To provide an understanding of the function of key texts, debates and controversies in shaping the politics of modern Ireland. To understand how political positions are encoded in literary form.

Skills

The ability to think conceptually, to critically read texts, to apply theory, to argue and analyse and understand conflicting deeply held political positions. To write lucid essays and give coherent class presentations.

Assessment

None