Irish Literature

This course examines the intersection of culture, politics, and geography in the development of a distinct national voice within Irish fiction, drama, and poetry. Students will trace the evolution of the Irish literary imagination from foundational myths and folk songs to contemporary prose. By engaging with pivotal texts, participants will evaluate how writers have both mirrored and critiqued Ireland's cultural landscape, effectively recording the nation’s history while simultaneously shaping its future. Central to the inquiry is an analysis of how literary works navigate the tensions of colonial legacy, national identity, and social change. Core texts will include The Táin, by Ciaran Carson, Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, and Translations by Brian Friel.