ENG32610 Contemporary Irish Writing

Academic Year 2020/2021

Between the economic crash in 2008 and the current global pandemic, Ireland has experienced immense social, political and cultural transformation and upheaval, and in this module we will analyse the ways in which literature and other cultural forms have captured, critiqued or contributed to such transformations. Spanning across fiction, autobiography, poetry, film, and spoken word of the last decade, we will explore the energies, concerns and potentials that animate contemporary Irish cultural production. A historically, aesthetically and politically informed analysis of race, ethnicity, migration, gender, sexuality, and class will all be key to our explorations. The module will also feature contributions from guest writers, publishers and activists who are actively transforming the literary, cultural and social landscape of contemporary Ireland.

Required reading will include:

Elaine Feeney, As You Were (2020)
Anna Burns, Milkman (2018)
Mike McCormack, Solar Bones (2016)
Melatu Uche Okorie, This Hostel Life (2018)

(Subject to change)
Short stories by Kevin Barry, Colin Barrett, Oein de Bhairdúin, Lisa McInerney, Sally Rooney (texts provided)
Non-fiction by Rita Ann Higgins, Emma Dabiri, Sinéad Gleeson & others (excerpts provided)
Selected contemporary poetry and spoken word including work by: Chiamaka Enyi-Amadi; Nidhi Zak Aria/Eipe; Kimberly Campanello; FeliSpeaks; Christodoulos Makris; Annemarie Ní Chúireann (texts provided)

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the semester, students be able to demonstrate:
- good knowledge of a range of contemporary Irish writing and cultural production;
- good knowledge of key debates about literature, culture, politics and representation in the national and, where appropriate, global context
- the ability to analyse texts in terms of form and genre and the political and cultural implications of these;
- the ability to analyse gender, sexuality, race, class, and other structures of power and identity in cultural texts;
- the ability to conduct research and to construct a coherent, cogent academic argument
- analytical, critical and writing skills including the ability to produce an essay demonstrating knowledge of key points noted above.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Specified Learning Activities

76
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
We will have live (synchronous) classes each week where the focus will be on group discussion, guided discussion, and workshopping of key issues. You will be expected to prepare readings in advance of class each week, and I will provide study questions, handouts and short recorded material via Brightspace ahead of class every week to guide your reading and preparation.

We will have contributions during 2-3 of our online seminars from guest writers, performers, publishers and activists who are involved in transforming contemporary Irish literary, cultural, social and political life. You will be asked to generate questions ahead of seminars for our discussions with our guests.

In terms of assignments, there will be an essay proposal and final essay, and two further short written or audio/video exercises (one review and one response to guest contributors). 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: 2 short written, video or podcast assignments (review, creative reflection, or critical response)
Close reading exercise
Discussion board posts (eg questions for class discussion)		 Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

40
Essay: Essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

60

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback and peer review activities throughout the semester on continuous assessment work; individual consultations and feedback on essay proposals prior to completion of final essay.

Name Role
Mr John Matthews Lecturer / Co-Lecturer