Module description
This module explores the significance of James Joyce's epic novel Ulysses and places it in its historical and cultural context. The module begins with two classes considering Joyce's work before its publication (specifically Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man). The remaining eight weeks are devoted entirely to Ulysses. Through this study students will gain an awareness of the work's significance within the critical discourses of modernism and realism. The module assumes no prior knowledge of Irish history or culture but students will be expected to engage with these contexts as the module progresses. Recommended reading will be made available before each seminar.
Assessment details
1 x oral presentation with 750 word summary (10%); Coursework portfolio 3500 words (90%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module aims to introduce students to one the most important English language novels of the twentieth century; to familiarise students with the political and social contexts of Ulysses; to explore the novel's narrative strategies and the effect of these on our methods of reading; to develop students' close reading skills of prose narrative; to explore the philosophical and aesthetic contexts of modernism and to assess how these contexts were made manifest in Ireland; to develop theories of cultural nationalism, national identity and postcolonialism through the example of Joyce's writings
Learning outcomes
By the conclusion of the course the successful student will have demonstrated: a detailed knowledge of Ulysses; the ability to contextualise the novel in terms of its engagement with Irish political and cultural life; a critical awareness of the work's significance within the discourses of modernism and realism; an ability to apply theoretical models of nationalism, postcolonialism, epic, and identity to Joyce's work; skills of close reading appropriate to the level of study.
Teaching pattern
One 2-hour seminar per week
Suggested reading list
James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man [1916], ed. Seamus Deane (London: Penguin, 1992), ISBN: 0141182660. Please feel free to use any other good edition of this book if you already have it.
James Joyce, Ulysses [1922], ed. Declan Kiberd (London: Penguin, 1992), ISBN: 0141182806 (Please ensure you use this edition)
Ideal preparation for this module would include reading Joyce’s Dubliners (1914) and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (1916). We can save Ulysses itself for our structured group reading.