ENGLISH 4410: MODERN IRISH WRITERS
FALL 2017, MW 2:30-3:45 pm
MARY MCGLYNN
OFFICE: VC 7-280
OFFICE HOURS: W 11-12:30; Th 10-12; & by appt.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
This course will explore the complex relationships between political nationalism and culture in Ireland since the 1880s. We will begin the Celtic Revival and Irish Literary Renaissance and will return regularly to questions of the relation between the Irish present and the Irish past, of how discourses of class, gender, and race interact with the discourse of nationalism, of the ways in which Irish writers construct other nations, of how domestic spaces bear ideological significance, and of the relationship between politics and language, particularly politics and literary form.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY STUDENTS:
- Enhanced understanding of the literary movements of the 20th century in Ireland and how texts shape and are shaped by cultural and historical events
- Increased ability to interpret meaning in literary texts by paying close attention to an author’s choice of detail, vocabulary, and style
- Increased confidence in the oral presentation of ideas
- Increased ability to write critical essays employing a strong thesis statement, appropriate textual citations, and contextual and intertextual evidence for their ideas
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Attendance is mandatory. See policy below.
- You should come to class having read all assigned material carefully, which is not possible if you read on a phone! Discussion is a crucial aspect of the course. I recommend reading all assignments with a pencil in hand.
- Three papers of 4-6 pages each will be assigned. Additionally, occasional submission of questions and/or response paragraphs will be required. All writing should be typed, double-spaced, proofread, and stapled. No paper clips, no title pages, no cover sheets, no covers, no folders. Please include your name, the course and section, my name, and the date of submission.
GRADING:
Points will be awarded for each assignment as well as for class participation:
Response #1: 30 points
Response #2: 50 points
Paper #1: 160 points
Paper #2: 180 points
Paper #3: 200 points
Oral presentation: 100 points
Participation: 180 points
(6 points/day+ office meeting)
TOTAL: 900 points
ABSENCES, LATENESS, AND CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:
Absence is excused for compelling reasons: illness (with a doctor’s note); observance of a religious holiday; serious personal crisis. According to department policy, more than four unexcused absences will result in your being dropped from the course. Three or more unexcused absences negatively affect your final grade, as will chronic lateness. Cell phones must be turned off during class time; please do not text. Do not plan to leave the classroom while class is in session unless you are seriously ill.
A NOTE ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
Plagiarism and other forms of scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. You are responsible for knowing what constitutes academic dishonesty and for avoiding any instance of it. Failure to do so will result in failure of the course and in being reported to the dean of students. Please read the college policy on academic honesty on the website at http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/academic/academic_honesty.html.