University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module explores the status of the Irish language during the 19th century and challenges the received notion that the Irish language literary tradition came to an end during the period. The latter half of the module particularly examines the language revival movement and attempts to create a new modern European literature through the Irish language. Emphasis is placed on key writers in this movement, Pádraig Mac Piarais and Pádraic Ó Conaire among them.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of the Great Famine, emigration and the national school system on the Irish language.
  2. Outline the continuity of the Irish language literary tradition during the period, in light of demographic and sociological changes.
  3. Describe and critique the Language Revival movement and the literary achievements of Mac Piarais and Ó Conaire as key writers of the movement.
  4. Analyse and situate the autobiographical ‘island’ literature that came to prominence in the new independent state.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "The Cambridge history of Irish literature" by Margaret Kelleher and Philip O'Leary (eds.)
    ISBN: 0521822246.
    Publisher: Cambridge; Cambridge University Press
  2. "The Field Day anthology of Irish writing" by Seamus Deane (ed.)
    ISBN: 0393030466.
    Publisher: Field Day Publications
  3. "An Duanaire, 1600-1900" by Seán Ó Tuama (ed.) with translations into English verse by Thomas Kinsella
    ISBN: 0851053645.
    Publisher: Dolmen Press
  4. "The Islandman" by Tomás O'Crohan; translated from the Irish by Robin Flower
    ISBN: 0192812335.
    Publisher: Oxford [Eng.]; Oxford University Press
  5. "An old woman's reflections" by Peig Sayers; translated from the Irish by Seamus Ennis and introduced by W. R. Rogers
    ISBN: 0192812394.
    Publisher: Oxford [Eng.]; Oxford University Press, 1978
  6. "Print and Popular Culture in Ireland, 1750-1850" by Niall O Ciosain
    ISBN: 1843510723.
    Publisher: Lilliput Pr Ltd
  7. "Charlotte Brooks' Reliques of Irish Poetry" by Charlotte Brooks and Lesa Ní Mhunghaile
    ISBN: 1874280770.
    Publisher: Irish Manuscripts Commission
The above information outlines module IS106: "Decline & Revival: Language, Literature & Society 1800-1939" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.