This course considers how a series of wishes, lies, and dreams, and about the Irish were invented and read. Ireland, like California, is a territory on the western edge of a continent about which many mythologies have grown up. In Ireland's case, these mostly have to do with the supposed mystery of the place, its romance and mythic past, or its violence, or its long bitter history. Who invented these versions of the place, and whose interests do they serve? Why do people continue to believe them? How have they changed? We consider how one small country has been imagined as "other" - as wild, strange, dangerous, fanatic - and how the Irish in their literature, speak back. In Irish literature, they reinvent Irishness.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeProfessor Duffy is among the best professors at UCSB. He is intelligent, genuine, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. However, most of this will mean nothing to you if you don't share his passion and interest. Getting an A is really just about reading and paying attention. An essential experience for UCSB students who love literature.
Managable if you do the readings, and easy for English majors. Fantastic professor and one of the best in the department. His lectures were very engaging!!! 2 exams and one research paper. Go to his office hours!!! TAs were lovely too; overall, a class that encouraged you to think and do serious research.
Professor Duffy regularly blew my mind with his lectures---incredible professor, amazing person. I wish I could take this class for the first time again! His form of analysis is just wonderful. Lecture attendance is pretty necessary because the slides lack much commentary, readings were manageable.
TAKE A CLASS WITH DUFFY! HE IS FANTASTIC!
Professor Duffy is great, he is very enthusiastic and cares a lot about his students. However if you are taking this course for a GE and do not absolutely LOVE literature then don't take it. This is a UD course in which the professor and the TAs expect you to be extremely passionate about Irish literature. Tons of analysis and reading.
Professor Duffy made me excited to be an English major. He is incredibly caring, and his lectures are hilarious. Take his honors section if you can. Duffy worships Ulysses, so beware, and also excited--- He is excellent at breaking down difficult concepts. Midterm, final, short presentation, & 7 page research paper with any topic on Irish culture.
Mark Maslan
3.4
Yunte Huang
3.1
Melody Jue
4.3