Storytelling: Writing Irish Cultural Narratives

This course will examine the role of storytelling in Irish culture and the way in which 'story' is used to create a narrative of Irish culture. It will provide an introduction to traditional oral folk traditions, modernist documentations in the Irish short story, theatrical performance, filmic narratives, and the contemporary iteration of cultural change on the streets of Ireland's capital city. Students will have an opportunity to practice immersive research and to engage in a variety of different modes of storytelling. Through continuous assessment and the development of a portfolio of writing exercises, students will have the opportunity to develop their writing and editing skills with a professional journalist.

The course will be taught in theme-based seminars. Students will engage with weekly topic areas through short presentations, guided discussion, group work and writing, as well as imaging exercises that will focus on spontaneity, experimentation and craft. There will be a core lecturer, with visiting speakers as appropriate. Student participation through presentation and class discussion will be essential. Attendance on field trips is mandatory.

The course is cross-listed with ENG320.