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Literature: Twentieth Century Irish Poetry
Early booking is a membership perk for WEA members, where courses are available exclusively before becoming available for everyone else.
Course details
Course code
Q00017458Course date
Number of classes
11 sessionsTimetable
Tutor
Stephen SmithFee range
How you'll learn
Venue
OnlineLevel of study
Entry Levels 1,2,3: If you have never studied this subject before and you’re not confident in your skills, Entry levels are a good starting point.
Level 1: Covers basic skills and knowledge needed for this subject
Level 2: Building on basic knowledge or experience. Similar to Grade 4/ C at GCSE or O level in England or Standards in Scotland.
Level 3: Learn about the topic in-depth and have a broad range of skills. Independent working Equivalent to an A level in England or Higher in Scotland.
Beginners: A perfect introduction if you have no experience and skills in this subject.
Improvers: The next step if you have basic skills or knowledge but want to progress them further.
Advanced: Build on the solid experience and skills you have in this subject, applying your skills and knowledge in a more complex way.
Course overview
Course description
The course will begin with the poems of Yeats’, which belong
to the Celtic Twilight, before we consider his poems relating
to the struggle for Irish Independence, before concluding with
his late poems and their relationship with Modernism.
A poet very different from Yeats, but in his own way
remarkable is Patrick Kavanagh, and our discussions will focus
on his poem, The Great Hunger, and his lyrical verse, both of
which are influences on Heaney, particularly his poems of
pilgrimage.
We will then consider Seamus Heaney, and trace his
interactions with the Troubles and his evolution of a mature
style, which made him one of the most remarkable global
poets of the century. Alongside Heaney, we will analyse the
contribution of his contemporaries Michael Longley, Derek
Mahon and Paul Muldoon, who has become the doyen of high
Modernism.
Finally we will explore the work of Louis MacNeice and his
poetic roots in Northern Ireland, noting his lyrical excellence
as a technician of soundscapes within poetry, and his qualities
of acute observation of landscape which influence both
Longley & Mahon.
This will be a course which will open you up for the first time
or again to the beauties of Irish poetry.
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What financial support is available?
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We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.
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What other support is available?
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All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.
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