Ireland and Irish Culture

Course Details

I. More information about Lectures, Readings, and Assignments

Your assignments should be completed in Microsoft Word and submitted electronically as an attachment to email (pnuhring@d.umn.edu). You may choose to submit your work as hard copy via campus mail (403 Darland) or US mail (403 Darland, 1049 Universtiy Drive, Duluth, MN 55812-3011) No excuses will be accepted for work the instructor does not receive ("Lost in the mail," "Lost in cyberspace," for example). If I don't receive it, it won't be counted.

Your work should be double spaced, using a serif font between 11 and 13 points. It is expected that your work will use properly grammer and syntax, correct spelling, and appropriate punctuation. Disregarding standards in this area may lead to a lower grade. You will cite all quotes, sources, and references.

There are 15 units, corresponding to a 15-week semester. I expect you'll complete one unit each week and finish completely within 16 weeks. Extensions will not be given.

II. More information about Web Discussion

You will participate each week in a discussion forum in Web Crossing. (If you're unfamiliar with Web Crossing, log on to www.d.umn.edu/webx and either register or log in as a guest. The first folder is a tutorial: A Guided Tour to Web Crossing.)

With the exception of your first posting in Unit One, the discussion folders will be labeled by date (such as May 17). You'll log in several times each week to the appropriate folder and join the discussion. Minimum participate includes at least one substantive contribution each week, and at least one thoughtful response to a classmate's posting. "I agree" or "That's wrong" or "I have no problem with that" is neither substantive nor thoughtful.

You will use good "netiquette:"

• Check the discussion regularly and respond completely and appropriately.
• Enter the discussion frequently and intelligently.
• Focus on one subject per posting and back up your assertions.
• All capital letters is considered SHOUTING and it is rude. Capitalize a word only for emphasis.
• Be professional: no foul language, no flaming, nothing rude or crude. Use proper English.
• Posting ver long contirbutions is discouraged. However, if you must post something very long, it is considered courteous to let us know your post will be long.
• It is extremely rude and unethical to forward someone else's message without his/her poermission. Please ask first.
• Humor is encouraged, but please be careful. Online communication is notoriously misinterpreted becuase of the lack of visual clues. Strive for clarity.
• Cite all quotes, references, and sources.

III. More information about the Long Term Project

You will complete a long term project over the course of your 16 weeks. This is your opportunity to explore an area or issue in depth or to indulge your own creativity in a way that suits you. Choose from the list below, or propose something entirely different. In either case, your project must be approved by the instructor according to this timeline:

• Week 2: Some discussion about possibilities and interests
• Week 4: A decision made as to the nature of the project, and further research is done if necessary
• Week 6: An itemized plan for completion is due and the project contract is signed
• Week 10: Face-to-face meeting with instructor, showing progress made according to your contract
• Week 13: Face-to-face meeting with instructor, showing progress made according to your contract
• Week 16: Completed project turned in

Project Possibilities

1. Explore the Irish Literary Renaissance. Choose work by at least four of the following writers. (Required readings for the course may be referred to as supplemental material, but may not be used as the only representation from an author) You must choose William Butler Yeats and John Millington Synge. You may choose two or more of the following: Lady Augusta Gregory, George Russell (AE), Douglas Hyde, James Stephens, Sean O’Casey, and James Joyce. Your project will include choosing, reading, and closely examining work of the Revival authors; information about the Abbey Theatre, the Gaelic League, the life and times of the writers, and the philosophy and rationale of the Revival; and explanation and analysis of the chosen works. At least 10 pages, not more than 15; at least 3 sources not including chosen readings. All sources must be documented.
2. Create a work of art (quilting, painting, beadwork, cross stitch, needlepoint, etc.) that reflects Irish tradition or Celtic culture or motifs. The finished project will be accompanied by an artist’s statement including rationale and justification (ideas, motifs, or elements included and why.) At least 3 sources; at least 3 pages, not more than 5. (See examples) All sources must be documented.
3. Research one of Ireland’s famous/influential people; for example (but not limited to) Robert Emmet, Hugh O’Neill, Daniel O’Connell, Brian Boru, St. Kevin, Charles Stuart Parnell, John Millington Synge, Eamon de Valera. Include life and times, philosophy, impact of h/her life, influence on Irish history and culture. At least 5 sources; at least 10 pages, not more than 15. All sources must be documented.
4. Explore the literature of the Blasket Islands. Find and read The Islandman by Tomas O’Crohan and at least 3 of the following: Peig by Peig Sayers, An Old Woman’s Reflections by Peig Sayers, Hungry for Home by Cole Moreton, The Blasket Islands: Next Parish America by Joan and Ray Stagles, Letters from the Great Blasket by Eibhlis Ní Shuilleabhain, A Dark Day on the Blaskets by Mícheál Ó Dubhshláine, 20 Years A-Growing by Muiris Ó Sullebhain, Poets and Poetry of the Great Blasket by Séamus Ó Scannláin. The project will include choosing, reading, and examining books; history and lifestyle of the islanders; pros and cons of isolated island life; and the reasons and circumstances of relocation. At least 10 pages, not more than 15; at least 3 sources not including chosen readings. All sources must be documented.
5. Explore the uniqueness of Ireland’s Christian traditions (5th – 16th century). Include information about early monastic traditions/settlements, illuminated manuscripts, monastic vs diocesan structure, life and times of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, and the impact of the early traditions through time and up through today. At least 5 sources; at least 10 pages, not more than 15. All sources must be documented.
6. Build a project around traditional Irish music. Research its roots and evolution, and influence on contemporary music, both in Ireland and abroad. Perform at least 4 pieces, and include program notes about each piece, indicating its history and significance. (One piece may be contemporary, but traditional elements must be explained.) At least 3 pages; at least 3 sources; performance must be live. All sources must be documented.
7. Define your own project. It must be consistent in nature and scope with previous examples. It must be defined and approved on or before week 4. It may be related to a specific period in Irish history, or an issue or person not explored in depth in class, or some aspect of Irish culture not fully developed elsewhere.