Aspects of Gender in Contemporary Irish Fiction and Film

Kursbeschreibung / -kommentar

Aspects of Gender in Contemporary Irish Fiction and Film

This course aims to examine and analyse the ways in which different aspects of gender and sexuality have been discussed and (re)presented in contemporary Ireland through the mediums of film and fiction. Given the troubled history of sexuality and gender relations in Ireland, especially because of the country’s strong Catholic tradition and its morally repressive social organisation, cultural forms of expression are especially relevant in their capacity to challenge the status quo and therefore to contribute to reform and change.

After an introduction to the history of sexuality and gender relations in Ireland, we will consider a number of interesting texts and films that engage with aspects of gender and sexuality in contemporary Irish society, such as:

Roddy Doyle, The Snapper (1990), novel and film (1993, dir. Stephen Frears)
Colm Tóibín, The Blackwater Lightship (1999), novel
Patrick McCabe, Breakfast on Pluto, film (2006, dir. Neil Jordan)
The Last Bus Home, film (1997, dir. Johnny Gogan)
Emma Donoghue, Stir-Fry (1994), novel
Goldfish Memory, film (2003, dir. Elizabeth Gill)
episodes from Bachelors Walk (TV, 2001-2003)

Depending on the number of Credit Points desired for your course of study, the following requirements apply:

2 CP: regular and active participation and participation in an expert group
5 CP: see 2 CP + short take-away exam
7 CP: see 2 CP + term paper (10-12 pages)