WB Yeats and the Irish Revival: Drama On and Off the Stage

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course takes a close look at the cultural and political environment of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century Ireland by using the poet and playwright William Butler Yeats as a point of entry. By looking at the published works of Yeats as well as his projects such as the Irish Literary Society, National Literary Society, and Irish Literary Theatre, this course will explore the contested relationship between culture and politics. Along with Yeats, we will read his contemporaries such as Lady Augusta Gregory, Douglas Hyde, JM Synge, Alice Milligan, Edward Martyn, and more—all with an eye towards understanding the political power of art during a tumultuous period in Irish History. This course will incorporate close studies of poetry and drama and will fulfill the fine arts requirement.