The Irish Identity: Independence, History, and Literature

This course should have been titled A History of Modern Irish Literature but it was extremely well presented and a joy to listen to

How did the Irish maintain and enrich their sense of identity under nearly a millennium of English occupation—an occupation that turned especially brutal in the seventeenth century and continued in that regard until independence in the twentieth century? Mark Connor seeks to answer that question through an intriguing combination of historical narrative and exploration of Irish poetry and literature. The result is a fascinating meander though the last couple of centuries of Irish history that can be both painful and inspiring. As a member of an Irish American family, it was especially interesting to fit little pieces of family lore (my great-grandfather was killed by the Black and Tans) into their historical context.

I have been a great fan of Teaching Course offerings but this is my absolute favorite! Great instructor and great material/ love this set....

I've read, reviewed, and checked out dozens of work on Irish history and literature, including the DVD version of this one.The DVD version of this one, Great Course 8740 (c) 2016, is by far the best.