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ENG32290

Academic Year 2026/2027

Reading Ulysses (ENG32290)

Subject:
English
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
English, Drama & Film
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Luca Crispi
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The focus of the seminar is a close reading of Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’. It will explore the multifaceted nature of the content and styles of some of the book’s individual episodes as well as the way in which the novel as a whole can be considered an exemplary modernist work. The seminar will also examine how ‘Ulysses’ was conceived and written and how such an understanding alters our various readings of the published text. Students will be encouraged to explore their own interests for the final essay assignment and be directed towards appropriate secondary criticism.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate both orally and in writing an overarching understanding of James Joyce's ‘Ulysses’.

Students should be able demonstrate the various ways in which Joyce employed different writing techniques and styles to covey meaning.

Students should be able to by identify and articulate with clarity, precision, and depth the core course concepts, motifs, and themes.

Students should be able to perform close-readings of texts leading to nuanced critical analysis.

Students should be able to critically engage in class discussion on a variety of topics related to James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’.

Students should develop confidence in primary and secondary research skills on a topic related to James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’.

Students should be able to situate Joyce's work as part of the broader Modernist movement.

Indicative Module Content:

The focus of the seminar is a close reading of Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’. It will explore the multifaceted nature of the content and styles of some of the book’s individual episodes as well as the way in which the novel as a whole can be considered an exemplary modernist work. The seminar will also examine how ‘Ulysses’ was conceived and written and how such an understanding alters our various readings of the published text. Students will be encouraged to explore their own interests for the final essay assignment and be directed towards appropriate secondary criticism.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate both orally and in writing an overarching understanding of James Joyce's ‘Ulysses’ and demonstrate the various ways in which Joyce employed different writing techniques and styles to covey meaning.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

75

Lectures

75

Small Group

50

Conversation Class

50

Total

250


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is structured around lectures and enquiry and problem-based learning, including critical writing, peer and group work, and critically-engaged class discussion.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ENG30490 - Reading Joyce, ENG32050 - Reading Joyce


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): A final 3,000-word essay is due at the end of the term based on an agreed upon topic. Week 15 Graded No
60
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Four in-term response paper assignments are due at various times of the student's choosing. Week 12 Graded No
40
No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written and oral feedback will be provided on all written assignments prior to and post submission; this will clearly indicate strengths and weaknesses prior to the final essay. Group/class feedback will further support the continuous assessment process. Post final essay feedback will also be provided.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50