An appreciation of the relationship between philosophy and literature and the ways in which they complicate and enrich one another. The ability to participate in high-level critical discussions of both philosophical and literary texts. A familiarity with all of the required primary readings and an engagement with the works under discussion. The ability to draw connections between philosophical and literary texts, and to compare and contrast them in written work as appropriate. An understanding of the role of texts in the production of national identities.

In this course we will approach the relationship between philosophy and literature through a phenomenological framework by asking: 'what is the experience of reading philosophy and what is the experience of reading literature?' The aim is to discover the manner in which each genre of text reveals something of the human experience but to precisely question the extent to which that revelation actually impacts upon the reader's experience of being human. Towards these ends we will broadly investigate the theme of nationalism drawing on the work of post-Kantian European thinkers and authors.

What is nationalism? What is a 'national literature' or a 'national philosophy'? What is the role of language in the production of national identity? What is the role of philosophy and literature the production of national identity? Is there such a thing as a good nationalism or is it always chauvinistic and exclusionary? What is the relationship between a particular nationalism and discourses that often aim at universality (such as philosophy)? Thinkers covered will primarily be from the continental tradition such as Derrida, Fichte, Schelling, Rousseau, Cassin, Butler, Balibar. Suggested literary authors will include Barnes, Mantel, Barry, Joyce, Boland, Yeates, McGuckian and others. However, students are strongly encouraged to bring their own literary examples to class discussions and research.

It is recommended that students doing this module should have some prior knowledge of philosophy. You are advised to consult the module co-ordinator in advance of selecting this module if you have not previously studied philosophy.

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

Feedback will be provided individually on each piece of assignment.