Ulysses: Nostos - the Homecoming

What is the course about?

For those who can't get enough of Joyce - or for those who would like to know what all the fuss is about, this course will immerse you in the realm of Modernism and Joyce's experimentation with language. Ulysses is the huge book that sits atop most 'best novels of all time' lists - but few people have actually managed to read this work. The writing is challenging - but when discussed with a group of readers, with carefully chosen resources, you will be amazed at how much this work will develop your perspective on language, love, nationhood, identity, history and lemon soap. And funny - it is a deeply humorous and at times absurd book. We will consider the final 8 chapters of the work: this gives readers a conclusion to the vast wealth of material that the book offers. Most readers - once they have engaged with the book the first time, return repeatedly, finding more with each read.

For full understanding, do join the first course: HLT157 Ulysses: The Odyssey, offered in term one.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

We will study Joyce’s experimentation with language and structure. We will identify key themes, patterns and symbols. We will define and identify epiphany, the use of stream of consciousness and narrative perspective as demonstrated in the literature. We will also discuss the use of the epic tradition in modern literature and early Modernism.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Have strategies for reading Ulysses
- Identify key techniques (epiphany, stream of consciousness, fluid narration) of Joyce's art.
- Appreciate the experimentation manifested in Ulysses
- Develop a working knowledge of the themes, characters, narrative techniques and literary history of Ulysses.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is geared for the reader who has already read at least through chpt. 10 of the book. The ability and willingness to read difficult text, exchange responses to it and listen in an open and supportive way to the response of others is important for this study.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor input, textual analysis, large and small group discussion, dramatic readings, creative response and preparatory reading.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Core texts: (Please purchase these in preparation for our study.)¿Ulysses by James Joyce - Annotated Students' Edition (Penguin Modern Classics) ISBN-10: 0141184434¿note: There are many editions of Ulysses - I find this edition is most coherent and the notes and introduction by Declan Kieberd very helpful; as we will constantly be referencing particular passages, having the same edition is very useful, though not mandatory.¿¿The New Bloomsday Book: A Guide Through Ulysses by Harry Blamires ISBN-10: 0415138582.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HLT157 Ulysses: the Odyssey is offered in term one by the same tutor.
Please look for literature courses under History, Culture and Writing/Literature on our website at www.citylit.ac.uk/courses.