Literature
Poetry of the Troubles: Seamus Heaney and His Contemporaries
An all-levels literature course examining Seamus Heaney’s North and contemporaries’ poetic responses to the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course studies Seamus Heaney’s North alongside poems by Michael Longley, Seamus Deane, Derek Mahon and other Irish writers. It considers how poets addressed violence, political and national identity, and the relationship between contemporary events and historical, mythological and archaeological ideas. Teaching combines close reading, group work and class discussion. Participants will examine different poetic styles and strategies, with their own interpretations forming part of the sessions. Weekly reading and questions will support discussion between classes.
What you'll learn
- Discuss poems about the Troubles in their literary, political and social contexts
- Explain how personal and national histories inform the poetry studied
- Recognise poetic techniques used to respond to violence
- Compare different approaches to writing about political conflict
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for learners at all levels who are enthusiastic about reading and discussing poetry. Sessions are highly participatory, combining group work, close reading and discussion, with participants’ responses contributing to the classes.
- No particular skills are specified beyond enthusiasm for reading and discussing poetry
- Participants will be expected to contribute ideas in an interactive group setting
- Some reading and preparatory questions are set between classes
Before you go
- Learners should buy or borrow a copy of Seamus Heaney’s North (1975).
- Other poems will be provided.
- Weekly reading and questions will be set for preparation between classes.