Module Identifier MW10120  
Module Title CULTURE AND IDENTITY IN MODERN WALES  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Paul O'Leary  
Semester Semester 1  
Mutually Exclusive CF10120  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   10 Hours  
Assessment Essay   2 essays (1,500-2,000 words each).   50%  
  Exam   2 Hours 2 hour examination   50%  

Learning outcomes


On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) Identify and explain the key debates concerning the concepts of culture and identity in twentieth-century Wales in a variety of academic disciplines.
b) Demonstrate their knowledge of the history, politics, literary traditions and visual culture of twentieth-century Wales.
c) Reflect critically on the interaction between the cultures of Wales and the formation of group identities, whether they relate to nation, class or gender.
d) Analyse and evaluate a range of primary sources related to the literary and visual cultures of twentieth-century Wales.
e) Develop and sustain arguments – in both oral (not assessed) and written work
f) Work both independently and collaboratively whilst being able to participate in group discussions (not assessed).

Brief description


This is a core module for students taking the new degree in Modern Welsh Studies, introducing them to the subject matter and structure of the degree and the options available in Parts 1 and 2.


The course aims to examine the historical context and political background of Wales today, and will explore the relations between work, gender and society in literature, theatre and film. The module is interdisciplinary and will include lectures and seminars on twentieth-century history and politics as well as introducing drama, film, fiction and poetry in Wales. The course thus provides an introduction to Welsh society and culture, and various aspects of Welsh identity as they are explored and expressed by both creative writers and politicians, journalists and academics.


This is a self-standing module and is available to all students whatever their degree scheme.


Prescribed texts:


Davies, J, Hanes Cymru or History of Wales (Penguin 1991)
Humphreys, Emyr, Outside the House of Baal [1965] (Seren, 1993)*
Jones, Lewis, Cwmardy [1937] (Lawrence and Wishart, 1978)
Lewis, Saunders, Siwan [1954]; trans. In Presenting Saunders Lewis (University of Wales Press, 1983)*
Morgan, K O, Rebirth of a Nation 1880-1980, (Oxford University Press/University of Wales Press 1991)
Prichard, Caradog, Un Nos Ola' Leuad [1961]; trans. One Moonlit Night (Canongate Books, 1995)*
Prichard, Caradog, Un Nos Ola' Leuad (Penguin, 1999) (Welsh/English version)*
Roberts, Kate, Traed mewn Cyffion [1936]; trans. Feet in Chains (John Jones, 1977)*
Thomas, Edward, House of America [1988] in Three Plays (Seren, 1994)*