Experience the MA in Irish studies Programme with the introduction of 3 Taster Classes

The MA Irish Studies at St Mary’s University, Twickenham are producing a number of taster classes throughout May and June to provide prospective students with an opportunity to find out what it might be like to study the course. Each of the 3 taster classes will provide applicants with an introductory perspective of the MA programme and the opportunity to hear from notable academics on various aspects of Irish culture. The first session ‘John Banville and the Mysteries of Art’ hosted by Prof Neil Murphy considers the importance of John Banville's use of the visual arts in his fictions while simultaneously offering an analysis of what it means to view the novels themselves as works of art. Prof Murphy is Professor of Contemporary Literature at NTU Singapore. John Banville and the Mysteries of Art will be taking place on Tuesday 10th May at 7.00pm. Current MA Irish Studies students at St Mary’s University, John Ward and Daniel Cassidy will be celebrating the life and work of John McGahern. On the 10th anniversary of the writer's death, John and Daniel will host a screening of the 2005 documentary, A Private World, based on McGahern’s work followed by a discussion on his literary significance. John McGahern: A Celebration will be taking place on Thursday 26th May at 7.00pm.a The third and final session is entitled: Britain, Ireland And The Fallacy Of "Ourselves Alone" and will be hosted by Bernard Purcell, editor of the Irish World newspaper.  Mr Purcell offers a provocative and timely lecture on the contradiction of Ireland's hard-won independence, alongside its embrace of UK culture and the US economic model. Britain, Ireland and the Fallacy of "Ourselves Alone" will be taking place on Thursday 9th June at 7.00pm All taster classes will be taking place at St Mary's University, are free to attend and open to all. To book your place on any of the MA Irish Study taster sessions please contact MA Irish Studies Programme Director Dr Ivan Gibbons on: ivan.gibbons@stmarys.ac.uk To find out more information on MA Irish Studies click here www.stmarys.ac.uk/irish-studies