Teaching James Joyce in the Twenty-First Century

A guide for today’s classrooms, this collection from leading Joyce scholars explores innovative pedagogical approaches to the works of this often-challenging writer

Teaching James Joyce in the Twenty-First Century presents examples of bold, innovative pedagogical techniques instructors have used to adapt the study of Joyce’s work for the contemporary classroom. Leading Joyce scholars share approaches that go beyond the traditional university lecture hall to include experiences teaching high school students, senior citizens, art students, book club members, and people in prisons.

The strategies in this inspirational volume range from class discussions to creating art and music to walking city streets. Works examined include the complex Finnegans Wake and the influential modernist milestones Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. While Joyce is often viewed as an essential and foundational author of Irish literature, contributors to this volume argue that the spirit of Joyce’s writing is global, and they offer suggestions for teaching these works in an international context. 

Students are often daunted by the perceived difficulty and inaccessibility of Joyce, but this volume helps both new and experienced teachers of Joyce make the writer’s texts understandable, relatable, and even fun. These authors argue that reading Joyce helps develop skills in holding and interrogating opposing ideas, skills that are essential in navigating the modern academic and political landscape. In grappling with Joyce, students will recognize his writing as relevant and urgent.

Contributors: Mary Burke | Lloyd Meadhbh Houston | Jonathan Ezra Goldman | A. Nicholas Fargnoli | Barbara M. Hoffmann | Zoë Henry | Talia Abu | Garry Leonard | Gregory Erickson | Paul Fagan | Julieann Veronica Ulin | Shinjini Chattopadhyay | Sam Slote | Greg Winston | Ellen Scheible | Margot Norris | Rob Berry | Michael Patrick Gillespie | Barry Devine