Concentrating primarily on novels and short stories we will discuss and explore what we mean when we talk of a 'Welsh tradition' and explore the problems and possibilities of canon formation.  We will consider questions such as - What makes a writer 'Welsh'? How do notions of linguistic, national and gender differences affect the ways in which novelists have depicted modern Wales?  How does geographical location, linguistic background and historical context affect the textual representations of Welsh society?

Syllabus1.

Introduction 
2. Caradog Evans, My People
3. Margiad Evans Country Dance
4. Lewis Jones, Cwmardy
5. Menna Gallie The Small Mine  
6. Critical readings: Is there an Anglo WelshLiterature? (photocopy) 
7. Gwyn Thomas Selected Short Stories
8. Glyn Jones The Island of Apples
9. Leonora Brito, Dat’s Love
10. Niall Griffiths, Sheepshagger
11. Conclusion.  

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this seminar you will gain:

• a grasp of the diversity of Welsh Writing in English.
• an awareness of the weaknesses and strengths inherent in the idea of a 'literary tradition'.
• a broad understanding of the literary and political developments in twentieth century Wales.
• a grasp of current debates in Welsh cultural studies.

Main Recommended Texts

All the texts specified in the syllabus above. Books that are currently out of print will be supplied in xeroxed form.