Ireland – Herstory

This course provides an introduction to the essential role of women in Irish herstory and society. You will meet famous women such as Queen Meave, the legendary figure in Irish mythology, Granuaile, the 17th century Pirate Queen, Catherine Hayes, the opera sensation of the 19th century, Dr. James Barry who performed the first caesarean section in British Empire, Countess Markievicz, the first woman female cabinet minister, Lady Mary Heath, the record-breaking aviator and athlete, Annie Moore, the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island, Mary Robinson, our first female President, Katie Taylor, our Olympic boxer, investigative journalist Mary Rafferty and many more.

You will also have the opportunity to look at the work of songwriters such as Imelda May, Dolores O Riordan, Enya and Sined O Connor as well as that of writers and poets such as Evanan Boland, Anne Enright, Edna O' Brien, Mary O' Malley, Meave Binchy and others.

Course Objectives

• To provide participants with an insight into the significant role of Irish women in its long and varied history
• To heighten participants’ awareness of how Irish women have helped to shape the cultural landscape of Ireland
• To expand teachers’ strategies on how to motivate their learners with music, songs and literature in the classroom
• To help teachers expand their skills and flexibility in dealing with the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking