Course

A Taste of Irish Literature

Stephanie Wells
Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PT)
Repeats every Thursday until Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 except Sept. 25
Price: $165.00
76 slots available
Join/Renew
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Immerse yourself in the lyrical voices of 20th and 21st-century Irish literature, delving into everything from the mystical allure of Irish folklore to poignant narratives of poverty, political struggle, and the complexities of national identity. We'll look at works by Yeats, Joyce and Friel alongside contemporary voices — a rich tapestry of Irish storytellers from beginning to end.

This course is the perfect prelude to the OLLI trip to Ireland, including Northern Ireland, in late fall, and is available with our compliments for those who sign up for the excursion. 

Faculty Bio

Stephanie Wells has a B.A. from Berkeley, M.A. from University of Virginia, and Ph.D. from UC Davis, with a focus on modernism and postmodernism in American and British novels and poetry. She has been a literature professor for over 25 years, currently at College of Marin. She is the recipient of the 2025 OLLI @Berkeley Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award.

This is an In-Person + Livestreamed Course

  • Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 365, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
  • Classes will also stream live simultaneously
  • Classes will not be recorded
  • You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

  • Course starts on Thursday, Sept. 18, and ends on Thursday, Oct. 30
  • Classes meet for 6 weeks, two hours per session (10-noon)
  • There is no class on Sept. 25
  • Course materials will remain available to view and enjoy through Dec. 31

Member Praise for Stephanie Wells 

Absolutely OUTSTANDING! I treasure every moment of this course. Thank you Stephanie Wells for teaching these courses and sharing your insights so freely and enthusiastically. I have learned so much in such a short time. 

An intelligent, stimulating instructor who is well versed in her subject. I would say the same for all of the courses I have taken from Stephanie Wells.

All the material selected was organized, presented and discussed thoughtfully and shared with great insight that expanded my appreciation, perspective of understanding. I found it so exciting and rewarding to both meet and revisit so many authors and explore the wide range of material, subjects and styles explored by these women.

Faculty Q&A