Considered a Modernist classic, Ulysses is a difficult, some would say “unreadable,” novel because of its multiple allusions, puns, and seemingly haphazard plot line. However, through a close reading we can come to understand how it all fits together like a giant puzzle, one that takes the reader to the very heart of the human experience. Considered by some to be “plotless,” Ulysses—set in 20th-century Dublin—actually parallels the structure of Homer’s Odyssey while exploring the themes of exile, love, and the heroic. Joyce’s innovative use of the stream of consciousness technique presents the unfiltered thoughts of his main characters, as the author plays with language, subverting the way a work of literature is usually structured and read.
In order to fully understand the background to Ulysses, we will begin by reading relevant sections of Homer’s Odyssey. In this discussion-based literature course, we will ask questions like: What prior knowledge must a reader have to understand the complex nature of this novel? How is Bloom’s journey through Dublin actually a journey through the psychic life of the protagonist? Is Leopold Bloom a “modern” hero, or more an anti-hero? Is Ulysses actually a masterpiece or simply hyped by academics, forcing readers to rely on a glossary of references, and, if so, what does it demand of the reader?
This course is held on Zoom. Please make sure to have the Zoom application installed before the first class.
Required Texts:
Participants must obtain a copy of the required texts at the bookstore or library of their choice.
Standard Tuition: $210.00
New Participant Tuition: $150.00
Day: Thursdays
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Course leaders: Zsolt Alapi, Harry Hautokoski
First session: September 17 2026
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
All course participants registering should read and abide by the Thomas More Institute Code of Conduct.
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