Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

The aims of this module are: to develop the intellectual and analytical skills acquired during the first two years, especially as applied to Celtic literature; to introduce literary debates and interpretations, as well as new ideas derived from current research; to introduce early Gaelic literature by means of reading texts in translation, modern literary criticism and class discussion; to encourage the development of transferable skills by fostering individual initiatives, personal choice, and group discussion.

Class will meet twice weekly for ten weeks

The mark for this module will be determined on the basis of: 25% from a written essay (topics to be assigned); 20% from seminar (divided into 15% for written summary, 5% for the seminar presentation); 5% class preparation and participation; 50% a two-hour degree examination. Essays: Students will be expected to complete two written assignments, one a formal essay, and the other a written summary of their seminar presentation (see below). The formal essay should be no less than 2000 words, and should comply with the departmental guidelines on essay completion. It will be due by the end of week 8 of the course. Seminars: All students will be expected to present a topic in seminar (if numbers necessitate, this may be in the context of a group or shared presentation). This will consist of introducing the topic or question to the class, describing the basic concepts and data involved, and leading discussion on the topic. Students will also submit a written summary (1500-2000 words) of their presentation, which will be assessed. In addition, all students are expected to contribute to discussion during the whole range of seminars.

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of this module are: to develop the intellectual and analytical skills acquired during the first two years, especially as applied to Celtic literature; to introduce literary debates and interpretations, as well as new ideas derived from current research; to introduce early Gaelic literature by means of reading texts in translation, modern literary criticism and class discussion; to encourage the development of transferable skills by fostering individual initiatives, personal choice, and group discussion.

By the end of this module, the student should be able: to outline the development of Gaelic literature down to 1200; to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the resources for the study of early Gaelic literature and an awareness of current scholarly debates and ideas; to apply such ideas and arguments towards criticism and analysis of texts in translation.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.