Course Catalogue

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This course provides a critical overview of key themes and debates within the broad field of Celtic Studies and through discussion of these topics fosters awareness of historiography, shifting paradigms, and research approaches. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted throughout.

9 weekly 2-hour seminars
two tutorials at beginning and end of semester
mini-conference at end of semester

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Standard entry to Masters at College level

■ 40% written work (1 essay of c. 3000 words responding to a seminar topic)

■ 40% presentation responding to a seminar topic (a 20 minute oral presentation, worth 20% + a written version of the presentation of no more than 2000 words, worth 20%)

■ 20% participation and preparation. Students will reflect on the seminar reading and questions for consideration in statements of c. 200 words posted on Moodle in advance of seminars; these statements should convey familiarity with the set reading and demonstrate clarity and originality of thought.

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. 

■ to provide a critical overview of key themes and debates within the broad field of Celtic Studies

■ to use these themes and debates to foster an awareness of the historiography, shifting paradigms, and research approaches students need to be aware of in conducting research in the field

■ to promote interdisciplinarity by introducing students to a range of subjects, primary materials and secondary approaches in such a way that students acquire a sense of how to evaluate and employ these critically

■ By the end of the course, it is intended that the student will be able to:
Demonstrate, by attending and participating in seminars, an essential familiarity with key themes and debates in Celtic Studies. The ability to engage with these will be gauged by assessing weekly preparation and general contribution to seminars

■ Demonstrate a critical understanding of aspects of the historiography and research approaches of Celtic Studies. This will be assessed by a seminar presentation (delivered in 'mini-conference' setting) relating to a key theme or debate.

■ Demonstrate skills in delivering oral presentations, participating in seminar discussion, and in producing a balanced and readable discussion of complex issues and detailed material.

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