Critical Issues in Early Gaelic Literature CELTCIV5026

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course offers a survey of Gaelic literature from its beginnings to c. AD 1200 and of the chief critical issues currently and historically associated with this corpus.  Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of a wide range of texts which are representative of the rich textual culture of medieval Gaeldom, including tales from the Ulster Cycle, including Táin Bó Cúailnge, the so-called historical and mythological tales, voyage tales, poetry and religious literature. Questions of the purpose, context and meaning of many of the texts will be addressed.

Timetable

10 one-hour lectures (average of one per week)

6 one-hour seminars (average one per fortnight, including an introductory seminar)

4 one-hour tutorials (at beginning of course; two to support preparation of essay; and one for feedback)

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

Excluded Courses

'Early Gaelic Literature in Translation' honours course.

Assessment

Essay (3,500 words) - 60%

Seminar paper of 15 minutes on a topic selected by student in discussion with tutor - 30%

Seminar contribution (engagement with discussion and in setting agenda for next seminar) - 10%

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Provide a detailed overview of medieval Gaelic textual culture, the challenges of interpretation which it poses and the evolution of the criticism of this literature

■ Cultivate key, and transferrable, literary critical skills

■ Develop a critical understanding of the significance of medieval Gaelic literature within interdisciplinary study of medieval Gaelic history and culture

■ Foster deep learning, including through autonomous research, which will be communicated via seminar presentation and essay 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Exploit profitably the emerging digital resources for the study of Early Gaelic literature

■ Evidence, through participation in seminars, detailed knowledge of a wide range of primary texts and critical issues

■ Communicate in-depth understanding of medieval Gaelic textual culture, based on a critical engagement with both primary texts and scholarly debates, by means of a seminar presentation

■ Conduct independent research and articulate an argument in a sustained piece of writing

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

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