Course Catalogue

Literacy In Medieval Celtic Societies CELTCIV4007

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

In this course we examine the social and cultural impact of literacy on the Celtic-speaking peoples of the Middle Ages.

Timetable

Two classes, one hour each, over ten weeks (provisionally offered Mondays and Thursdays at 11am).

Requirements of Entry

Normal requirements for Honours

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Written essay (1,750 words) - 25%

■ Seminar presentation - 15%

■ Class preparation and participation -  10%

■ Exam (90 mins) - 50%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the written assessments, but flexible deadlines or extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ Video presentation as alternative to seminar presentation.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The aims of this course are:

■ to develop the intellectual and analytical skills acquired during the first two years, whether in Celtic, History or Archaeology

■ to explore new methodological approaches and techniques of analysis, as applied to a specific subject area

■ to introduce historical and literary debates and interpretations, as well as new ideas derived from current research

■ to encourage the development of transferable skills by fostering individual initiatives, personal choice, and group discussion.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ outline the range and impact of uses of literacy in different Celtic-speaking societies at different periods within the Middle Ages

■ demonstrate a critical understanding of the impact of the physical form of written artefacts

■ assess the extent to which the form and preservation of extant Medieval Celtic texts has been shaped by contemporary literacies

■ critically assess the value of cross-cultural comparison to the study of literacy among the Celtic-speaking peoples

■ demonstrate an understanding of current theoretical approaches to orality and literacy

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions