Seinn sa GhĂ idhlig / Gaelic Song in Performance GAELIC4042
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Humanities
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course considers the rich variety of Gaelic song, song genres and presentation styles since the 17th century. The performance and presentation of Gaelic song is explored and then the course will prepare students to plan and present a Gaelic song performance to a live audience.
Timetable
5 one-hour lectures per semester, 10 one hour tutorial sessions and 10 one hour practical workshop classes as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Gaelic and may not run every year. Options running this year are available on MyCampus.
Requirements of Entry
Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Celtic Studies, Gaelic and Music and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes.
All students will be interviewed prior to acceptance for the course as a willingness and ability to sing in public is a recommended requirement.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Essay (1500 words) - 30%
■ Song recital of c. 20 mins - 50%
■ Critical reflection (1000 words) on choice of repertoire and performance - 20%
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 can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions).
■ Video recording of a 20-minute song recital as alternative to song recital.
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course will provide the opportunity to:
■ perform a repertoire of Gaelic songs from a range of Gaelic song genres
■ have an appreciation of the variety of Gaelic song styles
■ understand the varied forms of Gaelic song presentation from the 17th century to present day
■ encourage the development of transferable skills by fostering individual research, presentation and self-reflection initiatives
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Perform a recital of Gaelic songs in front of a live audience
■ Discuss critically the Gaelic song performance styles
■ Critically assess their repertoire choices and critically reflect on their song performances
■ Outline the most important genres of Scottish Gaelic song styles
■ Give a detailed account of the study of Scottish Gaelic song and performance styles