This course aims to introduce students to the basic forms of Early Gaelic poetry, and to continue to build their skills in reading and understanding Early Gaelic. The basic metrical forms of early Gaelic verse will be introduced, and the development of early Gaelic verse will be studied. Grammatical, lexical and literary points of difficulty or interest will be thoroughly discussed. Some basic aspects of early Gaelic palaeography will be introduced.

One two-hour class weekly, for ten weeks

Introduction to Early Gaelic

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 5% class preparation and class participation;  

■ 20% translation and grammar exercise

■ 25% one written essay on literary or textual aspects of the texts read;  

■ 50% a two-hour examination.

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).

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

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

The aims of this module are: to develop the linguistic skills gained during the introductory Early Gaelic course; to allow students to apply these skills to edited medieval texts; to explore textual, literary and linguistic issues arising from the texts; to provide a good familiarity with the forms and development of Early Gaelic verse.

By the end of this module, the student should be able: to demonstrate a good understanding of the background, meaning and literary significance of the texts read; to translate passages of Old Irish poetry; to show a good familiarity with Early Gaelic metrical forms; to apply knowledge of Old Irish poetry to unseen passages.