This is a survey of Gaelic literature from its beginnings to c. 1200. The course introduces and interrogates different categories of literature, and takes in the most important texts, such as tales from the Ulster Cycle, including Táin Bó Cuailnge ('The Cattle Raid of Cooley'), historical tales, voyage tales, Buile Suibne ('The Frenzy of Suibhne'/'Sweeney Astray') and religious literature. Emphasis will be placed on literary analysis, and on the current and long-standing academic debates over the purpose, context and meaning of many of the texts.

Class will meet twice weekly for ten weeks

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 40% Exam (1.5hrs = 1500 words)

■ 55% Written assignment (Essay = 2000 words, written summary of oral presentation = 1000 words, in-class written test = 500 words)

■ 5% Preparation & Participation (assessed on the basis of pre-seminar posts).

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, extra time, or alternative space 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]

This course aims to:

■ develop the intellectual and analytical skills acquired during the first two years, especially as applied to Celtic literature;

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

■ introduce early Gaelic literature by means of reading texts in translation, modern literary criticism and class discussion;

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

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

■ outline the development of Gaelic literature down to 1200;

■ demonstrate a sound knowledge of the resources for the study of early Gaelic literature and an awareness of current scholarly debates and ideas;

■ apply such ideas and arguments towards criticism and analysis of texts in translation.