The History of the Gaelic Languages (CT0101)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-3-CT0101

This course examines the development of Gaelic from the Early Irish (or Early Gaelic) period through to the Modern period. The main emphasis is on the Gaelic language in Scotland, but the course also gives some attention to the parallel emergence of Modern Irish and Manx. The course will consider (1) questions of definition and theoretical approach, including an introduction to the principles of historical linguistics; (2) scholarship on the history of Gaelic, including the emergence of a distinct Scottish version of Gaelic; (3) the texts which illustrate of the development of the language; and (4) research methods, including techniques for assessing the date and provenance of Gaelic texts over the centuries.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Celtic, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
14/09/2007	12:00	13:00			Leabharlann, 19 George Square

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course gives students an understanding of (1) the discipline, concepts and terminology of Gaelic philology and historical linguistics and (2) the identification and characteristics of the main periods of Gaelic in Scotland. Additionally, students have the opportunity to conduct original research and explore aspects of the Gaelic language which offer important insights into the literature, history and ethnology of the Gaels.

Assessment Information

Two class-work assignments are each worth 25% and the Degree Examination is worth 50% of the overall mark for the course. The Degree Examination consists of a single 2-hour paper.