Celtic Literature 2A (U01978)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : LLC-2-U01978

The course provides an introduction to selected genres of Celtic literature from the medieval period, and an understanding of the social and historical background that gave rise to the texts studied. Two strands make up the course, one dealing with the Medieval Welsh tradition and the other looking at Early Irish literature. English translations are used throughout the course, and no knowledge of the original Celtic languages is required. The course is aimed at students who have successfully completed Celtic Civilisation 1A and 1B, but it is also open to anyone who has taken a course in a literary or historical or similar subject at University level and wishes to explore the Celtic tradition. The course does not aim to provide a comprehensive survey of the two literatures studied, but rather to examine in greater depth certain periods or themes or genres which are characteristic of the tradition, which offer cross-cultural comparisons within the Celtic world, and which are amenable to study through translation and without abstruse technical knowledge. For history students, the course offers insight into the nature and working of the two literary traditions; for literature students, enhanced understanding of the social and political background to the selected parts of Medieval Welsh and Early Irish literature; for students of Celtic Studies, the opportunity to range widely in the medieval field in advance of Honours course choices and the more intensive but narrower language-based study of the Honours classes. In most weeks the first meeting will consist of a lecture to introduce general background, new concepts, and fresh material; and the second meeting will be a 'workshop' class to study and discuss specific texts illustrating and elaborating the subject matter introduced in the lecture. Together with its companion course Celtic Literature 2B, the course offers the opportunity to progress to the Honours programme of Medieval Celtic Studies.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Celtic Civilisation 1A and/or 1B (or a suitable Literature or History course)

? Costs : Course materials.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	10:00	11:00	Room G.22, 16-20 George Square	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Tuesday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Thursday	10:00	10:50	Central
Lecture	Friday	10:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The Intended Learning Outcomes are the development of a sound knowledge of the characteristics of a selection of key genres of Medieval Welsh and Early Irish literature. Students will develop an understanding of the significance of the texts in the context of the time of their origin, and of the rtle of the purveyors of literature in the context of both society and historical environment. Students will be able to evaluate the value of the material as literature, drawing on scholarly evaluation as well as detailed study of the primary texts. The course will be taught through the medium of English.

Assessment Information

Two essays (up to 2,500 words each), one textual interpretation exercise (up to 1,200 words): 50% (22.5% + 22.5% + 5%)
Degree Examination (2 hours): 50%