Module Code - Title:
GA4012
-
CELTIC CIVILISATION: CONTINUITY AND CHANGE
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To offer an introductory module in Celtic Civilisation for the Spring Semester encompassing Celtic Mythology, Religion, Customs and Literature
Syllabus:
This module will give an overview of the socio-cultural context of Early Irish literature and culture, as well as Celtic Mythology and Customs, including the following:
•representations of Celtic Deities in the Classical commentaries and in vernacular sources
•Celtic Mythology in early written sources
•an overview of Early Irish festivals and customs and the survival of same in modern Irish folklore
•Celtic Cosmology - including representations of the otherworld(s) in Early Irish literature and in Modern Folklore
•interpretation of historical, literary and folklore sources pertaining to the social, cultural and religious customs and worldview of the Celts
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module, students will:
-understand and critically engage with key scholarly debates in Celtic Civilisation and Early Irish Literature
-be able to independently access and interpret a selection of Early Irish Mythological and Poetic texts in translation
-understand the socio-cultural and socio-political contexts of these literary works
-be informed of the religious customs, beliefs and cosmology of the Celtic peoples including feast days and their significance
-be informed of the cultural and historical connections between different Celtic languages, cultures and literatures
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module, students will:
-have an understanding of socio-cultural differences between modernity and older historical periods and also of cultural diversity throughout history.
-have a reflexive and critical approach to the interpretation of a variety of sources pertaining to belief, religion and mythology.
-have a reflexive approach to the interpretation of a range of theoretical debates in Celtic Civilisation.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Upon completion of the module students will have developed knowledge of the past and skills of analysis which will serve them in a variety of professional, cultural and social contexts.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Danaher, K (1972)
The Year in Ireland: Irish calendar customs
, Cork: Mercier
Mac Cana, P (1970)
Celtic Mythology
, London: Hamlyn
Ó Crualaoich (2003)
The Book of the Cailleach: stories of the wise-woman healer
, Cork: Cork University Press.
Rees, A. and Rees, B (1961)
Celtic Heritage: Ancient Tradition in Ireland and Wales
, Kampala: Uganda Publishing and Advertising Services
Other Relevant Texts:
O Giolláin, D (2000)
Locating Irish Folklore: Tradition, Modernity, Identity
, Cork: Cork University Press
O hÓgáin, D (2002)
The Celts: A History
, Cork: Collins Press
O hÓgáin, D (1999)
The Sacred Isle: Belief and Religion in Pre-Christian Ireland
, Cork: Collins Press
Ross, A (1970)
Everyday Life of the Pagan Celts
, London: Batsford
McCone, K (1990)
Pagan Past and Christian Present in Early Irish Literature
, Maynooth: An Sagart
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAJOHOUFA - JOINT HONOURS
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
gordon.oriain@ul.ie