The course aims to build on the language skills aquired in module GA4115. It introduces students to the study of Irish placenames and surnames. The course is designed to: Enable the student to understand and use basic structures of Irish grammar. Expose the student to a range of vocabulary and expressions which will allow her/him to present her/himself to, and communicate with Irish speakers. To foster autonomous language learning skills. To develop listening and speaking skills in Irish aquired in GA4115. To equip the student with basic writing skills.

Language element: This is a continuation course. Topics covered include: Matters of work, food and drink, sickness and injury, clothes and shopping, holidays adn travel, orders and making arrangements. Gaeltacht regions and certain dialect features will be discussed and some of the many Irish-language materials and resources now available online will be explored. Note: The language syllabus of this course has been developed by NUI-Maynooth and follows the guidelines established by the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Those who complete modules GA4115 and GA4116 will gain enough practice with the language to sit the A1 level European Certificate in Irish, known as Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge. The certificate examination is completely voluntary and is not administered by the University of Limerick, but does give the student an internationally recognized qualification in Irish. Please see course tutor if you would like more details. Lecture topics to be covered include: Placenames, an understanding of the factors involved in their creation, the people who made them and the purposes they serve, the classification of placenames, baill choirp mar logainmneacha, pagan/Christian associations of placenames, toponyms of sea-side and island areas, case-study of the Aran Islands, the most common Irish surnames, the surnames of County Limerick, the influence of invasion on Irish surnames, how surnames evolved / changed, genealogical sources for tracing Irish ancestors, the genealogy market, some prominent Irish families e.g. the O'Malley's, Granuaile.

Having completed this module, students will be able to: appropriately interpret and extrapolate from authentic and near-authentic spoken and written Irish language text in a broader range of situations summarise information and develop narratives and descriptions relating to a variety of contexts

Having completed this module, students will be able to:consolidate previously-acquired knowledge and synthesise information on more specific cultural linguistic and social issues in Irish language culture recognise individual strengths and weaknesses in

Having completed this module, students will be able to: present information orally and in writing on specific topics at an appropriate level in the target language combine previously-studied vocabulary and structures appropriately in new situations

Students will participate in one lecture as well as language tutorials practicing the language skills introduced in the module. Students will be given clear direction with regard to independent language learning.