Introduction to the Literature of Gaelic Ireland

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. to describe the major developments in Irish literature from the early medieval period down to the emergence of the Irish Free State, and locate them within the broader context of Irish history and / or the literary history of Europe
2. to analyze and meaningfully comment on the literary and stylistic features of Irish literature
3. to demonstrate an understanding of the historical and cultural significance of set Irish-language texts
4. to demonstrate familiarity with current debates concerning Irish literature / culture and critically observe these debates
5. to make informed use of the translations, handbooks, bibliographies and major journals in the field.

This module serves as an introduction to the literature of Gaelic Ireland from the early medieval period down to beginning of the twentieth century. A wide range of texts, illustrative of various genres (law, saga, poetry, prose, romantic and folk-tales) will be discussed and situated in their literary, historical and cultural context, providing an excellent foundation for students of Celtic Studies, Irish history and Irish literature.
The module will be taught as a one-hour lecture with linked fortnightly seminars/workshops. Seminars will provide opportunities for students to engage in close readings of selected texts and to formulate and present their own interpretations of texts. Students will undertake a significant number of hours of independent study, developing their critical skills.

Outline of content per week

1. Introduction: Irish as a Celtic language; periodization of Irish; outline of Irish history to 1900; outline of course

2. Literacy in Irish: Ogam and the coming of Christianity; the Irish monastery as a literary centre.

Seminar 1: a close reading of the preface to Senchus Már legal text.

3. Old Irish and its manuscripts: glosses and glossaries; Early Irish poetry nature poetry

4. The great Irish manuscripts: Book of the Dun Cow, Book of Leinster etc. contents and contexts; ‘Cycles’ in Early Irish Literature.

Seminar 2: A close reading of sections of An Táin.

5. Deities, devils and delinquents in Early Irish literature

6. The Classical Poets and their Poetry.

Seminar 3: Reading the Book of O’Conor Don.

7. Reformation and counter-reformation: The Irish Bible; Keating’s History

8. Irish Literature in the eighteenth-century: Jacobite poetry, Caoine Airt Uí Laoire

Seminar 4: A close reading of sections of the Aisling.

9. Literary responses to the nineteenth century: Daniel O’Connell; Raftery; John McHale

10. The Gaelic League and the creation of a ‘new literature’ and the lore of the ‘folk’.

Seminar 5: A close reading of Douglas Hyde

11. Summation: Broad developments; location within wider European context.

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 4