Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:09
Europe’s earliest surviving body of vernacular literature was written by the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland, in their shared Old Gaelic language. Recasting oral traditions in new literary forms, these stories and poems dramatize the passions, conflicts and convictions of mythological and legendary men and women. They entertained and inspired mediaeval audiences and continue to enthral readers today. We explore selected works in translation to uncover their purposes, meanings and artistry.
Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
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Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
Co-ordinators |
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One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.
Europe’s earliest surviving body of vernacular literature was written by the Gaels of Ireland and Scotland, in their shared Old Gaelic language, from c. 600 AD onwards. Recasting oral traditions in new literary forms, blending native lore with Christian learning, these stories and poems dramatize the passions, conflicts and convictions of mythological and legendary men and women. For mediaeval audiences these epic narratives and jewel-like lyrics were a source of entertainment, inspiration, political advice and religious reflection – and sometimes even a spur to action. They continue to enthral readers today. This course will explore selected works in translation to uncover their purposes, meanings and artistry. Storylines and scenarios studied will include cattle-raids, curses, levitation, family breakdowns, transgression of sexual boundaries, Otherworld voyages, meditation on the natural world, and people suddenly uprooting trees for no apparent reason. No prior knowledge of mediaeval literature or the Gaelic language is needed, but prior experience studying either literature, folklore or history is normally expected.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 10 | |
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Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
Feedback |
Feedback - Orally if requested, as per current SLLMVC practice. |
Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Conceptual | Analyse | Understanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted. |
Conceptual | Understand | Understanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts. |
Procedural | Apply | Ability to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks. |
Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment Weeks | 7 | Feedback Weeks | 10 | |
Feedback |
Written feedback will be given in time to inform work on the final essay. |
Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Conceptual | Analyse | Understanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted. |
Conceptual | Understand | Understanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts. |
Procedural | Apply | Ability to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks. |
Procedural | Apply | To plan and execute critical essays displaying a clear command of this material. |
Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
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Assessment Weeks | 37 | Feedback Weeks | 40 | |
Feedback |
Written feedback will be given as well as the opportunity for one-to-one discussion of that feedback. |
Word Count | 4000 |
Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Conceptual | Analyse | Understanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted. |
Conceptual | Understand | Understanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts. |
Procedural | Apply | Ability to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks. |
Procedural | Apply | To plan and execute critical essays displaying a clear command of this material. |
There are no assessments for this course.
Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
Feedback |
To be submitted and marked online |
Word Count | 3000 |
Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
---|---|---|
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Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Conceptual | Analyse | Understanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted. |
Conceptual | Understand | Understanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts. |
Procedural | Apply | Ability to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks. |
Procedural | Apply | To plan and execute critical essays displaying a clear command of this material. |
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