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GH4028: MYTHS, LEGENDS AND POETRY OF THE MEDIAEVAL GAELS (2024-2025)

Last modified: 23 Jul 2024 11:09


Course Overview

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.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Ralph J. O'connor

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • One of Programme Level 4 or Programme Level 5 or Master Of Letters In Viking And Medieval Nordic Studies
  • Either Any Undergraduate Programme or Master Of Letters In Viking And Medieval Nordic Studies

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

Yes

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.


Course Description

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.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Feedback - Orally if requested, as per current SLLMVC practice.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseUnderstanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts.
ProceduralApplyAbility to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks.

Text commentary

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 7 Feedback Weeks 10

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Feedback

 

Written feedback will be given in time to inform work on the final essay.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseUnderstanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts.
ProceduralApplyAbility to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks.
ProceduralApplyTo plan and execute critical essays displaying a clear command of this material.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks 37 Feedback Weeks 40

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Feedback

 

Written feedback will be given as well as the opportunity for one-to-one discussion of that feedback.

Word Count 4000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseUnderstanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts.
ProceduralApplyAbility to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks.
ProceduralApplyTo plan and execute critical essays displaying a clear command of this material.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

To be submitted and marked online

Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseUnderstanding and negotiating the different levels on which a complex text may be understood and interpreted.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstanding complex literary works in their historical, cultural and ethical contexts.
ProceduralApplyAbility to compare literary forms within a variety of narrative frameworks.
ProceduralApplyTo plan and execute critical essays displaying a clear command of this material.

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