Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures, Harvard University

Courses

100- and 200- level courses in the Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures are open to both undergraduates and graduates. In some cases, graduate students will be assigned additional readings and different writing assignments from undergraduates in 100-level courses.

For a more complete listing of the courses offered by the Celtic Department, see Courses of Instruction, maintained by the Office of the Registrar.

Fall Courses 2011

Celtic

Celtic 109. The Finn Cycle (New Course)
Simon R. Innes
M., W., (F.) at 11.

This course explores the "sprawling forest" of Gaelic literature from Ireland and Scotland surrounding Finn mac Cumaill (otherwise known as Finn MacCool). Finn is variously portrayed as a hunter-warrior-seer and is the leader of the intrepid fíana war-band. We survey this Fenian literature as it is presented to us by medieval and early modern Gaelic manuscript tradition. We also engage with the rich modern Fenian folklore of Scotland, Ireland and Nova Scotia. This includes the study of important texts such as Acallam na Senórach ("The Dialogue of the Ancients") and Tóraigheacht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne ("The Pursuit of Diarmait and Gráinne"). We also consider the impact of this literature on the rest of Europe by examining the English-language-works published by James MacPherson in the 1760s and the ensuing Ossian controversy. All readings in English translation.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14.

Celtic 137. Celtic Mythology
Tomás Ó Cathasaigh
M., W., (F.) at 1.

A survey of the sources for the study of Celtic mythology, with special attention to selected texts from early Ireland and Wales.

This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Literature and Arts A. All texts are read in English translation.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14.

Celtic 138. Narrative Traditions of Medieval Wales
Catherine McKenna
Tu., Th. at 11.

An exploration of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi, Welsh Arthurian romances and tales, and the bardic lore associated with them, in the context of the literary culture of Wales in the twelfth through fourteenth centuries. All texts are read in English translation.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14.

Irish

Irish 132 (formerly Celtic 132). Introduction to Modern Irish
Simon R. Innes and others
M. through W., F. at 2.

An introduction to Irish as it is spoken and written today. Class work is participatory, and includes conversational role play and games as well as grammar study and drills. Audio and audiovisual resources reinforce pronunciation and aural comprehension. Songs, proverbs, and poems are an integral part of the course, introducing students to the vibrant oral and literary tradition of Gaelic Ireland.

Note: The combination of Irish 132 and 133r satisfies the language requirement. It is recommended in any case that this course be followed by Irish 133r. May not be taken Pass/Fail. Not open to auditors.

Irish 160 (formerly Celtic 160). Advanced Modern Irish
Simon R. Innes and others
M. through W., F. at 12.

Geared to the interests and aptitudes of the participants, this course enhances students» confidence in using Irish as a medium of oral and written communication and introduces them to the Gaelic literary tradition.

Note:This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. It is suggested that this course be followed by Irish 161. Prerequisite: Irish 133r or permission of instructor.

Irish 200 (formerly Celtic 200). Introduction to Old Irish
Tomás Ó Cathasaigh
M., W., F. at 3.

An introduction to the language of the eighth and ninth centuries, with elementary readings in prose texts.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. It is suggested that this course be followed by Irish 201.

Scottish Gaelic

Scottish Gaelic 130 (formerly Celtic 130). Introduction to Scottish Gaelic
Simon R. Innes
M. through W., F. at 9.

An introduction to Gàidhlig (Scottish Gaelic) as it is spoken and written today. This course surveys the grammar while also emphasizing practice in speaking the language. This class is highly participatory; students are encouraged to take part in a range of communicative activities which enhance oral/aural ability. Translation exercises develop skills in the written language. A range of audio/ audiovisual materials and online resources is used to support student learning. Some attention is also given to the rich Gaelic song tradition, where it can assist with specific language points.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. The combination of Scottish Gaelic 130 followed by Scottish Gaelic 131 satisfies the language requirement. It is recommended in any case that this course be followed by Scottish Gaelic 131. May not be taken Pass/Fail. Not open to auditors.

Welsh

Welsh 128 (formerly Celtic 128). Introduction to Modern Welsh
Catherine McKenna and others
M. through W., F. at 10.

Introduction to the Welsh language as spoken and written today, designed for those with little or no prior knowledge of this vibrant Celtic language. Intensive conversation practice is provided, and students learn to write fluently. Internet, audio and video exercises using dialogue, music and film augment a contextualized grammatical survey, and use of authentic literary texts increases as the course progresses.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. The combination of Welsh 128 followed by Welsh 129r satisfies the language requirement. It is recommended in any case that this course be followed by Welsh 129r. May not be taken Pass/Fail. Not open to auditors.

Welsh 226r (formerly Celtic 226r). Readings in Middle Welsh Prose
Catherine McKenna
Th. 2–4.

An exploration of the enormous variety of medieval Welsh prose literature: selections from tales and romances, chronicles, laws, and lore.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. Prerequisite: Welsh 225b or permission of the instructor.

Spring courses 2012

Celtic

Celtic 101 (formerly Literature and Arts C-20). The Hero of Irish Myth and Saga
Tomás Ó Cathasaigh
M., W., (F.) at 1.

A study of the ways in which the hero is represented in early Irish sources, especially in the saga literature. The texts reflect the ideology and concerns of a society which had been converted to Christianity, but continued to draw on its Indo-European and Celtic heritage. The biographies of the Ulster hero, Cú Chulainn, of his divine father, Lug, and of certain king-heroes are studied in depth. The wisdom literature, and archaeological and historical evidence will be taken into account.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. When taken for a letter grade, this course meets the Core area requirement for Literature and Arts C.

Celtic 151. The Literature of Medieval Christianity: The Hagiographical Tradition
Catherine McKenna
Tu., Th. at 11.

A study of selected texts associated with medieval saints’ cults in Ireland, Wales, Brittany and Scotland, including saints’ lives, voyage and vision narratives, hymns, prayers and poetry, in the context of the history of Christianity in the Celtic lands. All texts are read in English translation.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14.

Celtic 222. The Gaelic Manuscript Tradition (New Course)
Simon R. Innes
M., W., (F.) at 11.

This course explores the central role of Gaelic manuscripts for Celtic Studies. We examine form, content and usage while also considering historical context. Practice with traditional and non-traditional Gaelic hands form an important part of this course. We cover a wide range of periods and Gaelic manuscript traditions; from the earliest Irish glosses to early modern Scottish and Irish manuscripts. Issues to be explored include: transmission, patronage, scribal practice and modern editorial methodology.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. Prerequisite: Some knowledge of either Irish or Scottish Gaelic (of any period). Students with a knowledge of Latin may be admitted in consultation with the course instructor.

Irish

Irish 133r (formerly Celtic 133r). Intermediate Modern Irish
Simon R. Innes and others
M. through W., F. at 2.

A continuation of Irish 132, developing students’ fluency in spoken and written Irish. As our knowledge of the language expands, we venture into storytelling, journal writing and writing and performing short skits. Internet, audio and video resources complement the study of grammar and select prose texts.

Note:When taken following Irish 132, this course satisfies the language requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. Not open to auditors. Prerequisite: Irish 132 or permission of instructor.

Irish 161 (formerly Celtic 161). Continuing Advanced Modern Irish
Simon R. Innes and others
M. through W., F. at 12.

Continuation of the fall term course.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. Prerequisite: Irish 160 or permission of the instructor.

Irish 201 (formerly Celtic 201). Continuing Old Irish
Tomás Ó Cathasaigh
M., W., F. at 3.

Further grammatical study, with continued reading of saga texts.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. Prerequisite: Irish 200 or permission of the instructor.

Scottish Gaelic

Scottish Gaelic 131 (formerly Celtic 131). Intermediate Scottish Gaelic
Simon R. Innes
M. through W., F. at 9.

Direct continuation of the fall term course Irish 130.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. When taken following Scottish Gaelic 130, this course satisfies the language requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. Not open to auditors.

Welsh

Welsh 129r (formerly Celtic 129r). Intermediate Modern Welsh
Catherine McKenna and others
M. through W., F. at 10.

Direct continuation of Welsh 128, developing and deepening students’ knowledge of, and skill in, the modern spoken and written language. By the end of the semester students will be able to converse, read and write in a number of registers of idiomatic Welsh (academic, literary, informal). Various media, featuring dialogue, music and film, augment the advanced grammatical survey. Central cultural and historical issues are discussed.

Note: When taken following Welsh 128, this course satisfies the language requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. Not open to auditors. Prerequisite: Welsh 128 or permission of the instructor.

Welsh 227 (formerly Celtic 227). Seminar: Welsh Bardic Poetry
Catherine McKenna
Th. 2–4.

Readings from the hengerdd, the beirdd y tywysogion and the beirdd yr uchelwyr; consideration of the social and political contexts of their poetry, its forms, and its relationship to other medieval European poetic traditions.

Note: This course will not be offered in 2012–13; likely to be offered again in 2013–14. Prerequiaite: Knowledge of Welsh or permission of the instructor.

FAS Courses of Instruction 2010-2011: Celtic Languages and Literatures

Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures · Harvard University
Barker Center, 12 Quincy Street · Cambridge, MA 02138 · phone 617/ 495-1206 · fax 617/ 495-1010 · email us