Celtic

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert McColl Millar

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered students on the MLitt in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Models of Lanugage in Society provides students with a grounding in the ways in which language, society, culture and history inter-relate. It demonstrates how concepts such as nationality and ethnicity have evolved, and what results these developments have had on our understanding of language and identity. Particular focus is given to how both individual and societal language attitudes are produced and what results these might have for either language maintenance or language shift with lesser-used languages.

Structure

Six two hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

One 3,500 - 4,000 word essay (80%), one class presentation (20%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Michelle MacLeod

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered students on the M. Litt. in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Models of Language Policy and Planning provides students with a grounding in the core concepts in the field of language policy and planning. It equips students with the basic analytical tools needed to determine a particular language policy and the content of a particular language plan. It provides students with an introduction to the range of policy objectives that actors, including the state as well as private actors, may have in respect of language, and the skills necessary to critically assess such policies. it introduces students to strategies for intervening to support minority languages, and equips them with the skills to critically assess the effectiveness of various planning options.

Structure

Six two hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

Prepare a Draft Language Plan or a core element of such a plan (100%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Co-requisites

Cannot be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with HI5078 ‘Vikings in Britain and Ireland’

Overview

This is an interdisciplinary course exploring (1) the clash of cultures between Vikings and Celtic-speaking peoples which erupted at the end of the eighth century (2) the relations which developed between Vikings and Celts, leading to the creation of new political identities and new forms of cultural expression. The course will begin with regional surveys of Vikings’ relationships with Celtic speaking peoples from the first raids until the end of the Viking Age. We will also engage in thematic analysis of the Vikings’ impact on state formation, settlement, economy, religion and culture. We will end the course by asking how perceptions of the Viking past have influenced the way that Insular peoples identify themselves in more recent times.

Structure

10 x 1 hour seminars

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment
1 x 2,500 word essay 90%; Seminar Presentation 10%

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in programme year 5.

Overview

A series of five seminars, each focusing on a particular work by a member of staff in Celtic or related disciplines. In each seminar the author will explain the way in which the work was developed, the theoretical and methodological techniques applied, the kinds of sources used, and its relationship to more general interpretative traditions. The students will then discuss the piece as a group, having read the essay or chapter in advance. The seminars will therefore provide an insight into scholarly methods and research debates.

Structure

5 two-hour seminars to be held fortnightly during the first semester

Assessment

100% continuous assessment - seminar participation (10%); 3500 word essay (90%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

One class per week will focus on written exercises, one class per week will focus on reading and translation of text, one class per week will focus on grammar.

Structure

Two one-hour classes per week

Assessment

100% Continuous Assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A O'Leary

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Overview

Students will acquire an understanding of Old-Gaelic grammar and vocabulary. There will be two one-hour language-classes per week: one grammar-class and one reading class.

Structure

Two one-hour classes per week

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered postgraduate students

Notes

Overview

This is an intensive language course for students who have little or no previous knowledge of Gaelic. It concentrates on the acquisition of basic grammar and vocabularly, and on the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Structure

Four one-hour classes per week.

Assessment

4 language exercises (20%); oral assessment (20%); 1 two-hour examination (60%)

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

TBC

Pre-requisites

Some prior knowledge of a Modern Celtic Language is assumed

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

The course will be based on a close study of extracts from authentic texts. It will consider the spelling problems these texts present. It will also make a systematic study of the morphological and syntactic structures displayed in the texts, and any general lexical problems they embody. Each week there will be exercises designed to reinforce students' understanding, mostly involving translation into English. The course will focus on Medieval Welsh, Irish or Scots Gaelic according to student demand.

Structure

10 one hour seminars (1 per week for 10 weeks.)

Assessment

100% continuous assessment (practical exercises in translation).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert Dunbar

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered students on the MLitt in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Research Methods in Language Policy and Planning will train post-graduate students in research methods of particular relevance to language policy and planning. The course will introduce students to bibliographic research methodologies and the use of electronic sources. The course will also provide students with an introduction to legal and educational data and sources of particular relevance to language policy and planning, and to the use of such data and sources. The course will introduce students to the institutional framework within which language policy and plans are formulated and implemented, and to specialist research techniques of particular relevance to language policy and planning, including the use of census data, the design and analysis of attitudinal and use data.

Structure

Four two-hour seminars, held fortnightly, three one hour small group/individual sessions, held weekly, one presentation, during the final week of the course.

Assessment

Detailed written research proposal (80%), related oral presentation (20%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert Dunbar

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered students on the M.Litt. in Language Policy and Planning and the Master of Laws (LLM)

Overview

This course will train post-graduate students in international and comparative approaches to language legislation and planning and will introduce students to the main legal obligations and policy initiatives of a range of international organisations, including the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the UN. The course will introduce students to the development of language policy and legislation in Wales and the Republic of Ireland, and the development of policy and legislation in selected European and other jurisdictions. Students will be introduced to key concepts such as the territoriality and personality principles, the notion of “rights” versus other forms of regulation, various methods of enforcing legal norms, and will be introduced to the relevance of wider human rights norms and the limitations on language policy options. Students will be invited to consider the relevance of international and other national and sub-national approaches to the situation in their home jurisdiction.

Structure

Six two-hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

One 3,500-4,000 word research essay (80%), one designated class presentation (20%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Michelle MacLeod

Pre-requisites

Available ony to registered students on the M. Litt. in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

Language and Socioeconomic Development will train post-graduate students in the challenges to and opportunities for minority language planning and development in the private and voluntary sector, in the community and in the home. Students will be introduced to examples taken from a range of jurisdiction of such minority language planning and development and will consider what can be learned from such examples. The course will introduce students to the complex and sometimes conflicting relationship between minority language planning and economic, social and regional development policies, and of the need to carefully plan the interface of such policies.

Structure

Six two-hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

One case study of 3,500 - 4,000 words

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Barbara Fennell

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered students on the MLitt in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will train post-graduate students in a range of issues relevant to the development of minority language television, radio, electronic and print media. Students will consider the relationship between minority language media policy and planning and wider issues in minority language policy and planning. Students will be introduced to a range of key theoretical issues and challenges, such as the extent to which minority language media can and should mirror majority language media. Students will be introduced to key issues relating to training and skills development, and will consider the relationship between minority language and majority language media.

Structure

Six two-hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

Case study (3,500 - 4,500 words)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Michelle MacLeod

Pre-requisites

Available only to students registered on the MLitt in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will train post-graduate students in a range of issues in acquisition planning for minority languages. Students will be introduced to key issues in minority language education at all levels, from pre-school to tertiary, including matters such as curriculum and materials development, assessment of performance, special needs and teacher training. Students will explore the particular challenges of acquisision planning for those outside of the formal education system, such as adult learners, semi-speakers, speakers with limited literacy skills, and issues relating to acquisition of new or specialist terminology.

Structure

Six two hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

One 3,500 - 4,000 word essay (80%), One class presentation (20%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert Dunbar

Pre-requisites

Available only to students registered on the MLitt in Language Policy and Planning and the Master of Laws (LLM)

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will train post-graduate students in the legislative and policy framework for language planning in Scotland. Special emphasis will be given to Gaelic and Scots, but reference will also be made to community and sign languages, where appropriate. The course will introduce students to the main legal instruments which impinge upon and guide language planning and policy in Scotland, and will include international treaty obligations, UK legislation and Scottish legislation. The course will also introduce students to the role played by both Bord na Gaidhlig and the Scottish Executive within this legal framework, and the main policies and requirements of these two institutions. Students will be introduced to the role of voluntary and private sector bodies as well as existing policies of public bodies which have yet to come within the planning framework introduced by the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, and will be introduced to the concept of "best practice"in contexts outside the legal framework considered in the bulk of the course.

Structure

Six two-hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

Two extended drafting exercises (e.g. NGO or public body report in respect of international treaty obligations, draft public body language plan, etc.) (100%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr Moray Watson

Pre-requisites

Available only to registered students on the MLitt in Language Policy and Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

This course will train post-graduate students in a range of issues relevant to corpus planning for minority languages. Students will consider how changes in a language relate to its status and sociolinguistic position. Students will consider the core issues with repect to orthographic, lexical and grammatical standardisation and development, and will consider the impact of new communication technologies on corpus planning for minority languages. Students will conclude by consideration of the relationship between corpus planning and wider aspects of language planning for minority languages.

Structure

Six two-hour seminars, held fortnightly

Assessment

Case study (3,500 - 4,000 words) (100%)

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Prof David Dumville

Pre-requisites

CE5006 Reading Celtic 1

Overview

One class per week will focus on written exercises, one class per week will focus on reading and translation of text, one class per week will focus on grammar.

Structure

Three one-hour classes per week

Assessment

1st Attempt: 100% Continuous Assessment
Resit: 100% Examination

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 5

Overview

The course consists of one-to -one supervision with the member of staff best equipped to advise the student on her/his dissertation topic. It will involve detailed and critical discussion of primary and secondary materials suited to the research interests of the student (as developed over the preceding semester) with the aim of providing the student with the fullest preparation for researching and writing the dissertation in the summer.

Structure

6 one-hour long supervisions (one to be held each fortnight).

Assessment

In course assessment: annotated bibliography (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Prof David Dumville

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in programme year 5.
Some knowledge of Old, Middle, or early Modern Gaelic required.

Overview

- Gaelic-Script history, A.D. 600-1700: recognition and discrimination
- The development of the Insular and Gaelic abbreviation-system
- Scribal activity in Gaeldom
- Patronage of manuscript-production

Structure

2 one-hour classes per week for 10 weeks.

Assessment

100% continuous assessment

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in programme year 5

Overview

The course will focus on the most famous and fabulous collection of Medieval Welsh tales known as the Mabinogion. The stories combine elements of folklore, mythology and Arthurian romance. A selection of tales will be read in translation. These will be analysed and discussed in detail, with an eye to interpreting their literary and historical context, thus giving an insight into Medieval Welsh society, politics and imagination.

Structure

10 one-hour tutorials and 10 one-hour seminars.

Assessment

100% continuous assessment: seminar participation (10%); 3500 word essay (90%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr A O'Leary

Pre-requisites

CE5007 (Mediaeval Gaelic Language, I)

Co-requisites

x

Notes

Overview

This course will deepen students’ knowledge of the fundamentals of Old-Gaelic grammar and vocabulary. They will learn about the changes in the language in the transition to and during the Middle-Gaelic period and start to read Middle-Gaelic texts.
There will be three one-hour language-classes per week: one grammar-class, one Old-Gaelic reading class, and one Middle-Gaelic reading class.

Structure

Two one-hour language-classes per week.

Assessment

1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%)

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

CE5009, Scottish Gaelic for Postgraduates (A)

Overview

This course builds on the foundation laid in CE5009, Scottish Gaelic for Postgraduates (A), and cocentrates on the acquisition of further basic grammar and vocabularly, and on the developmnt of more advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills

Structure

four one-hour classes per week.

Assessment

4 language exercises (20%); oral assessment (20%); 1 two-hour examination (60%)

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr Robert Dunbar

Pre-requisites

Entry to the MLitt in Language Policy & Planning

Co-requisites

None

Notes

Overview

During this course, students will develop and research their own research topic on Language Policy and Planning using the methods, knowledge and understanding developed in the rest of the course. Students will prepare a 15,000 word dissertation under supervision from a member of the Celtic/linguistics staff, and they will be encouratged to develop, analyse and discuss their own data sets.

Structure

3 x 1 hour meetings by arrangement with tutor over course of summer

Assessment

15,000 word dissertation.

Credit Points

60

Course Coordinator

Dr Clare Downham

Pre-requisites

Available only to MLitt students in Programme Year 5

Co-requisites

Celtic Dissertation Preparation: Sources and Source Criticism

Overview

The course consists of one-to-one supervision with a member of staff. Students will be expected to produce a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Structure

4 one-hour supervisions.

Assessment

15,000 word Dissertation (100%)