POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MEDIEVAL IRISH STUDIES

Program Overview

This diploma program delves into medieval Irish literature and intellectual heritage, equipping students with proficiency in Old Irish and advanced research skills. Through the study of diverse texts and genres, students gain a deep understanding of medieval Irish society and culture. The program offers flexible study options and prepares graduates for careers in library work, archival work, adult education, heritage industries, and publishing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This course delves into the rich tapestry of medieval Irish literature and intellectual heritage spanning the period from the arrival of Christianity to the Norman invasion in 1169. It equips students with a deeper understanding of the language used and cultivates adept research skills essential for future endeavors in this field.

Objectives:

• To equip students with the ability to critically engage with the wealth of medieval Irish literature and intellectual tradition
• To develop advanced proficiency in Old Irish, the native Irish language of the time period
• To equip students with a robust set of research skills essential for undertaking research in the field of Early Irish studies

Description:

This diploma dives deeper into the fascinating world of Early Irish culture through the study of its language and literature. The program is structured around two central pillars: the development of reading proficiency in Old Irish, the language that predominated during the period under examination, and the study of a diverse array of texts. Students are introduced to a variety of genres, encompassing legal, historical, religious, and literary works, providing insights into the multifaceted aspects of medieval Irish society. The course offers students opportunities to hone critical analysis skills, explore textual complexities, and engage with diverse interpretations, fostering the ability to engage fruitfully with scholarly literature on the subject. Students also develop familiarity with a range of research methodologies and acquire the capacity to critically evaluate scholarly debates on Early Irish language and culture.

Outline:

Content and Structure:

This diploma offers a rich and multifaceted program of studies. Students engage with an array of literary works from different genres, such as historical accounts, religious texts, legal and administrative writings, and insightful poetry examples. This exploration delves into the diverse facets of medieval Irish society, offering valuable perspectives on the intricacies of their laws, belief systems, and literary expressions. The program comprises 60 credits, distributed among both required and elective modules.

Modules:

• The course begins with 30 credits dedicated to core modules:
• 20 credits are dedicated to exploring medieval Irish literature, focusing on in-depth analysis and close engagement with significant textual examples.
• 10 credits are devoted to delving into the fascinating world of palaeography and manuscript studies, equipping students with the necessary skills to decipher and analyze historical manuscripts.
• The remaining 10 credits focus on developing crucial general research skills and methodologies, providing a robust foundation for future academic endeavors in Early Irish Studies.
• Students then choose a further 20 credits from elective modules.
• Students who are already acquainted with Old Irish can take modules focusing on the philology, translation, and in-depth analysis of Early Irish literary works.
• Students new to Old Irish undertake a set of introductory language modules designed to equip them with the necessary foundational knowledge.
These modules provide a strong grounding in grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, enabling them to navigate more advanced modules later in the program.

Schedule:

• Students have the flexibility to pursue the diploma on either a full-time or part-time basis:
• Full-time students typically complete all required credits within a single academic year.

Assessment:

Methods:

• This diploma utilizes various assessment methods to comprehensively evaluate student learning:
• Coursework assignments offer opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills, and research proficiency through written essays, presentations, or projects.
• Examinations provide a more traditional format to assess the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and understanding, typically through essays or short-answer questions.

Criteria:

• Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific assessment methods employed:
• Coursework assignments are judged on the basis of the quality of analysis, argument development, adherence to scholarly conventions, and the originality of insights presented.
• Examinations are typically evaluated based on the demonstrated understanding of key concepts, theoretical frameworks, and the ability to apply this knowledge effectively within the confines of the questions posed.

Teaching:

Methods:

• This diploma employs diverse teaching approaches to cater to different learning styles and maximize learning effectiveness:
• Lectures provide foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks through interactive sessions that encourage questions and facilitate engagement.
• Seminars offer a more focused and intimate setting for in-depth discussions of texts, enabling students to share and challenge interpretations, develop critical arguments, and deepen their understanding of the material.
• Tutorials provide personalized attention, offering students the opportunity to seek clarification on challenging areas, receive feedback on assignments, and gain guidance for further independent learning.
• Independent study forms an indispensable aspect of this diploma, empowering students to explore topics and delve into areas of personal interest with guidance from their tutors.

Faculty:

• The teaching team comprises accomplished academics and researchers, recognized experts in their fields and passionate about fostering intellectual curiosity and nurturing student development within Early Irish Studies.
• These individuals possess extensive research experience and regularly publish in reputable journals and contribute to scholarly discourse within their respective areas of expertise.
• Students have the benefit of learning directly from academics actively engaged in shaping the landscape of Early Irish Studies through their ongoing research projects, ensuring the curriculum incorporates the latest discoveries and theoretical insights.
• Additionally, guest lecturers may occasionally participate, further enriching students’ learning experience by introducing diverse perspectives and insights on specific themes or texts within the curriculum.

Careers:

Options:

This diploma opens a diverse range of career opportunities upon completion:

• Archival work: Your proficiency in Early Irish language and culture could lead to exciting opportunities working with historical archives in libraries, museums, or research centers, where expertise in deciphering and managing old documents and manuscripts is essential.
• Adult education: With the knowledge and skills gained in this program, you would be well-positioned to teach courses or workshops on various aspects of early Irish language, literature, and history within adult education programs and community settings.
• Heritage industries: Your knowledge base finds practical application within the heritage sector, where you could contribute to promoting awareness and understanding of Irish cultural heritage through roles in historical sites, museums, or research organizations.
• Publishing: Your knowledge of early Irish language and texts could prove invaluable in the world of publishing, particularly within specialized publishing houses focusing on Irish literature or historical documents, where your expertise can contribute to editing, translating, or annotating texts for publication.
In addition to these specific examples, the diploma's focus on research skills opens opportunities for pursuing further research in this area or exploring careers that value strong analytical abilities, critical thinking, and a robust foundation in historical research methods.

Other:

The diploma program also provides:

• Access to the Maynooth University library, a renowned center of learning with extensive collections and resources pertaining to Irish history, literature, and language, offering students an invaluable repository for their studies and research endeavors.
• Opportunities to participate in research activities, potentially working alongside faculty on their ongoing projects.