Irish - Modern Irish (Nua-Ghaeilge) MA

Program Overview

The MA in Modern Irish (Nua-Ghaeilge) at University College Cork offers a comprehensive exploration of Irish language and literature, from the late Middle Ages to the present. Through taught modules, a dissertation, and instruction entirely in Irish, students gain a deep understanding of Irish linguistics, literature, and research methods, preparing them for careers in academia, media, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The MA in Modern Irish (Nua-Ghaeilge) is a postgraduate program offered by University College Cork (UCC).
It focuses on Irish language and literature, encompassing aspects from the late Middle Ages to modern times.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with:
• A broad and detailed knowledge of Irish language and literature.
• Special competency in communicating scholarship and learning in a concise and attractive style.
• Description: The program includes modules on literature in Irish, the Irish language, Irish manuscripts and palaeography, and the development of the Irish language over time.
It also covers modern dialects, particularly those of Munster. A significant component of the program is the submission of a dissertation presenting research undertaken during the year. All teaching is conducted through Irish.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide range of topics related to Irish language and literature, including:
• Late medieval Irish literature
• Modern Irish literature
• Irish manuscripts and palaeography
• The development of the Irish language
• Modern dialects of Irish
• Academic writing
• Structure: The program is divided into two parts:
• Part I:
Six modules taught over two evenings per week throughout the year, followed by written examinations in winter or summer.
• Part II: A short dissertation (12,000-15,000 words) written under the supervision of a member of the department.
• Course Schedule:
• Modules:
• Required Modules:
• GA6001 Scríobh Acadúil na Gaeilge (Academic Writing in Irish) - 10 credits, taught over both semesters.
• GA6037 Scileanna Taighde agus Cumarsáide (Research and Communication Skills) - 10 credits, taught in Semester 2.
• Elective Modules: Students choose 40 credits from the following:
• GA6002 Beirt Bhanfhile: Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill agus Biddy Jenkinson (Two Women Poets: Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and Biddy Jenkinson) - 10 credits, taught in Semester 1.
• GA6005 Filíocht Mhúscraí ón 18ú hAois Anuas (Poetry of Muskerry from the 18th Century Onwards) - 10 credits, taught in Semester 2.
• GA6020 Advanced Translations Skill (Irish) - 10 credits, taught over both semesters.
• GA6035 An Scríbhneoireacht Chruthaitheach (Creative Writing) - 10 credits, taught in Semester 2.
• GA6038 An Fhiannaíocht (The Fianna) - 10 credits, taught in Semester 1.
• GA6043 Traidisiún na hAmhránaíochta i gCultúr na Gaeilge (The Tradition of Song in Irish Culture) - 10 credits, taught in Semester 2.
• Dissertation: GA6009 Miontráchtas sa Nua-Ghaeilge (Short Dissertation in Modern Irish) - 30 credits.
• Note: Not all modules may be offered every year.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• In-class exams
• Class essays
• Dissertation submission
However, it states that all teaching is conducted through Irish.
• Faculty: The following faculty members are listed as being involved in the program:
• Dr Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh
• Dr Cornelius Buttimer
• Dr Seán Ua Súilleabháin
• Dr Aidan Doyle
• Dr Síle Ní Mhurchú
It also combines the teaching skills and experience of leading experts in palaeography, late medieval Irish literature, linguistics, and modern Irish literature.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Independent research work in Irish language and literature
• Media
• Business
• Opportunities: The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a variety of career paths.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the MA in Modern Irish have gone on to complete further research and to partake in various opportunities available to young scholars in Irish.

Other:

• Department Recognition: The Modern Irish Department at UCC is widely recognized as being at the forefront of Irish scholarship.
• Faculty Publications: The teaching staff have published over 200 books, monographs, and articles in the area of Irish language and literature.