Early and Modern Irish

Program Overview

Trinity College Dublin's Early and Modern Irish program is a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree that explores the history and evolution of the Irish language. Students delve into Old Irish, read original texts, and study the language's cultural significance. The program offers small class sizes, expert faculty, and opportunities for immersion in the Gaeltacht and Wales. Graduates pursue careers in teaching, journalism, archiving, and other fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Early and Modern Irish program at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree that delves into the history and evolution of the Irish language from its earliest written records to the present day.

Outline:

First and Second Years:

• Introduction to Old Irish
• Reading of literature in translation
• Introduction to original texts
• History of the Irish language

Third and Fourth Years:

• Advanced study of Old Irish
• History of the Irish language from its Celtic origins to Modern Irish
• Reading of prose, poetry, law, and history in the original language
• Palaeography (reading of manuscripts)
• Optional term in Aberystwyth, Wales to study Medieval and Modern Welsh

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment: essays, project work, presentations, book reviews, dossiers, podcast creation

Teaching:

• Small class sizes
• Friendly and supportive atmosphere
• Expert faculty recognized for their research and publications
• Innovative teaching methods

Careers:

• Teaching
• Journalism (especially Irish-language media)
• Archiving
• Public service
• Marketing
• Business
• Interpreting and translation

Other:

• The program is taught through the medium of English.
• Students have the opportunity to spend a term in the Irish-speaking region of the Gaeltacht.
• The program offers a unique opportunity to study the Irish language and its literature in a comprehensive and immersive environment.