Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
IR33220
Module Title
Comparative Celtic Philology
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  3000 Words  40%
Semester Exam Written assignment  completed over 7 days  60%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  3000 Words  40%
Supplementary Exam Written assignment  completed over 7 days  60%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

understand elementary linguistic concepts

have an idea of the relationship of the Celtic languages to one another and to other European languages

outline key phonological, morphological and syntactical developments in the Celtic languages

be able to apply linguistic data to questions arising from other fields of Celtic studies

Brief description

This module is an introduction to the comparative study of the Celtic languages. We shall discuss elements of the philology of the early Celtic languages, including phonology, morphology and syntax. There is an emphasis on how to use philology in the related fields of history, onomastics, inscriptions, literary history, textual studies etc.

Content

• The history of the discipline and the work of Edward Lhuyd
• Sound changes I: Indo-European to Common Celtic
• Sound changes II: Common Celtic to the ancient Celtic languages
• Sound changes III: Brittonic sound changes
• Sound changes IV: Goidelic sound changes
• Comparison of proper nouns in the Celtic languages
• The question of inter-Celtic loanwords
• The morphology of the noun
• The morphology of the verb
• Syntax

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Written: clear articulation of ideas and analysis in written assignments. Verbal: class contribution, presentation and interaction
Improving own Learning and Performance By independent research; tutor feedback on written work and oral contribution in class; developing time/work management skills; reflecting upon presentational skills and other written work.
Information Technology For research purposes (assignments and presentations); word-processing. Using electronic research and bibliographic resources; accessing Blackboard for course materials.
Problem solving By critical engagement (verbal and written) with intellectual concepts.
Research skills Through independent research for written assessment, presentation and oral contribution in class. Using electronic research and bibliographical resources
Subject Specific Skills Getting to grips with historical linguistics and issues surrounding the relationship and development of the Celtic languages

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6