Module Information
Module Identifier
IR11900
Module Title
Introduction to Old Irish
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Weekly tests | 40% |
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 60% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Tests The candidate will be required to retake the element(s) failed | 40% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Exam | 60% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Translate accurately from Old Irish
Read short literary texts in the original language, and understand their place in the history of Irish literature.
Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental aspects of Old Irish grammar
Brief description
An introduction to elements of the grammar of Old Irish, the language of the earliest Irish texts. A number of short texts and extracts from longer texts will be read and discussed on this module. Discussion will include linguistic and literary issues.
Content
• The sources of Old Irish
• Orthography and pronunciation
• The noun (2 sessions)
• The article
• The adjective
• Numerals
• The verbs ‘to be’ (2 sessions)
• The present stem of the regular verb (3 sessions)
• Pronouns (2 sessions)
• The preterite stems of the regular verb (3 sessions)
• The subjunctive stem of the regular verb
• The future stem of the regular verb
• Orthography and pronunciation
• The noun (2 sessions)
• The article
• The adjective
• Numerals
• The verbs ‘to be’ (2 sessions)
• The present stem of the regular verb (3 sessions)
• Pronouns (2 sessions)
• The preterite stems of the regular verb (3 sessions)
• The subjunctive stem of the regular verb
• The future stem of the regular verb
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Not relevant |
| 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. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Not relevant |
| 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 grammar, historical linguistics and issues of interpretation and contextualization of early medieval texts |
| Team work | Not relevant |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4