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Celtic Studies

Module description

Celtic Studies offers an interdisciplinary framework for exploring the past and present of the Atlantic communities of Western Europe. The module provides an introduction to the subject of Celtic Studies by looking at the history, literature and politics of the Celts with a particular emphasis on the Early Modern Period to the present. Apart from looking at more conventional text based approaches through books and newspapers the module will also draw on the application of cultural memory and oral history, website presentations of the past and popular representations in film, television, and music. You are encouraged to adopt an ethnographic approach to Celtic identities by studying particular sites, events and festivals. No prior skills or experience are required.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module seeks to pursue an identity-based approach to Celtic Studies that emphasises a range of interdisciplinary perspectives in areas like heritage, political studies and ethnology. It provides an introduction to the historical and contemporary experience of the Celts in Britain and Western Europe. You will also gain practical and theoretical experience of subjects like cultural remembrance, nationalism and regional diversity. Finally, there will also be practical opportunities of personal research in an ethnographic context.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate in oral and written contributions a sound knowledge of the debates and approaches associated with Celtic Studies
• 2. Relate the methodological and theoretical approaches of researchers to a series of Cornish and Celtic case studies

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. Analyse and reflect critically and contextually upon texts relating to a specific historical period or theme
• 4. Collate data from a range of sources, both primary and secondary

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Show evidence of ability to read and use texts and source materials critically and emphatically
• 6. Combine independent, autonomous study with the ability to work collaboratively

Syllabus plan

The lectures will provide a spine of ideas and information. These will form a basis upon which you can build your  own interpretations and explore concepts and issues further in the seminars. The seminar work will comprise 1) discussions of particular topics and sources relating to the subject matter of the module and 2) group presentations on particular topics. The module will commence with a discussion of Old and New Celtic Studies to provide a theoretical framework before looking at a series of case studies relating to the three core disciplines of History, Literature and Politics.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• E. Cowan and R. Finlay (eds.) Scottish History: The Power of the Past (Edinburgh University Press, 2002).
• M. Gibson, S. Trower and G. Tregidga, (eds.), Myth, Mysticism and Celtic Identity, (Routledge, 2012).
• R. Gildea, The Past in French History (Yale University Press, 1994).
• J. Githens-Mazer, Myths and Memories of the Easter Rising: Cultural and Political Nationalism in Ireland (Irish Academic Press, 2006).
• Hale. A and Payton. P (eds.), New Directions in Celtic Studies (University of Exeter Press, 2000).
• K. Hodgkin and S. Radstone (eds.), Contested Pasts: The Politics of Memory (Routledge, 2003).
• P. Payton (ed.), Cornish Studies: 5, (University of Exeter Press, 1997).
• G. Tregidga (ed.), Memory, Place and Identity: The Cultural Landscape of Cornwall (Francis Boutle Publishers, 2012).  

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=7608
• www.cornishstory.com

Key words search

Celtic studies, identities, interdisciplinary