I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 2/8/13)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change or
renew existing gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
II. Mathematics
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III. Language
VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * IX: American & European
X
if requesting
IV: Expressive Arts
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program English – Irish Studies
Course #
ENIR/IRSH 345
Course Title
Prerequisite
Introduction to Irish Gaelic Literature
N/A
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Traolach Ó Ríordáin
406-544-0311 /
toriordain@hotmail.com
Program Chair John Hunt
Dean
Chris Comer
III. Type of request
New X
One-time Only
Renew
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
3
Date
Instructor
Phone / Email
Change
Remove
As a geographical member of
Europe, as well as a member of the
European Union, and a key player
in European and American affairs,
Ireland is an important part of
American and European
perspectives. Introduction to Irish
Gaelic Literature is a broad look at
the literary and historical impact
Ireland has had on those
perspectives.
Description of change
This request is to include
ENIR/IRSH 345, Introduction to
Irish Gaelic Literature as a category
IX, American and European
perspectives general education
courses.
IV. Description and purpose of the general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
‘Irish has the oldest vernacular literature of Europe; our earliest monuments go back to the sixth
century.’ This observation by Professor Calvert Watkins of Harvard University highlights the
unique and ancient literary tradition of the Irish. This course will introduce students to the
riches and delights of the literary tradition of Gaelic Ireland from the earliest times down to the
Great Famine. Consulting texts in translation, students will read stories from the Heroic
Literature of Ireland; they will learn of the impact of Christianity, the Viking Raids, the
Norman invasion and the Tudor conquest on the canons of Irish literature. It is against this
background of upheaval that students will come to know the role of Ireland’s literary
aristocracy; a caste of learned men who regulated the Irish tradition, rejected any unlicensed
innovation and conformed new genres to age-old literary conventions. Known as the Bards,
these custodians of Gaelic civilization were no mere poets; their compositions were designed to
maintain the ideological framework, which legitimized the political hierarchy, preserved
societal harmony, and ensured the survival of Gaelic civilization. Students will read a selection
of bardic poetry with particular emphasis on compositions dealing with the Tudor Conquest and
destruction of Irish Gaelic civilization from the beginning of the 17th century. The end of the
Gaelic world heralds a new era for Irish literature and a new and more challenging role for
those who inherit from their bardic forefathers the custody of Gaelic Ireland’s literary tradition.
The struggle is now one of cultural survival, and students will learn of the centrality of
literature in this struggle as they read the works of Geoffrey Keating, Daibhi Ua Bruadair,
Aodhgán Ó Rathaille, Eibhlín Dhubh Ní Chonaill and Pádraig Pearse. Taken as a whole, this
course will impart to the student a sensitive appreciation of the muscular vitality of the Irish
literary tradition along with a greater understanding of the centrality of literature and the literati
in Ireland’s political and cultural history.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Courses focus on either area and can be
comparative in content or approach. The
courses are broad in theme, geography, or
chronology. They are foundational and prepare
students for further study by raising core
questions of an academic discipline.
Ireland has been known as a shining example
of European literature since literacy first
breached the island with the coming of
Christianity. This course examines the
evolution of Irish literature from the preChristian period to the modern period. By
successfully completing the course, students
gain a foundational understanding of Irish
literature in a broad historical context. The
knowledge gained in this course allows
students to pursue further study of preChristian and contemporary Irish literature in
later courses. It also provides students with
the foundational knowledge necessary to
compare Irish literature to other European,
American, and world literature.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
1. Demonstrate informed and reasoned
Demonstrate an understanding of Irish
understanding of American and/or European
literature from pre-Christian Ireland to the
historical and contemporary behavior, ideas,
Famine in historical, political, and religious
institutions, and culture; and
context.
2. Analyze and evaluate what is distinctive and
significant about the American and/or European
experience and legacy.
Analyze and evaluate what distinguishes
periods of Irish literature throughout history,
and how they were impacted by influences
from the world outside of Ireland.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
Although this course is a 300-level course, it is the introductory literature course for the Irish
studies program.
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
An Introduction to Irish Gaelic Literature
ENIR/IRSH 345
Instructor: Traolach Ó Ríordáin
Office: LA 125
E-Mail: traolach.oriordain@mso.umt.edu
Grading:
1. Three in-term essays
2. Final end-of-term essay
Attendance: An attendance roll will be kept and all students, without exception, are
expected to attend all classes on time. Late arrivals will not be tolerated; if you are late without
a valid reason, you may not join the class. Do not miss class. If you accrue more than four
absences without valid reason, you will drop a grade. Missing four classes in succession will be
taken to mean that you have dropped the class.
Introduction:
‘Irish has the oldest vernacular literature of Europe; our earliest monuments go back to the sixth
century.’ This observation by Professor Calvert Watkins of Harvard University highlights the
unique and ancient literary tradition of the Irish. This course will introduce students to the
riches and delights of the literary tradition of Gaelic Ireland from the earliest times down to the
Great Famine. Consulting texts in translation, students will read stories from the Heroic
Literature of Ireland; they will learn of the impact of Christianity, the Viking Raids, the
Norman invasion and the Tudor conquest on the canons of Irish literature. It is against this
background of upheaval that students will come to know the role of Ireland’s literary
aristocracy; a caste of learned men who regulated the Irish tradition, rejected any unlicensed
innovation and conformed new genres to age-old literary conventions. Known as the Bards,
these custodians of Gaelic civilization were no mere poets; their compositions were designed to
maintain the ideological framework, which legitimized the political hierarchy, preserved
societal harmony, and ensured the survival of Gaelic civilization. Students will read a selection
of bardic poetry with particular emphasis on compositions dealing with the Tudor Conquest and
destruction of Irish Gaelic civilization from the beginning of the 17th century. The end of the
Gaelic world heralds a new era for Irish literature and a new and more challenging role for
those who inherit from their bardic forefathers the custody of Gaelic Ireland’s literary tradition.
The struggle is now one of cultural survival, and students will learn of the centrality of
literature in this struggle as they read the works of Geoffrey Keating, Daibhi Ua Bruadair,
Aodhgán Ó Rathaille, Eibhlín Dhubh Ní Chonaill and Pádraig Pearse. Taken as a whole, this
course will impart to the student a sensitive appreciation of the muscular vitality of the Irish
literary tradition along with a greater understanding of the centrality of literature and the literati
in Ireland’s political and cultural history.
Learning Goals: Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1). Demonstrate an understanding of Irish literature from pre-Christian Ireland to the Famine in
historical, political, and religious context.
2). Analyze and evaluate what distinguishes periods of Irish literature throughout history, and
how they were impacted by influences from the world outside of Ireland.
LESSON PLAN FOR OLD AND MIDDLE IRISH PERIOD
Week 1. Pre-Christian Ireland
1. Ireland before the Celts - a brief overview of the Ireland, which existed prior to the
coming of the Celts. The archaeological evidence points to a very well organized,
hierarchical and advanced civilization. Knowledge of this society is imperative to
understanding the peculiarities of Ireland’s Celtic culture.
2. Celtic Civilization - A brief examination of Celtic culture and society in both European
and Irish circumstances. We will look at the emergence of the Celts into history; the key
political, social and cultural institutions Celtic society; the expansion of this society to
dominate Europe and discuss some of the theories regarding the nature of the Celtic
colonization of Ireland. Of particular interest in this discussion of Celtic society is the
Bardic Institution and its role, functions and responsibilities. This introduction
establishes the framework and opens the door through which the student enters the
Celtic world depicted in the literature
Week 2. The Coming of Christianity
1. The establishment of Christianity marks the beginnings of a written culture and the
growth of monastic schools of learning. Christian thought had profound implications for
the canonical and institutional structures of the indigenous literary tradition. The nature
of Catholic evangelization will also be discussed with the intention of dispelling
misconceptions about the process of conversion and of providing a better understanding
of the reasons why so much of the pre-Celtic tradition survived in the Christian period.
Week 3. The Heroic Literature of Ireland – Cycle of the Kings
1. Introduction - A general description of the four main categories or cycles into which
Irish heroic literature is divided: 1) The Cycle of the Kings; 2) The Mythological Cycle;
3) The Ulster Cycle; 4) The Fenian Cycle.
2. The Cycle of the Kings - This cycle preserves a genealogical record of the Irish going
back to the Garden of Eden, the home of Adam and Eve and the place of the ‘Fall.’ In
Christian theology, the four great historical events are: Creation; the Fall; Redemption;
and Judgment. These are the events that shape Irish literature and so we begin with the
Cycle of the Kings and the fall of man.
Week 4. Cycle of the Kings and Mythological Cycle
1. Cycle of the Kings - We discuss tales recounting Irish versions of the fall as well as
tales prophesying the coming of Christ, the restoration of sanctifying grace and
redemption for the Irish.
2. The Mythological Cycle - This corpus of literatures is contained in a text called An
Lebor Gabála or The Book of Invasion, a narrative recounting the many invasions of
Ireland from the time of Noah down to the coming of the Celts. Thus, the Celts give
meaning to the many megalithic reminders of a pre-Celtic civilization while also
providing an origin myth telling of their own divinely ordained right to occupy Ireland.
This origin myth traces the wanderings of the Irish through the known ancient and
biblical world bringing them into contact with many of the familiar personages, peoples
of history and involving them in some of the more well-know historical event of the preChristian period. While it firmly places the Irish in the world of known history, one gets
the sense that this narrative is something like a lost book of the Old Testament!
Week 5. Mythological Cycle and The Ulster Cycle
1. An Ruraíocht -The Ulster Cycle or The Stories of the Red Branch Knights has
justifiably called the only other truly great European epic tale alongside the Iliad and
centers on the deeds the Celtic Super-hero, Cúchulainn. These stories, relating the
heroics of a warrior culture, are loud with the din of battle and the wailing of the dying.
They tell of rivalries and jealousies, loyalty and betrayal and do so with graphic detail
and little or no appeal to sympathy or sentiment.
This first week will involve reading some of the introductory tales in order to get a
flavour of what awaits in the central narrative, The Táin.
Week 6. An Táin – The Cattle Raid of Cooley
1. This is the central narrative of the Ulster Cycle. We will begin by looking at the
conception of CúChulainn and his boyhood deeds. These events provide us with a key
to understanding what historical figure is the model for the hero. We will then look at
the circumstances of the raid culminating in the battle with FerDia and the final death of
CúChulainn.
Week 7. Love in Early Irish Literature.
1. Poetry - This section examines the treatment of love in early Irish verse. It is significant
the most of this verse has been composed by women and united by the common motif of
unattainable love.
2. Prose - The two great tales of love and passion in early Irish literature are The Exile of
the Sons of Uisliu from the Ulster Cycle and The Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne from
the Fenian Cycle. While both stories are based on the same theme, the introduction of
Christianity sees new ideas affect the thematic handling in the later story of Diarmaid
and Gráinne. Nevertheless, this story fired the romantic imagination of the Irish for
centuries.
Week 8. Monastic Culture and the Céile Dé Movement
1. The monasteries of Ireland became the intellectual and cultural centres of society. Here
manuscripts were transcribed, the old lore committed to text, and many and varied
works of art produced. With the growth in size and wealth of the monasteries, there also
came corruption and increased secularization which in turn produced a reaction among
the more devout, monks who recoiled from the material culture and sought closer
communion with God in a simpler life more closely united to nature. This
consummation of love for God and nature found its expression in a body of poetry
unrivalled anywhere for its simplicity of expression, sincerity of sentiment and beauty
of style.
Week 9. The Viking Raids, Brian Ború and Fenian Literature
1. Historical Background - The Viking Raids hastened the destruction of the monastic
culture of Ireland. These attacks coincided with a church reform movement and the rise
of the Dalcassian dynasty in the south, both of which sought centralized authority.
Understanding the religious and political realities of the time provides the context for
understanding the canonization of the popular Fenian Literature as the national literature
of Ireland.
2. The Fenian Literature - The Fenians were a landless society of warriors who rented
their services to the highest bidder. In a manner of speaking, one may see them as
medieval Irish version of a modern day biker gang. They seemed to have lived for the
adrenalin rush given by the fight, the chase, or the pursuit of a woman. In mood, temper
and world view, these tales are radically different to the early lore. Indeed, many would
argue that the romance, the magic and the feckless approach to life make these tales a
refreshing contrast to those of the Red Branch Knights. Much of the lore of the Fenian
Cycle has been transmitted in verse and, as one would expect, there is a very defiant
anti-clerical voice in many of these ballads, a voice rejecting settled society and the
Church that defends it.
Week 10. The Fenian Literature and The Norman Invasion
1. The Fenian Lays and Tales: We continue with the Fenian Cycle, finishing the ballads
and moving on to the tales.
2. The Norman Invasion: The historical background.
3. The Literary Impact of the Normans: The poetry of Amour Courtois, the beautifully
wrought, stylistically elegant love lyric that is the product of a happy consummation of
French sentiment and Irish style that occurs when the Norman French embrace Irish
Gaelic culture.
Week 11. The Bards and Bardic Poetry
1. The Bards: Tracing their origins back to the Druids of an earlier period, the bards of
Ireland acquired new prominence during the reign of Brian Ború. They were the
custodians of Irish culture, the intellectual elite who operated a single coordinating and
unifying influence in Ireland. They legitimized political authority, secured societal
harmony and facilitated the integration and assimilation of the Norman conquerors.
Their poetry articulated the protest of Gaelic Ireland at the encroaching influence of the
Tudor Monarchy.
EARLY MODERN IRISH PERIOD
Week 12. The Battle for Cultural Survival
1. Geoffrey Keating: The destruction of Irish Gaelic Civilization after the Battle of
Kinsale saw Ireland’s cultural elite struggle to redefine Irish identity within the
framework of English political, cultural and religious hegemony. Geoffrey Keating’s
Foras Feasa ar Eirinn was the last major intellectual text to be transmitted in
manuscript form. In this seminal work, Keating defines Irish identity in terms of Gaelic
culture and the Catholic faith. Faith and Fatherland would remain the key reference
point of Irish identity down to the present day.
2. Dáibhí Ua Bruadair was the last of the Irish poets whose voice would be heard
throughout the four corners of Ireland. His verse, angry and defiant, provides us with a
rare and first-hand record of the predations of the colonizer on the colonized
Week 13. The Poetry of Vision
1. Aogán Ó Rathaille: Irish Catholic allegiance to the Stuart Monarchy took a poetic turn
with the ousting of James II at the battle of the Boyne. Irish poets began to sing for the
return of the Stuarts and for the restoration of Gaelic civilization. Representing Ireland
as a maiden separated from her true love and in the hands of a brute, this new genre has
produced some of Ireland’s most beautiful and poignant verse.
MODERN IRISH
Week 14. The Hidden Ireland
1. Poets without Patrons: The destruction of Gaelic civilization saw the prominent
literary and political families reduced to the status of peasants who preserved the literary
tradition through courts of poetry. Such a device ensured that only compositions of the
highest standards were accepted and preserved in the tradition. Therefore, even as Irish
culture entered its death throes, the literary tradition continued to produce poetry of the
highest merit. Two such poems, ‘The Lament of Art O’Leary,’ and ‘The Midnight
Court,’ will be examined as evidence of the robust vitality of the Irish Gaelic tradition.
2. Peasant Folk Poetry: We read a representative selection of poems from the oral
tradition giving a taste of the richness and vitality of the literary tradition in the 19th
century.
Week 15. The Literature of the Irish Revival
1. Pádraig Pearse - The Great Famine and subsequent mass emigration to the United
States saw the creation of very politically and culturally powerful Irish community in
that country. It is here that the old poets found the freedom and resources to propagate
once again Keating’s idea of an Irish nation whose identity is based on the Roman
Catholic faith and Gaelic culture. Inspired by those in the US, Irish nationalist would
initiate an Irish revival movement that led to an independent Ireland that would be
‘Gaelic and free.’ The great spokesman of this movement was Pádraig Pearse, a poet,
playwright and short-story writer, whose work would inspire his generation to rise in
rebellion against the foreign occupier.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.