Celtic Languages & Literatures

Dolbadarn Castle in Wales

The Department of Celtic Languages & Literatures offers courses in the languages and literary traditions of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Brittany, including the study of Celtic literature, folklore, and visual and material culture. Undergraduates may pursue a Secondary Field.

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Natasha Sumner

Gateway Courses

Spring 2024

Celtic 109. Finn: The Great Gaelic Hero
Natasha Sumner

This course explores the lengthy and wildly popular Irish and Scottish Gaelic tradition surrounding the hero Finn mac Cumaill (Finn McCool). Stories about Finn and his legendary warrior band, the Fianna, have circulated in manuscript, print, and oral forms for well over a millennium. The protectors of Ireland and Gaelic Scotland, Finn and the Fianna are presented alternatively as hunters, warriors, and seers. Embodying heroic qualities valued by their culture at different periods, they undertake seemingly impossible tasks and defend Gaels from foreign and supernatural threat. In the course, we examine literature about Finn and the Fianna as it is presented in medieval and early modern manuscripts; we engage with the rich modern folklore of Ireland, Scotland, and Nova Scotia; and we consider the international impact of the tradition by examining James Macpherson's infamous English- language adaptations and the vicious controversy over their 'authenticity' that erupted in the eighteenth century and persists to this day. All Gaelic texts are read in English translation.

Celtic 120. Food and Fantasy in Irish Tradition
Joseph F. Nagy

Many aspects of food—growing, cooking, eating, drinking, and distributing it—have served as powerful cultural symbols in Irish oral and literary tradition from medieval to modern times. A survey of the environmental, historical, and economic background to food and its production in Ireland of the early Middle Ages will lead to the close reading of medieval texts (in translation) such as “News about Mac Dathó’s Pig,” “The Vision of Mac Conglinne,” and “The Battle of Mag Tuired,” in each of which the “what,” “why,” and “how” of eating determine the outcome of the story. In addition, we will examine the lively symbolism of food as perpetuated in Irish legend and folktale, and also in post-medieval Irish literature.

Celtic 139. Small Nation, Big Ideas: Wales 1900-2023
Jerry Hunter

While conquered and annexed by England centuries ago, Wales has nonetheless maintained a distinct and vibrant cultural identity. The Welsh language has stubbornly survived the ravages of industrialization, the zenith of British imperialism, the onslaught of Anglo-American popular culture and the challenges of globalization. We will consider ways in which modern Wales has been imagined and re-imagined, studying writing ranging from fiction, poetry and drama to political polemic, watching films and listening to popular music. All material will be read in English translation (or, in the case of film, available with English subtitles).

Irish 133r. Intermediate Modern Irish
Natasha Sumner (with Graham O’Toole)

A continuation of Irish 132, developing students' fluency in spoken and written Irish. As our knowledge of the language expands, we venture into storytelling, journal writing and writing and performing short skits. Internet, audio and video resources complement the study of grammar and select prose texts.

Irish 201r. Continuing Old Irish
Joseph F. Nagy

Further grammatical study, with continued reading of saga texts.

Irish 208. Readings in Early Modern Irish
Natasha Sumner

Readings in selected texts. Recommended prep” Irish 160r or permission of the instructor.

Welsh 227. Welsh Bardic Poetry
Jerry Hunter

Readings from beirdd yr uchelwyr, including a consideration of the social and political contexts of their poetry, their artistic forms, and relationships with other literary traditions and practices.