Irish Studies  (ISJ1)

Irish Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that examines the variety and diversity of Irish history, society, language, literature and cultural practice, analysing the complex processes through which Ireland and Irish identities have been constructed. It asks a series of provocative and stimulating questions such as how meaningful national identity is in an age of globalisation, and how processes of emigration and immigration impact on Irish culture, society and identity. By exploring literary texts in manuscript and print culture, language origins and development, media and film, celtic civilization, folklore, archaeology, history, sociology, and art history, students will understand the evolution of the Irish historical and cultural heritage in a national and global context.

The programme is aimed at national and international students with an interest in literary origins and contemporary literature and media, film and popular tradition, the arts and Irish heritage in a global context. It is very suitable for those who wish to develop a career or further studies in these areas.

Our aim is to extend and enhance the understanding of Ireland, Irishness, including its Celtic  roots and associations in a historical and contemporary context. Students participate in fieldwork and are made aware of archival sources as part of their learning. Teaching is carried out in lectures, in small-group tutorials, and in seminar-style participatory classes. Public seminars and lectures also form an integral part of course provision. Assessments take the form of written examinations, MCQ’s, individual research projects, journal-keeping, in-semester essays and oral presentations. 

1 - Ability to use research skills to identify areas of cultural and historical heritage in national and international contexts
2 - Ability to critically evaluate and analyse relevant archival and contemporary sources in Irish literature, history and culture
3 - Able to articulate the ways in which the present is influenced by the past in the context of Ireland’s history, culture and heritage in national and international contexts
4 - Ability to critically analyse Irish and English language texts and literature as an integral part of Irish society past and present in national and global contexts
5 - Demonstrate knowledge of the cultures of the Celtic and Irish speaking peoples across a wide chronological span
6 - Engage with research methods and utilise sources in the study of literature, language, history and culture in the context of Irish Studies
7 - Demonstrate effective communication skills with appropriate use of subject-specific terminology

There are opportunities for students to spend a year studying abroad while pursuing their BA in Irish Folklore. Possibilities for such study include Europe, Canada, the United States and Japan.

A degree in Irish Folklore is of relevance to anyone interested in popular culture, tradition and society, and their interconnections. It provides an excellent basis for careers in:

Heritage related organisations

The media

Teaching

Areas related to Irish studies & ethnic studies.

You can also pursue MLitt and PhD graduate studies in Irish Folklore in UCD, specialising in one of the many areas of the subject

Stage 2

Students take both core modules and three option modules.
Students should contact the School Administrator for advice on choosing options, or if there are any difficulties registering for modules.

Stage 3

Students must select both core modules and 15 credits of option modules.
Students should contact the School Administrator for advice on choosing options or if there are any difficulties registering for modules.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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