The aim of this module is to broaden the student’s understanding of various aspects of Gaelic culture. To that end the module will focus on traditional poetry, song and singing.
This module gives a general overview of traditional song and singing in Ireland covering various elements of the Irish language song tradition. The particular traits of this traDition are examined. Various styles are discussed along with the cultural context in which traDitional singing is practised. Opinions and theories regarding singing are also discussed as well as the place of traDitional singing within the general context of Irish music. Various aspects of folklore studies will be discussed. Students will engage in practical singing and the learning of a repertoire of songs in the Irish language as well as learning about the folkloric, historical and literary context of this form of oral poetry/literature .
This module will also support the development of the general communication skills of the student through the Irish language: Listening, Comprehension, Speaking, Reading and Writing. It will add to the range of cultural products and subject matter which the student will study and be able to discuss and write about through the medium of Irish and will aim to encourage, develop and maintain the student’s confidence in his/her use of the language in a social setting.
Attendance, participation and self-directed learning are viewed as essential elements of the learning process and a minimum of 75% of student attendance/participation will be expected.
A range of the following criteria will be used:
The student’s knowledge and ability to analyse; spoken fluency and ability; spoken and written accuracy; the student’s engagement in self-directed learning; independent research, professionalism.
This module gives a general overview of traditional singing in Irish. Important aspects of this oral literature and of the tradition itself will be examined. Different styles will be discussed as well as the cultural context in which this singing is practised. Various opinions and theories relating to the song tradition will be treated as well as the place of song in the overall music tradition.
Traditional singing will be studied as a vibrant aspect of both the historical and the current culture of the language. Practical traditional singing classes will be an intrinsic element of this study. The historical background and the folklore stories behind the songs will also be discussed.
This module will be taught through weekly lectures/seminars/practical classes for the full academic year. This will include listening to examples of song, discussion, recommended reading/listening etc. as well as the practical learning and practice of songs. The student will also be expected to engage in independent research, reading, listening etc.
A range of the following topics will be covered:
- Overview of the Irish and English language song traDitions.
- The Irish language song tradition – defining characteristics.
- The English language song tradition – defining characteristics.
- History/Background/Cultural context of song.
- Classification of song, Genres, Types etc.
- Poetic metres, phrasing, modes, form, rhyme etc.
- Keening, Lament.
- Spiritual songs.
- Macaronic songs.
- Narrative Ballads.
- Questions of narrative.
- How time is handled in songs.
- Functions of song.
- Words of songs.
- The transmission of songs.
- The rendering of a song, techniques etc.
- Sean-Nós.
- Terminology used to describe song and its limitations.
- Aesthetics.
- Repertoire – acquisition of, development of, types of, range of etc.
- The folklore/stories behind the songs.
- Feelings.
- Changes in the cultural context and practice of traditional song.
- The magic of song, the power of songs to transport us into another world.
- Leaning a repertoire of songs in Irish and English.
Students will normally undertake approximately 2 hours of study/preparation for each class.
Indicative Learning Hours:
| Staff led activities: Lectures | 40 |
| Staff led activities: Tutorials | 10 |
| Student directed: Self-directed Learning and preparation for lectures | 80 |
| Student directed: Self-directed Learning and preparation for tutorials | 20 |
| Student directed: Self-directed Learning, preparation & doing tests | 10 |
| Student directed: Self-directed Learning, preparation & doing tasks | 10 |
| Student directed: Self-directed Learning, preparation & doing exams | 30 |
| TOTAL | 200 |
E-learning
A range of class materials and additional support materials will be available as appropriate.
Attendance, participation and self-directed learning are viewed as essential elements of the learning process and a minimum of 75% of student attendance/participation will be expected.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |