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DipHE Gaelic and Related Studies

AWARD: Diploma of Higher Education
STUDY MODE: Distance Learning,Full-time,On-campus,Part-time
DURATION:
CODE:
COURSE LEADER: Prof. Meg Bateman
COURSE CONTACT: Eilidh Grant ( )

DESCRIPTION

The DipHE Gaelic and Related Studies is at SCQF Level 8 and equates to Year 2 of the BA degree course at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Students can choose to study modules from across our degree programme.

COURSE CONTENT

Students are required to undertake six modules at level 2 of the DipHE Gaelic and Related Studies, made up of compulsory modules (i.e. those which are part of the scheme requirements and are common across the degree programmes), and also modules which are specific to each programme.

One of the six modules is an optional module, i.e. a module which can be chosen from within your chosen degree programme or from another degree programme in the Gaelic and Related Studies scheme or, with the Programme Leader’s permission, a module from another degree within UHI, as long as the module can be delivered by distance learning. (Please note that modules from other degree programmes outwith the Gaelic and Related Studies scheme will be delivered in English).

To gain a Diploma of Higher Education students must successfully complete the two modules in the scheme requirements, three other modules at Level 8 of the Scheme and one optional module. Learning materials for these distance learning modules are available on Brightspace, UHI’s virtual learning environment.

Students will be given access to Brightspace after registration. Usually there are two online classes per week for each module. Students will receive a list of classes, assessments and learning materials at the start of each semester.

CORE MODULES

YEAR 2
Language, Culture and Ethnicity

Module Code: UQ508492
Credits: 20

This module is intended to equip students to understand the sociolinguistic situation of Gaelic, and the relationship between the Gaelic language and Gaelic identity, in theoretical and comparative contexts.

The aims of this module are to provide students with:

  • an understanding of the relationship between language, culture, ethnicity and identity, especially within bilingual or minoritised language communities;
  • an understanding of the processes of language and culture shift within bilingual or minoritised language communities.

Gaelic Language 2

Module Code: UQ508491
Credits: 20

The purpose of this module is to build upon the language skills acquired at SCQF Level 7 and to enable the student to produce course work in Gaelic of a linguistic quality appropriate to study at SCQF Level 8.

It therefore aims to reinforce and refine language skills acquired at SCQF 7, develop the student’s ability to recognise and use complex language structures, develop the ability to use concise, precise and apt styles, structures and vocabulary, develop translation skills and develop transcription skills

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of complex language structures;
  • demonstrate an ability to use complex language structures;
  • demonstrate an ability to employ appropriate language styles;
  • express thoughts and ideas accurately and concisely;
  • translate written texts accurately and concisely;
  • identify and apply the conventions of Gaelic grammar, syntax and orthography;
  • analyse and transcribe accurately spoken Gaelic;
  • proof-read and emend written Gaelic.

OPTIONAL MODULES

The Modern Short Story

Module Code: UQ508495
Credits: 20

The modern short story’s suitability as a vehicle for the experience of alienation in minority cultures has long been noted. This module aims to familiarise students with the genre, both formally and thematically. In terms of form, stories will be analysed for “unity of effect” and for the various stylistic devices which allow for an “economy of means”. The thematic and artistic preoccupations of the most prominent practitioners will be explored, and how they relate to the wider experience of Gaelic society regarding exile, biculturalism, religion language loss, etc. Comparison with the traditional tale, in terms of timescale, characterisation and elaboration of language, will further emphasise the modernist tendency to succinctness in the short story: the linear, externalised form of the former also contrasting with the organic, internalised form of the latter. While most stories relate to the experience of Scottish Gaels, there are also clear links to be made with wider intellectual movements, particularly with existentialism and modern psychology.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

  • define the short story as a genre, both formally and thematically
  • identify the major stylistic and thematic preoccupations of a number of Gaelic short story writers
  • demonstrate an appreciation of how these themes relate to wider questions of exile, biculturalism, religion, alienation, and existentialism
  • demonstrate a good understanding of the concepts and terminology of this module in speaking, reading, and writing Gaelic.

Gaelic Poetry since 1900

Module Code: UQ508493
Credits: 20

This module will critically show Gaelic poetry from the early 20th century onwards, looking at the development of poetry in a new style under the influence of other cultures on the one hand, and on traditional poetry on the other hand based on the bard, songs and regular metrics.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Knowledge of the work of the most famous modernist poets
  • An understanding of the cultural background of these poets
  • Understanding the difference between modern poetry and traditional poetry
  • Understanding of poetry’s meter and rhyme
  • Getting enjoyment from reading poetry

Scottish Onomastics

Module Code: UL708477
Credits: 20

This module on placenames and personal names, is taught in Gaelic, and was first devised by Iain Taylor, the author of our core text, The Placenames of Scotland. We see the map of Scotland as a palimpsest, an ancient manuscript revealing various layers of partially effaced writing. Placenames in Scotland derive from at least six languages, the oldest pre-Celtic, often attached to islands and rivers, followed by names in Celtic languages (Pictish, Brythonic and Gaelic), Norse and Anglian. As the peoples of Scotland settled and moved around, they left their traces in the onomasticon.  Because a name can be used as a referent, even without its meaning being understood, many original names have survived in later languages. A study of placenames helps reveal their origins and meanings which can tell us about tribal movements, land-use, social organisation and belief.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

  • recognise common onomastic elements in Pre-Celtic, Pictish, Brythonic, Gaelic, Norse and English
  • relate the settlement history of Scotland to the linguistic distribution of placenames
  • identify linguistic developments in Gaelic as evinced by placenames
  • analyse placenames at a local level
  • understand the linguistic origins of Gaelic personal names and the complexities of the anglicised surnames.

Gaelic Education in Scotland

Module Code: UQ508507
Credits: 20

In this module you will learn about the place that Gaelic had and has in the education system in Scotland, with a special focus on Gaelic Medium Education. Comparisons will also be made with education systems in Ireland and Wales. This module is based on academic papers read during the semester.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

  • understand the role of Gaelic in the education system in Scotland.
  • recognize what Gaelic Medium Education means, how it came about and how to strengthen it in the classroom.
  • know how ideology is the basis of any education system but especially in relation to a minority language.

History of Gaelic Music (* this module is only available on campus)

Module Code: UW308471
Credits: 20

This module introduces students to the music of the Gael and its history from pre-historic times through to the mid-twentieth century.

On successful completion of the module the student will have:

  • understanding of the main periods of history of the Gàidhealtachd and corresponding musical development.
  • acquisition of the necessary vocabulary for this module.

Folklore

Module Code: UQ508494
Credits: 20

In this module, you will learn about folklore and the ‘traditional’ culture of the Gaels in the ancient world: that is, before the twentieth century. You will learn about the career of the people: the amazing customs related to births, weddings, and deaths. You will learn about the supernatural world where you will meet fairies, the evil eye, and the two visions. You will also experience the run of the old year, the important days and dangerous days of the seasons, and the feast days when people would come together to sell, buy, play, and dance. Finally, you will look at the songs and stories of the Gaels.

Not only will you learn about the customs and beliefs of the Gaels from ancient times. You will also see how we can compare our heritage with the heritage of people elsewhere in Great Britain, in Ireland, and indeed in the whole of Europe. At the end of the course, you will understand that the Highlanders are not as isolated or as completely unique as some claim – we have a lot in common with other peoples.

Learning Outcomes:

You will have a good knowledge of the customs and beliefs that the Highlanders had from ancient times in terms of career, in terms of the supernatural world; concerning the days and seasons of the old year; and the culture of songs and stories. You will know the sources of information and where you can get more knowledge about folklore. You will also be able to confidently and comfortably assess the folklore of Gaelic as part of a wider context, the European context.

or another distance-learning module at level SCQF 7,8 no 9.

PROGRESSION ROUTES & EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS

If students are successful in achieving a Diploma of Higher Education, they will have the opportunity to do a degree via distance learning or on campus.

UCAS - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To successfully complete Level 1 of the Gaelic and Related Studies scheme and progress to Level 2, students must meet one of the following requirements:

a. An Cùrsa Adhartais students must get at least 50% in assessments for language modules CA5–CA6.

b. An Cùrsa Comais students must get at least 50% in assessments for the language modules ‘Communication B’ and ‘Formal and Professional Language’.

c. Gaelic and Communication students get at least 50% in the Gaelic and Communication language modules, namely ‘Cultar of the Gaels’ and ‘Scots Gaelic One’.

d. Other students may gain access to the course at the College’s discretion if it is judged that they have the appropriate skills for entry to the DipHE Gaelic and Related Studies course and that their Gaelic ability is at the prerequisite level.

How to apply

Contact the Admissions Officer by email at or phone on +44(0) 1471 888304.

Admissions & Registery Office
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Sleat
Isle of Skye
IV44 8RQ

COURSE FEE 2024/25

* In most cases, Scottish domiciled fee status students have their fees paid for them by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) and may be eligible for living cost support.


Full-time students, fee per year (120 credits)

£0.00

Part-time students, Distance Learning, fee per Module.

£0.00

Download costs for all study modes and courses here (PDF)

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