A beginning course in Modern Irish. Students will be learning the basics of Irish grammar, and developing ability to understand, speak, read and write the language.

This is a beginner’s course. The goal of this course is to build a familiarity with the language and basic proficiency in beginning Irish. To that end, we work at a reasonable but solid pace through Ó Dónaill’s book. We will supplement this work with lectures on grammar and modern culture. Students will learn about the history of the language and the basics of Irish grammar. Emphasis will be on pronunciation, and the acquisition of basic vocabulary and common idioms. Our highest priority is for students to develop their ability to understand, speak, read and write the language, while being comfortable with the many different dialects of Irish. Simple written stories and conversations in Irish will supplement classroom oral-aural work. Class activities will include conversation and discussion of homework in Irish. At the end of the course students should be able to carry on a basic conversation in Irish, as they use the unique idioms of the language; in addition we will practice reading and writing basic poetry and prose. Student assignments will include regular homework assignments, quizzes, a midterm, and a final. Participation and attendance is required. Texts: Gaeilge gan Stró! Beginners Level: A Multimedia Irish Language Course for Adults (English and Irish Edition) by Éamonn Ó Dónaill. ISBN-10: 0956361447; ISBN-13: 978-0956361448.

Prerequisites: None.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.