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Bachelor’s Program

The bachelor’s program offers an introduction to medieval Celtic languages, focusing primarily on Old Irish and Middle Welsh. Students begin with foundational language and reading courses that build proficiency in each language. Additionally, a series of modules provides a broad understanding of Celtic literature, cultural studies, and the historical backdrop that shaped these languages.

The program uses a rotation system for the language courses: students start with one language in their first year and deepen their skills in a second-year reading course. The same structure applies to the other language, introduced in the second year and further explored in the third year.

Course Overview

Introduction to Celtic Studies (6 ECTS)

This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of Celtic Studies, covering archaeological, historical, linguistic, and literary perspectives from antiquity to today.
Introduction to Old Irish (6 ECTS)

This language course introduces Old Irish, the language of Ireland from around 700–900 A.D. It takes students through the complex grammar of Old Irish over two semesters, practicing with example sentences and text excerpts at beginners’ level.
Old Irish Texts a/b (12/6 ECTS)

This course builds on the knowledge gained in the introduction, and delves into Old Irish texts, such as the story Longes mac nUislenn, through translation practice and the exploration of linguistic, literary, and cultural topics.
Introduction to Middle Welsh (12 ECTS)

Middle Welsh, the language of Wales from the twelfth to the sixteenth century, is introduced here through grammar practice and guided readings from key texts.
Middle Welsh Texts a/b (12/6 ECTS)

This course continues the study of Middle Welsh, exploring texts such as the Four Branches of the Mabinogi, through translation practice and the exploration of linguistic, literary, and cultural topics.
Introduction to Medieval Irish Literature (12 ECTS)

This course provides an over-all survey of a variety of medieval Irish literary genres, including sagas, poetry, and hagiography, by means of key translated texts.
Introduction to the Medieval Literatures of Wales, Cornwall and Brittany (12 ECTS)

This course explores the rich medieval literature of Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany, including the Mabinogion, as well as poetry, plays, and saints’ lives, which are all studied in translation.
Celticism (6 ECTS)

This course examines what it means to be “Celtic” across history, including the nineteenth-century Celtic Revival and modern influences on literature and popular media.
History of the Celtic-Speaking Peoples AD 400–1200 (6 ECTS)

This course covers the key historical developments in Britain and Ireland during the early medieval period, highlighting significant events and societal changes.
Celtic Archaeology I/II (6 ECTS)
In partnership with the Department of Prehistoric Archaeology, this module explores various aspects of Iron Age archaeology in Europe.

Study Program for Celtic Studies (Major or Minor) in the Combined Bachelor’s Degree

This study program is designed to guide you through each semester, helping you organize your studies. The major program consists of three main building blocks: general skills, language and literature, and methods and application, the minor option only covers the latter two.

Major in Celtic Studies

General Skills
In the first two semesters, you will complete three foundational courses that require no prior knowledge. These courses introduce you to basic linguistic and grammatical terminology and teach you essential research and study skills. Using German linguistic principles as a starting point, you will gain a solid grounding in language studies, learning to apply your skills independently.

Language and Literature
This core section focuses on building proficiency in Old Irish and Middle Welsh. Each language course is offered in alternate semesters, and you will start with basic grammar followed by a reading course in subsequent semesters, where you will engage with original texts. These courses form a cohesive sequence, spanning from your first to your sixth semester, allowing for a deep and progressive mastery of the two languages.

Methods and Application
In this section, you will gain insight into specialized areas of Celtic Studies through a variety of courses, including the medieval literatures of Ireland and Wales, the history and archaeology of Celtic peoples, and the modern understanding of Celtic heritage (Celticism).
Minor in Celtic Studies

For students choosing Celtic Studies as a minor option, the program is streamlined into two rather then three key areas, offering a foundational exploration of the field.

Language and Literature
This area provides an introduction to Celtic Studies, along with one foundational language—either Old Irish or Middle Welsh, which is studied across three consecutive semesters.

Methods & Application
Under this heading, you choose from courses on offer covering medieval Irish or Welsh literatures, the history of Celtic-speaking peoples, archaeology, or the reception of Celtic culture in modern times. This tailored approach allows you to explore specific interests within Celtic Studies while complementing your major area of study.