Posted on: 14 December 2006
A pioneering interdisciplinary degree in Irish Studies that will explore and question Ireland’s literature, language, history and culture in a way that has never before been possible, either at home or abroad, was launched by Trinity College on Wednesday, December 13 last.
This innovative interdisciplinary programme will enable students to study Irish literature in the Irish and English languages. They will study the main periods of Irish history and will familiarise themselves with key concepts in cultural history and theory. They will also have an opportunity to study the Irish language from beginner’s level. This is a new departure for an Irish university. The course will also include other such subjects as an introduction to genetics and DNA testing which will involve genetic research of the population patterns in prehistoric and medieval Ireland, their genealogies and the historical implications of these results.
The degree course which is aimed at undergraduates from Ireland, the EU, America and worldwide is a collaboration between TCD lecturers from several different disciplines: History, English, Irish, Geography, History of Art, Politics, Linguistics, Film and Drama Studies and Genetics. There will be 26 places available – 20 EU and 6 non-EU places.
Commenting on the significance of the new degree course, TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty, stated at the launch: “As the premier third-level institution in Ireland, Trinity’s commitment to fostering Irish Studies is built on a foundation of academic excellence. Its expertise in key areas of research and teaching in and about Ireland makes the new BA degree in Irish Studies a truly innovative course and unique opportunity for students.”
“As Ireland develops further and embraces greater innovation and excellence in education and society at large, it is appropriate that a unique interdisciplinary degree course is now available that will explore and question our literature, language, history and culture in a way that has never before been possible, either at home or abroad.”
“The Irish studies degree will contribute to the continuing development, growth and maturity of Ireland and Irish society. It represents a celebration of our Irishness, and also of our contribution to global diversity and the languages, histories, literatures and cultures of the modern world.”
Professor Ciarán Brady, of the School of Histories and Humanities gave a presentation to students and teachers on the new degree course as part of Trinity College’s Open Day.
Cúrsa Nua sa Léann Dúchais á lainseáil ag Coláiste na Tríonóide
Lainseáil Coláiste na Tríonóide bunchéim nua idirdhisciplíneach sa Léann Dúchais Dé Céadaoin,13 Nollaig. Cíorfar litríocht, teanga, stair agus cultúr na hÉireann sa chúrsa seo.
Tabharfar deis dos na mic léinn staidéar a dhéanamh ar an litríocht trí mheán na Gaeilge agus an Bhéarla. Pléifear príomh thréimhsí stair na hÉireann agus coincheapanna na teoirice a bhaineann leis an gcultúr agus leis an stair. Den chéad uair d’ollscoil beidh tosaitheoirí in ann teanga na Gaeilge a fhoghlaim mar chuid den chúrsa. Lena chois sin beidh ábhair ar nós bunchúrsa sa ghéineolaíocht agus tástáil DNA á múineadh chomh maith. Déanfar taighde geineolaíochta ar dhaonra na hÉireann sa tréimhe réamhstairiúil agus Meánaoiseach.
Tá an cúrsa dírithe ar fhochéimithe ón tír seo, ón Aontas Eorpach, agus ó Mheiriceá. Tá léachtóirí ó na ranna éagsúla páirteach sa chúrsa seo: Stair, Béarla, Gaeilge, Tíreolaíocht, Stair na hEalaíne, an Pholaitíocht, Teangeolaíocht, Scannán, Drámaíocht agus an Ghéineolaíocht. Tabharfar cuireadh do 26 mac léinn a bheith páirteach sa chúrsa seo.
Ag tagairt ar thábhacht an chúrsa nua, dúirt Propast an Choláiste, Dr John Hegarty: “Tá an cúrsa nua seo sa Léann Dúchais bunaithe ar thraidisiún agus deá-cháil acadúil na hollscoile. Is deis é do mhic léinn freastal ar chúrsa úr nua atá bunaithe ar shaineolas agus ar scoth na scoláireachta.”
“Tá sé tráthúil anois a leithéid de chúrsa a chur ar fáil. Rachaidh an cúrsa seo chun leasa d’fhorbairt agus aibíocht an tsochaí in Éirinn.”
Thug an tOllamh Ciarán Brady, Scoil na nDaonnachtaí agus Staire, cur síos ar an gcúrsa do mhic léinn agus múinteoirí ar an mbunchéim nua mar chuid de Lá Oscailte Choláiste na Tríonóide.
