The Cultural Impact of Christianity on Ireland

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Course Description: This module will examine some of the cultural consequences of the coming of Christianity to medieval Ireland, especially in the area of reading and writing. Among the topics covered will be the early history of Christianity in Ireland, the earliest writings from the Celtic-speaking world, religious literature in Irish and Latin, the contribution of the Irish to Christianity and learning abroad, and the impact of Christianity and the new learning on Irish vernacular culture. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of religious attitudes in early medieval Ireland. Discuss the literary sources for religious and cultural ideas and practices in early medieval Ireland. Analyse the close connection between the coming of Christianity and the spread of literacy, especially in the case of Ireland which never formed part of the Roman Empire. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of major cultural products of the early medieval period in Ireland. Assess critically current theories about early medieval Irish culture.