Celtic Languages and Culture

The minor Celtic Languages and Culture explores the great literatures that were produced in Ireland and Wales during the medieval period.

Content

The minor ‘Celtic Languages and Culture’ explores who the Celts were, what texts they produced in the medieval period and how we interpret those texts, and it gives an introduction to one of the modern Celtic languages. The minor moves both chronologically (i.e. from ancient to modern times) and also thematically, with a strong focus on both literature and history, but also language. After receiving an introduction to the languages, cultures and history of the Celtic speaking peoples, you read medieval Irish and Welsh literatures in translation in order to see how they fit into and are shaped by the cultural milieu in which they were produced. In semester two, the focus shifts to modern interpretations of the literature and learning the basics of a modern Celtic language.

Goal

The minor in Celtic studies presents you with a general understanding of the field while focusing on Celtic literatures and their influence on / adaptation in later times. The Introduction to Celtic Studies offers a broad overview of the field, drawing on the fields of literature, history, archaeology, and linguistics. Subsequent courses focus on:

1. reading and analysing literature in translation;
2. anchoring the texts in the period and cultural milieu in which they were composed and / or copied;
3. exploring how the medieval texts were used, reused, and adapted by later authors for various purposes;
4. learning the basics of Modern Irish or Modern Welsh, in order to gain insight into a Celtic language, one of the key markers of culture.

Curriculum

This minor consists of four compulsory courses.

In period 4 you choose either Modern Welsh or Modern Irish, depending on the year (odd or even). In 2025-2026 you take the following courses:

Interested in these Masters?

The minor provides substantive preparation for the Master's programmes listed below. It does not guarantee admission, so always check the entry requirements. 

• Meertaligheid en taalverwerving (provided that you have sufficient courses in linguistics)
• Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies (assuming you take sufficient courses to meet the admissions requirements of the track)

Register

First, check whether you meet the entry requirements. How you register next depends on whether you are already a student at Utrecht University or not.

Contact

With questions or for more information about the registration procedure, please contact the Humanities Student Information Desk.