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Irish Course Descriptions
"Introduction
to the Irish Language"
Prerequisites: none
This 1.5 hour class is a basic introduction to conversational Irish, with less
emphasis on Irish in written form. The method of learning is by listening, repeating
and memorizing words and phrases. Basic vocabulary needed for travelers is taught,
as well as Irish songs, poems and proverbs, and a brief overview of the Irish
language -- its history and current status among the languages of the world.
Beginner
I
Prerequisites: none
Beginner I is an introductory course that covers the basics of Irish -- pronunciation,
grammar and conversation. It is intended to lay the foundation for further studies
in Irish, although it can also benefit the more casual student as well. Beginner
I will introduce the student to basic conversation skills, sentence structure
and the unique aspects of Irish pronunciation. This course often includes the
learning of songs, poems and colorful idiom.
Beginner
II
Prerequisites: Beginner I or equivalent
Beginner II is a continuation course that builds upon material covered in Beginner
I, strengthening the student's grasp of Irish pronunciation, grammar and conversation.
Beginner II will further polish basic conversation skills, understanding of
sentence structure pronunciation. Those who complete Beginner II will have a
basic understanding of Irish, be able to hold short conversations, and read
simple stories.
Intermediate/Advanced
I
Prerequisites: Beginner I & II or equivalent
Intermediate/Advanced I offers an opportunity for students of varying degrees
of proficiency to study together using a creative curriculum designed to provide
challenges and fun for students of all levels. This course does presume a year
or more of prior study, but with the basics mastered, students of Intermediate/Advanced
I can expect to round out their Irish studies in a friendly, collaborative atmosphere.
Intermediate/Advanced
II
Prerequisites: Beginner I & II or equivalent
A continuation course for intermediate & advanced students, Intermediate/Advanced
II offers an opportunity for students of varying degrees of proficiency to continue
their studies together using a creative curriculum designed to provide challenges
and fun for students of all levels.
Intermediate
I
Prerequisites: at least 1 year of prior Irish classes
Intermediate I is a course for those who are comfortable with the basics of
Irish and are ready to move on. Intermediate I will build upon previous knowledge,
expanding vocabulary & fluency using both textbooks and supplemental material.
The Intermediate student is introduced to more complex idiom and is taught how
to correctly and clearly express themselves through Irish.
Intermediate
II
Prerequisites: some prior intermediate-level Irish study
Intermediate II is a course for those who have previously begun intermediate-level
Irish studies. Intermediate II continues to build upon previous knowledge, expanding
vocabulary & fluency using both textbooks and supplemental material, in preparartion
for more advanced studies.
Advanced
I
Prerequisites: intermediate level studies
Advanced I is a course for those who have studied Irish for two or more years
and are very comfortable with basic conversation, grammar, sentence structure
and idiom. Advanced I will help round out the student's knowledge of Irish and
further strengthen previous knowledge.
Advanced
II
Prerequisites: some prior advanced-level studies
Advanced II is a continuation course for those who have studied advance-level
Irish. Advanced II will help round out the student's knowledge of Irish using
both textbooks and supplemental material.
Semester-Break
Comhrá Groups
Prerequisites: prior Irish class experience helpful
The New England CnaG Comhrá groups are informally-run gatherings, usually
held in the winter or summer (between formal semesters), although they are sometimes
held concurrently with formal semester classes. These groups are usually student
run and often center around the use of recordings from a conversational course
such as Buntús Cainte, supplemented by whatever materials the group sees
fit to use. The purpose of such groups is to strengthen conversational skills
in a small-group setting, often in someone's home. Because of the fluid and
unstructured nature of such Comhrá groups, please contact
us to be put in touch with the Comhrá group nearest you.
Ciorcal
Comhrá
(Advanced Irish Usage)
Prerequisites: 2+ years of Irish language studies
Students of the Ciorcal Comhrá group will usually have
taken all three levels of Irish offered at the same location; this course offers
a means of making use of what the student has previously learnt by conversing
with one another and with their instructor. This course does not follow a syllabus
or curriculum, but instead pursues goals arrived at within the class.
