This module provides a basic introduction to the Welsh language and its history and to culture and identity in Modern Wales. The module includes a strong comparative international dimension so that events and characteristics features of Welsh life are placed within main currents of international though and development. It also includes a basic introduction to the rudiments of the Welsh language.

Knowledge and Understanding:

• show a general understanding of a range of different approaches to language, culture and identity in Modern Wales.
• show an understanding and critical appreciation of the most important scholarly and theoretical discussions in the field.
• show a rudimentary knowledge of the Welsh language.

Intellectual Skills:

• critically assess and interpret knowledge regarding language, culture and identity in Modern Wales drawn from a variety of sources.
• engage in informed discussion based on the student’s knowledge and understanding of language, culture and identity in Modern Welsh language.
• write an informed and critical essay on one element of the student’s knowledge and understanding of language, culture and identity in Modern Wales.

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

• identify the strengths, weaknesses, and problems associated with the study of language, culture and identity in Modern Wales.
• Engage in informed discussion based on the student’s knowledge and understanding of language, culture and identity in Modern Wales.
• write an informed and critical essay on one element of the student’s knowledge and understanding of language, culture and identity in Modern Wales.

Transferable Skills:

• evaluate the merits and demerits of alternative views and interpretations.

Present arguments accurately, succinctly and lucidly, in both written and oral form

 Lectures, language classes and study tours.

 The purpose of this module is to examine the social uses and significance of policies concerning language, culture and identity in Modern Wales. It does not presuppose a knowledge of either Welsh history of the Welsh language and is thus intended to be an introduction to the principal features of contemporary bilingualism in Wales. However, the module also contains a strong comparative international dimension so that events and characteristics features of Welsh life are placed within main currents of international thought and development. The module also includes a basic introduction to the rudiments of the Welsh language. 

 The assessed essay will demonstrate the student’s understanding of a particular area within the wider context of language, culture and identity in Modern Wales.

Induction. Basic Welsh (2 hours)

1. Background to the Welsh Language
2. Basic Welsh
3. Study Tour: The National Assembly for Wales
4. Basic Welsh
5. The Geography of Wales
6. Basic Welsh
7. The History of Wales
8. Basic Welsh
9. Language Policy and Planning in Wales
10. Welsh Identity

Atichison, John & Carter, Harold (1994) A Geography of the Welsh Language 1961-1991 (University of Wales Press)

Baker, Colin (1985). Aspects of Bilingualism in Wales (Multilingual Matters)

Davies, Janet (1999). The Welsh Language: A Pocket Guide (University of Wales Press)

Davies, John (1993) A History of Wales (Allen Lane)

Egan, David (1987). People, Protest and Politics (Gomer)

Fishman, J. (ed.) (2001). Can Threatened Languages Be Saved? (Multilingual Matters)

Humphreys, E. (1983). The Taliesin Tradition: A Quest for the Welsh Identity (Black Raven Press)

Jenkins, Geraint H. & Williams, Mair A. (eds) (2000). ‘Let’s do our best for the ancient tongue’: The Welsh Language in the Twentieth Centaury (University of Wales Press)

Jones, J. Graham (1998). The History of Wales: A Pocket Guide (University of Wales Press)

Morgan, K. O. (1981). Rebirth of a Nation. Wales 1880-1980 (Oxford University Press)

Morgan, Prys (1968). A Background of Wales (Christopher Davies)

Morgan, Prys & Thomas, David (1984). Wales, The Shaping of a Nation (David and Charles)

Thomas, David (ed.) (1977). Wales, A New Study (David and Charles)

Williams, Colin H. (ed.) (2000). Language Revitalisation: Policy and Planning (University of Wales Press)

Williams, Colin H (2004) Iaith Pawb: The Doctrine of Plenary Inclusion. Contemporary Wales, Vol. 17, pp. 1-27.

Williams, Gwyn A. (1979). Madoc: The Making of a Myth (Eyre Methuen)

Williams, Gwyn A. (1980) The Search for Beulah Land (Croom Helm)

Williams, Gwyn A. (1982) the Welsh in their History (Croom, Helm)

Not applicable