CY3733: Wales and the Welsh Language

School Ysgol y Gymraeg, Prifysgol Caerdydd
Department Code WELSH
Module Code CY3733
External Subject Code Q561
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery Welsh
Module Leader Professor Colin Williams
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2013/4

Outline Description of Module

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.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

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

How the module will be delivered

 Lectures, language classes and study tours.

How the module will be assessed

 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.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

Induction. Basic Welsh (2 hours)

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

Essential Reading and Resource List

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)

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