To apply for special permission for an Irish course, contact the SILP Director, Silke von der Emde (vonderemde@vassar.edu) during spring pre-registration.

View Courses from the Vassar College Catalogue.

 Beginning Irish/Gaelic (IRSH 105-106)

This course introduces students to the rudiments of the Irish language. A short history of the language will be included as part of a general introduction to Irish culture. Family and place names will be explained. The current role of the Irish language in Ireland will be examined along with the increasing popularity of Irish outside the island of Ireland.

By the end of this course, students should be able to greet one another, speak in simple sentences about themselves, and describe their families and friends, their home, and pastimes in Irish. Students will also understand the Irish language in relation to other components in the Irish cultural experience. 

Intermediate Irish/Gaelic (IRSH 210-211)

This course continues to introduce students to the rudiments of the Irish language. It builds on the grammatical lessons of Beginning Irish. The accumulation of vocabulary is stressed and students are introduced to Irish Myths and Sagas while developing beginning conversational fluency.

By the end of this course, students will be able to speak in simple sentences about themselves and describe their families and friends, their home, and pastimes in Irish. They should also be able to deal with everyday interactions such as shopping and making arrangements through Irish.

Advanced Irish/Gaelic (IRSH 310, 311)

This course is suitable for students who have completed four semesters of Irish language study. The course will introduce familiar topics but with a richer level of vocabulary than earlier courses. Students will hear a variety of accents, leading to greater levels of understanding. The focus of this course is on conversational fluency, strengthening pronunciation, and command of the language. This will be supported by readings suitable for adult learners, songs, poetry, folklore, and group activities. Grammar will be taught as it becomes necessary to support the students’ growing language abilities.

By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate on a variety of everyday subjects. Students will also be able to write short essays on a variety of subjects. 

Tutor: Seoirsín Ní Mheachair

Examiner: Hilary Sweeney, New York University

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