This page provides teachers interested in Gaelic Cultural studies with course information, resources, and opportunities for shaping curriculum through idea exchange. Please visit often and record your comments, queries and suggestions by clicking on forum.

Course Overview

Gaelic Studies 11 is a high school course that will provide opportunities for students to learn more about the vibrant culture of the Gaels who came to Nova Scotia during the late seventeen and early eighteen hundreds. It consists of several modules that are separate yet connected in content, with many exciting cross-over possibilities (e.g., weaving story telling through song, dramatizing historical events, combining visual art and writing). It consists of several modules.

History and Identity

This module will explore the early history of the Gaels and their migration from Scotland examining such issues as settlement, social values, language and tradition, geographic considerations, genealogy and hardships.

Oral and Written tradition/Expression

This module identifies and compares types of songs, stories, and conversations from a variety of sources, introduces Gaelic bards, singers and storytellers and explores their roles and influences as well as research and collections of traditional lore, story, and song.

Gaelic Arts

This module explores the rich legacy of traditional and present day Gaelic arts. It involves research, design, and production in visual art, dance, music and drama with reflection upon the significant influence of the Gaelic culture on our present arts scene.

Project

This module will provide unique opportunities to work alone or in groups to extend, apply, or explore in depth ideas, issues or skills introduced in modules 1, 2, and 3.The possibilities here are endless!

Here are some of the questions that may arise in planning for a course:

What resources will teachers need to prepare for teaching Gaelic Cultural Studies (e.g., texts, software, art, supplies, music) and what preparation might be necessary at the school level in order to implement such a course?

What kinds of things will students want to get out of such a course?

What personal strengths (in terms of knowledge, experience, "gifts") will individual teachers and students be able to bring to the course? How might this translate into a particular "rendition"?

What questions arise regarding assessment of learning.? Which of the many assessment strategies available will be useful for students with varying degrees of interest, experience and ability?

What possibilities exist for threading aspects of each module throughout others?

Where might one begin to make community connections (parents, artists, Gaelic speakers? historians)?

What opportunities exist for teachers to network and share their expertise, understandings and experiences with one another and with those interested in teaching the course?

What impact might the outcomes of this course have on the broader school community and culture?

For information on texts and multimedia, as well as possible suppliers, check the resources page.