Celtic 132 or permission of instructor. A study of the prose and literature of medieval Wales, focusing on the Four Branches, the early Arthurian tales and associated works. The class will consider the texts as folklore, as myth, and as literature, especially addressing the ways in which assumptions about genre affect the reading produced. Supplemental readings will address theoretical approaches to myth, folklore, and literature. Materials studied include the commentaries of Greek and Roman ethnographers, the archaeological record, and in particular the writings of the early Irish and Welsh themselves.
All materials read in translation.
Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3686. It is suggested that this course be followed by Celtic 161. All works read in Welsh. An introduction to the language of the 8th and 9th centuries, with elementary readings in prose texts. It is suggested that this course be followed by Celtic 201.