St Patrick's Ireland
An Introduction to Celtic Christianity
Ireland has a rich Christian history and culture dating back to the fifth century when St Patrick and other missionaries evangelised the island of Ireland. Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and the culture of Christianity that developed in this rural and agrarian society without towns was distinct from other parts of Europe.
Read more
Ireland has a rich Christian history and culture dating back to the fifth century when St Patrick and other missionaries evangelised the island of Ireland. Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and the culture of Christianity that developed in this rural and agrarian society without towns was distinct from other parts of Europe.
Ireland has a rich Christian history and culture dating back to the fifth century when St Patrick and other missionaries evangelised the island of Ireland. Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and the culture of Christianity that developed in this rural and agrarian society without towns was distinct from other parts of Europe.
This course introduces students to this fascinating and unique early Christian culture and heritage through learning about the key figures in Early Christian Ireland from the fifth to the seventh centuries, the Golden Age of the Irish Church.
Led by an Irish medieval historian and author, students will have the opportunity to read original source material written in Early Christian Ireland as well as availing of additional resources and videos to deepen their knowledge and learning. The course is based on courses taught by the instructor at Trinity College Dublin and Boston College on Early Christian Ireland and Early Medieval Ireland.
In this course you will explore:
The real St Patrick and his remarkable original writings
Whether St Brigid was a Celtic Goddess or a historical person
Traditions associated with St Brigid and the earliest accounts of her life
The influence of St Columba/ Colum Cille in Ireland and Scotland
The voyaging Irish monks who travelled as far as the Faroe Islands and Iceland
The travels of St Columbanus in Europe and his original writings
The course is suitable for all those interested in Ireland and Irish Christian culture and heritage.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- An overview of celtic christianity from 400 to 650 ad
- An introduction to early irish saints and hagiographical writing
- An appreciation of the contribution of early irish christianity
- The historical development of the early irish church
- An overview of celtic christianity from 400 to 650 ad
- An introduction to early irish saints and hagiographical writing
- An appreciation of the contribution of early irish christianity
- The historical development of the early irish church
Syllabus
Introduction
Introduction & Welcome to the Course
What do we mean by Celtic Christianity?
For Teachers
Read more
Syllabus
Good to know
Save this course
Save
Activities
Review basic Irish history and geography
Show steps
Strengthens foundational knowledge and enhances comprehension of the geographical and historical context of the course material.
Show steps
-
Review maps and timelines of Irish history
-
Read articles or watch documentaries on key historical events
Read 'The Story of Celtic Christianity' by Thomas Cahill
Show steps
Provides historical context for the course material and enhances understanding of the origins and development of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book from a library or bookstore
-
Read the book at a pace that allows for comprehension and reflection
-
Take notes or highlight important passages as you read
Read 'Saint Patrick: His Origins and Career' by Thomas O'Loughlin
Show steps
Provides insights into the life and work of a key figure in Early Christian Ireland, enhancing understanding of his role and influence.
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book from a library or bookstore
-
Read the book at a pace that allows for comprehension and reflection
-
Take notes or highlight important passages as you read
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice translating Latin phrases related to Early Christian Ireland
Show steps
Strengthens understanding of Latin terminology used in historical documents and enhances comprehension of primary sources.
Browse courses on
Latin
Show steps
-
Identify a resource or online tool for practicing Latin translation
-
Focus on phrases and texts related to the history of the Irish Church
-
Practice translating regularly, aiming for accuracy and comprehension
Create a timeline of key events in Early Christian Ireland
Show steps
Reinforces knowledge of historical events and helps visualize the chronological development of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
-
Gather information from the course material and additional sources
-
Identify key events and their approximate dates
-
Create a timeline using a digital or physical tool
Participate in a discussion forum on the influence of Celtic Christianity on modern spirituality
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with peers, share perspectives, and broaden understanding of the ongoing impact of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
-
Find or create a discussion forum related to Celtic Christianity
-
Post thoughtful questions or comments based on course material
-
Engage in respectful and informed discussions with other participants
Volunteer at a local Irish cultural center or museum
Show steps
Offers practical experience, fosters cultural appreciation, and deepens understanding of the historical and cultural context of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
-
Identify local cultural centers or museums related to Irish history or culture
-
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Participate in activities and engage with staff and visitors
Review basic Irish history and geography
Show steps
Strengthens foundational knowledge and enhances comprehension of the geographical and historical context of the course material.
Show steps
- Review maps and timelines of Irish history
- Read articles or watch documentaries on key historical events
Read 'The Story of Celtic Christianity' by Thomas Cahill
Show steps
Provides historical context for the course material and enhances understanding of the origins and development of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book from a library or bookstore
- Read the book at a pace that allows for comprehension and reflection
- Take notes or highlight important passages as you read
Read 'Saint Patrick: His Origins and Career' by Thomas O'Loughlin
Show steps
Provides insights into the life and work of a key figure in Early Christian Ireland, enhancing understanding of his role and influence.
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book from a library or bookstore
- Read the book at a pace that allows for comprehension and reflection
- Take notes or highlight important passages as you read
Practice translating Latin phrases related to Early Christian Ireland
Show steps
Strengthens understanding of Latin terminology used in historical documents and enhances comprehension of primary sources.
Browse courses on
Latin
Show steps
- Identify a resource or online tool for practicing Latin translation
- Focus on phrases and texts related to the history of the Irish Church
- Practice translating regularly, aiming for accuracy and comprehension
Create a timeline of key events in Early Christian Ireland
Show steps
Reinforces knowledge of historical events and helps visualize the chronological development of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
- Gather information from the course material and additional sources
- Identify key events and their approximate dates
- Create a timeline using a digital or physical tool
Participate in a discussion forum on the influence of Celtic Christianity on modern spirituality
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to engage with peers, share perspectives, and broaden understanding of the ongoing impact of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
- Find or create a discussion forum related to Celtic Christianity
- Post thoughtful questions or comments based on course material
- Engage in respectful and informed discussions with other participants
Volunteer at a local Irish cultural center or museum
Show steps
Offers practical experience, fosters cultural appreciation, and deepens understanding of the historical and cultural context of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
- Identify local cultural centers or museums related to Irish history or culture
- Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Participate in activities and engage with staff and visitors
Career center
Reading list
Share
Similar courses
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
