General
Program Description
Discover medieval Ireland using the Book of Kells, a ninth-century manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new testament.
Explore the history of Ireland using the remarkable Book of Kells
The Book of Kells manuscript, housed at Trinity College Dublin is world famous - it attracts almost one million visitors a year. But what can this book tell us about Irish history? And what significance is the manuscript in today’s world?
On this course, you will use the Book of Kells as a window through which to explore the landscape, history, faith, theology, and politics of early medieval Ireland. You will also consider how the manuscript was made, its extended biography and how it has affected different areas of the contemporary world.
What topics will you cover?
- Where and how the manuscript was made.
- The social context from which the manuscript emerged, including early medieval faith and politics.
- The artistic context of the manuscript, reflecting local and international styles.
- The theology and interpretations of the text.
- How and why the manuscript survived.
- The Book of Kells and contemporary culture.
When would you like to start?
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts.
- Available now
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to:
- Explain the function and meanings of medieval Irish art.
- Understand how medieval manuscripts were made.
- Engage critically with methodologies and scholarly debates which have shaped interpretations of the period.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the distinctive features of the Irish Church in this era.
- Combine visual analysis with theological and historical appraisal regarding medieval material culture.
Who is the course for?
The course is for anyone with an interest in Ireland, medieval studies, history, art, religion and/or popular culture.
Who will you learn with?
Rachel Moss Associate Professor in the History of Art and Architecture at Trinity College Dublin. |
Fáinche Ryan Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the Loyola Institute, Trinity College Dublin. |
Who developed the course?
Trinity College Dublin
Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s highest-ranked university. It promotes a diverse, interdisciplinary environment to nurture ground-breaking research, innovation, and creativity.
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