The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece

Online Course

Trinity College Dublin

Future Learn

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The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece

What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
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What is the course about?

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece

The course The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece is an online class provided by Trinity College Dublin through Future Learn. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

Discover medieval Ireland using the Book of Kells, a ninth-century manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new testament.

Course description

Explore the history of Ireland using the remarkable Book of Kells
4 weeks

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.

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.

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

The course is for anyone with an interest in Ireland, medieval studies, history, art, religion and/or popular culture.

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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Prerequisites & Facts

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece

Course Topic

History, Irish History, Literature, Medieval History

University, College, Institution

Trinity College Dublin

Course Skill Level

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece

To obtain a verified certificate from Future Learn / Trinity College Dublin you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

Trinity College Dublin

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece

provided by Future Learn

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