What are Ancient Medieval Languages?
The Middle Ages were a period of about a thousand years in European history. The ‘Middle Ages’ are called this because it is the time between the fall of Imperial Rome and the beginning of early modern Europe. This period is also known as the Medieval Age, the Dark Ages (due to the lost technology of the Roman Empire), or the Age of Faith (because of the rise of Christianity and Islam).
During the Middle Ages, Europe changed as the remains of the great Western Roman Empire slowly became independent, unified nation-states such as England, Scotland, France, Hungary, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Lithuania, Denmark, and Norway. This lead to many interesting developments and evolutions of languages of the time.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Ancient Medieval Languages courses in the following subject areas:
- Ancient Medieval & Renaissance Thought – This program provides students with specialized knowledge in ancient, medieval and Renaissance thought, focusing on philosophical writers, literary and historical themes, and the history of thought.
- Exploring History: Medieval to Modern 1400-1900 – A wide-ranging introduction to the study of European and Atlantic history – medieval to modern.
- Reading Classical Greek: Language and Literature – Teaches beginners the basic vocabulary and grammar needed to start reading classical Greek texts in the original and introduces the culture of classical Greece.
- Ancient Ireland: Introduction – An Introduction to Ancient Ireland is designed to enable students to explore cultural aspects of early Ireland, and will illuminate connections between its literature, mythology, religion, society, and material culture.
- Archaeology of Ancient Ireland – Explore the whole story of Ireland’s archaeological past, enhancing skills essential in teaching about the Irish past or providing narratives in the heritage industry.
Studying Ancient Medieval Languages in college
Many Ancient Medieval Languages courses take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry or focus on gaining research experience. These opportunities may be based in research institutes, universities, or a combination of the two, and are an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your potential to a future supervisor and develop your network.
Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favorably by employers.
Work Experience will not only allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing a course in Ancient Medieval Languages you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of study and research.
Universities are the main employers of academic researchers in most fields. Research institutes also employ staff carrying out high-level academic research. They’re often associated with one or more universities and other relevant organizations such as a charity or other research institute.
Long and short-term opportunities also exist in charities, NGOs, think tanks, consultancies, and government departments.
Short-term work is usually carried out on a freelance basis, where you’ll research a topic for a client of the organization. These opportunities are open to those with significant experience in a specialist area and may be carried out while working in another role or as a main source of income. Some academic researchers appear as experts on news programs and documentaries and may be involved in writing articles for national and international news outlets.
You’re also likely to be involved in the teaching and supervision of university students and speaking at conferences.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. The hours are usually full-time, Monday to Friday. In reality, you’ll work longer hours as required, to complete projects and reach publication deadlines and targets. This will include evenings and weekends.
Highly experienced and knowledgeable academic researchers may work freelance, completing numerous short-term contracts.
Related jobs include:
- Academic researcher
- Archivist
- Heritage manager
- Historic buildings inspector
- Conservation officer
- Museum education officer
- Museum/gallery curator
- Museum/gallery exhibitions officer
- Secondary school teacher
- Academic librarian
- Archaeologist
- Broadcast journalist
- Civil Service administrator
- Editorial assistant
- Human resources officer
- Information officer
- Policy officer
Further study
After completing a course in Ancient Medieval Languages you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to specialize in certain career areas such as IT, report writing, using data/statistics, media training, effective leadership, research techniques, administration, and funding application training.
FAQ
What skills could be helpful for a career in Language Research?
Skills that would be useful include
· A high level of intellectual ability, to plan and carry out research
· Technical aptitude, to learn how to use new equipment and emerging technology
· Organisation skills, to plan your workload and support team members
· Interpersonal skills, to develop strong working relationships and trust with a broad range of people to foster productive collaborations and future partnerships
· Excellent teamwork skills, to work synergistically on individual and group projects
· Concise and meaningful high level written communication skills for publishing work, conference proceedings, and funding bids
· A strong passion for your discipline and motivation to continue learning, reach deadlines and targets
· Strong IT skills including the use of Microsoft Office, and for some areas excellent data analysis and statistical knowledge
· Excellent verbal communication skills, to present ideas and conclusions in lectures and presentations
· Flexibility and resilience, to keep going when research doesn’t generate results in the expected timescale.
Where can I study Ancient Medieval Languages?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· Between 1347 and 1350, a mysterious disease is known as the “Black Death” (the bubonic plague) killed some 20 million people in Europe—30% of the continent’s population. It was especially deadly in cities, where it was impossible to prevent the transmission of the disease from one person to another.
· During the Middle Ages, Eels were sometimes used as currency. A record survives showing someone once rented land in the fenlands for 26,275 eels.
· On 13 April 1314 King Edward II issued a proclamation that banned football in London, citing “…there is great noise in the city caused by hustling over large balls from which many evils may arise which God forbid; we command and forbid, on behalf of the King, on pain of imprisonment, such game to be used in the city in the future.”.
· From about the 1330s onwards, people began wearing shoes with ridiculously long toes. The longer they could be the better. They were called Cracow shoes, named after where they originated from Krakow in Poland.
Comments