This article is from page 35 of the 2008-07-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
THE Clare Education Centre has teamed up with NUI, Galway to of- fer Clare people a range of diploma classes hosted from it’s Ennis Cam- pus. The diploma series is being of- fered by the universities Arts, Social Science and Celtic Studies depart- ments in conjunction with the it’s Adult and Continuing Education Of- neon
Programmes will be offered in French, German, the Irish language most interestingly in Irish Music SANG ene
The music course aims to provide insights from music, dance, poetry, television and film into the ways in
which Irish performers and writers have been actively involved in imag- ining and re-imagining Ireland over the last 250 years.
Crusheen musician, Tim Collins, is one of the course directors. “Musical ability is not a requirement for stu- dents entering this course as the pro- gramme is mainly centred around the debate and discussion of the identity of Irish traditional music,” he said.
‘Up to now our classes have includ- ed a diverse mix of students from doctors in Galway to musicians in Ennis so it really is a course that has broad appeal to a wide cross section of society.”
No previous knowledge of any of the subjects is required for the four
diplomas which have proven to be a popular choice among adult learners over a long tradition of part-time pro- grammes at NUI Galway.
“Previously some students found the diploma tough going and many dropped out but now we are offering three levels of diploma, catering to those non-Irish students interested in the language, right up to competent Irish speakers who wish to strength- en their written and grammar skills,” said Brid Seoige of Acadamh na hOllscolaiochta, which delivers the Diploma in Irish.
“We have had a lot of students who have taken up the diploma as a way of fulfilling the Irish requirement for primary school teaching,” said Brid.
“There has also been a lot of inter- est in the course in the aftermath of the comedian Des Bishop’s recent television series which has helped to enhance the Irish language’s reputa- tion especially among young adults.”
The French and German courses aim to give students the ability both to converse and comprehend a vari- ety of everyday topics and situations in the languages, both courses also equip students with an introduction to the civilisations, cultures and so- cieties of both countries.
For further information on the Ennis Diploma _ Series contact the Adult and Continuing Educa- tion Office at 091 492062 or email adulteducation @nuigalway.ie.