2023 Fall Quarter Offerings

Thanks to all who participated in the Summer Quarter courses. Fall Quarter is just around the corner.

The history sequence continues to build and having established the foundation with the four previous history courses, we now arrive at The Gaels: History, Art, and Mythology, and part 1 of The Gaels: Consequences of Empire. Please note that for scheduling reasons, The Gaels: COE is offered before The Gaels: HAM.

The Gaels: History, Art, and Mythology

2 Sessions: November 13 and 14, 6:30-8:30 PM, Pacific Time, online

The lands of Scotland and Ireland hold a special place in the hearts of people worldwide, with many sharing ancestral ties to these enchanting nations. The Gaels, who speak the Gaelic language, boast a rich and enduring heritage that resonates with countless individuals. However, for many descendants of emigrants, the vibrant tapestry of Gaelic culture, language, and history has remained elusive.

Embark on a captivating journey through time in this continuing education course, where we’ll explore the period spanning from 410 to 1600 CE. In Scotland, this era unveils legendary figures such as Macbeth, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce. We will also introduce the Lordship of the Isles, which in many ways became the successor Gaelic state. Uncover the intriguing role played by the Kingdom of Norway in shaping the modern identity of Scotland.

Across the Irish Sea, we’ll delve into Ireland’s remarkable history, from repelling the Vikings to confronting the Normans and the Tudors. Ireland’s enduring struggle against English monarchs will climax with the Nine Years War and the poignant Flight of the Earls.

Please note that this course does not include Gaelic language instruction but instead offers a captivating exploration of the cultural, historical, and geopolitical aspects that have defined Scotland and Ireland. Rekindle your connection to your ancestral roots as we unveil the stories and events that have shaped these beloved lands.

Register HERE

The Gaels: Consequences of Empire, Part 1

4 Sessions: October 2 & 3 and 16 & 17, 6:30-8:30 PM, Pacific Time, online

In our ever-evolving world, it’s important to understand that many current events have deep historical roots. Join us in this continuing education course as we delve into the fascinating tapestry of history, focusing on empires and their enduring impact.

Our journey through history begins with an exploration of empires, both as a general concept and their evolution. From there, we’ll transport ourselves to the 17th and 18th centuries, where we’ll uncover the rich histories of Scotland and Ireland during this pivotal era.

The 17th century will come alive as we delve into the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, introducing you to figures like the Scottish Covenanters, Oliver Cromwell, and the Irish Confederates. We’ll also shine a spotlight on one of Gaeldom’s most celebrated heroes, Alasdair Mac Colla, and his influential role in these historic conflicts.

The 17th century will come alive as we delve into the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, introducing you to figures like the Scottish Covenanters, Oliver Cromwell, and the Irish Confederates. We’ll also shine a spotlight on one of Gaeldom’s most celebrated heroes, Alasdair Mac Colla, and his influential role in these historic conflicts.

As we journey through this tumultuous period, we’ll witness the dramatic events of the late 17th century, including the Glorious Revolution and the tragic Massacre of Glencoe. These events set the stage for the emergence of Jacobitism, the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain, the heartbreaking Highland Clearances, as well as the struggles, famines, and uprisings in Ireland during the 18th century.

Additionally, we’ll analyze the transformation of the nascent English Empire, particularly under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of the Tudor dynasty, as it evolved into the formidable British Empire. This transformation was fueled by events such as the Union of the Crowns, the plantations and colonization efforts initiated by King James VI & I of the Stewart dynasty, and the far-reaching consequences of the Protestant Reformation on politics and society.

Join us for an enlightening journey through history, where we’ll connect the dots between the past and the present, providing you with valuable insights into the historical foundations of today’s most significant news events.

Register HERE

I hope you can join me as we near the end of my history sequence of courses, potentially for one last time.

End of Summer Updates

Last Call for Romans in Scotland

It is two weeks until the final offering for the Summer Quarter begins, Romans in Scotland. This is likely the last time I’ll be offering it, so don’t miss your chance! This course consists of two sessions: Session 1 is The Ancient Celts. In Session 2, we learn specifically about the Roman invasions of Caledonia (Scotland). You can learn more and register HERE.

Update on the Vikings in Scotland and Ireland and The Picts of Scotland

Thanks to all who participated in the course Vikings in Scotland and Ireland. I’m still working on the final changes to the handout and presentations. The Picts of Scotland class is tomorrow night and I’m looking forward to the final offering of this class.

Coming up in Fall Quarter

The Farewell tour for my history sequence continues in the Fall. I have submitted to the college to offer both The Gaels: History, Art, and Mythology and part 1 of The Gaels: Consequences of Empire. These two courses cover Scottish and Irish history from about 410 CE to the present time. The Gaels: History, Art, and Mythology is two sessions, and Consequences of Empire is 7 sessions. I decided to break it into 2 parts. The first half of the course will be offered in Fall Quarter 2023, and the rest in Winter Quarter 2024. I hope to see you in class.

Summer Quarter Class Announcement

The farewell tour continues with the following history classes:

The Vikings in Scotland and Ireland

2 Sessions: Monday 7/10 & Tuesday 7/11, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Vikings first raided Scotland in the year 793, attacking the holy island of Iona. The next year, they raided a church on Lambay Island near today’s Dublin. In this class, we’ll explore the Scandinavian expansion and its ramifications on the peoples of Scotland and Ireland. We’ll examine archaeological remains for evidence of lifestyle and see that the impacts of Norse settlement on these lands would change them forever. Register Here.

The Picts of Scotland

1 Session: Tuesday 7/25, 6:30-8:30 PM

Words like ‘mysterious’ are often used when describing the people called the Picts. We know them in the archaeological record from their hillforts and unique carved symbol stones. They appear in writings as victorious barbarians attacking Roman Britain or as victims of the Vikings. When Christianity took hold, they started carving elaborate Celtic crosses and making exquisite metalwork. What role did they play in creating medieval Scotland and why did they ‘mysteriously’ disappear? Register Here.

The Romans in Scotland

2 Sessions: Monday 8/7 & Tuesday 8/8

Session 1: The Ancient Celts
Many people feel a connection to ‘The Celts.’ This may be because of ancestry, the beauty of Celtic art, or a love of travel and history. Whatever your connection, we will explore the history of the Ancient Celts and via their artwork and mythology. What is a Celt? What were their interactions with the Romans? What does their artwork tell us about their lifestyle? 

Session 2: The Romans in Scotland
The inhabitants of Caledonia (Scotland) found themselves in the sights of several Roman emperors. Despite Rome’s victorious might, Rome never conquered the people whom they called the Caledonii, Picti, or Scotti, the last of whom gave Scotland its name. We’ll examine what Rome’s interest was in this land, their invasions of Caledonia, and the consequences of their efforts. We’ll explore what Roman remains we can see in Scotland today.

Register Here.

I’m offering these courses one last time and they are some of my favorites. I hope you can join me. Thanks for your support over the years.

The Celts: History, Art, & Mythology Archive

I’ve added a new page for the class, The Celts: History, Art, & Mythology under History. I really enjoyed researching and creating this course. As I say on the page, I’ve divided up the material and included it in the newer classes, so it is not really gone.

There is a files archive for PDFs you might be interested in. I’m currently working on the slide presentations for upcoming course offerings. Currently, I’m working on the slides for the Ancient Celts for the upcoming offering of The Romans in Scotland. I’m also working on the slides for the Celtic Revival for possible discussion in the Beyond the Usual travel classes coming up in the next couple weeks.

I hope you enjoy the PDFs, and reminiscing if you took the course.

Last call for Spring 2023 classes

Registration will be closing shortly for Spring 2023 classes.

Links for registration:

Upcoming in Summer 2023 (tentatively)

  • Vikings in Scotland & Ireland: 7/10 & 7/11, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • The Picts of Scotland: 7/25, 6:30-8:30 PM
  • The Romans in Scotland (Includes the Ancient Celts): 8/7 & 8/8, 6:30-8:30 PM

Keep an eye out for more details.

I hope to see you in class!

Spring Quarter Class Announcement!

This spring I will be teaching three continuing education classes online, through Seattle Central College.

Travel Courses

Ireland: Beyond the Usual (4/25, 6:30-8:30 PDT, online)

In this course we’ll take a look at historically important sites to visit that don’t have million Euro marketing budgets. Everything from Neolithic passage tombs and stone circles, to castles and monasteries, and sites related to the Celtic Revival. Whether you are planning a trip to Ireland or just enjoy traveling from the comfort of home, I hope you’ll join me for a virtual trip around the Emerald Isle. Updated for 2023. Register Here

Scotland: Beyond the Usual (5/2, 6:30-8:30 PDT, online)

Do you know your Picts from your Gaels? Where can you find Roman ruins in Scotland? Where are Scottish kings buried? We’ll answer these questions as well as discuss which castles are the best to visit and where to find excellent stone circles. As this is a Beyond the Usual course, we won’t be covering golf courses or distilleries – they have large advertising budgets! Updated for 2023. Register Here.

History Courses

Ancient Monuments of Scotland and Ireland (5/9, 6:30-8:30 PDT, online)

Discover the fascinating structures created by people in Scotland and Ireland in the Stone, Bronze, and Iron ages. Passage tombs, stone circles, henges, rock art, dwellings such as crannogs and brochs, we’ll discuss them all. An amazing lost landscape will be revealed! Register Here.

During summer quarter I’m tentatively scheduling the following courses:
The Romans in Scotland (includes a session on the Ancient Celts)
The Picts of Scotland
The Vikings in Scotland and Ireland

Keep an eye out for more information.

Return of the blog and macgeoffster.com

Hello! Just a quick post to announce the return of the blog and the macgeoffster.com website. I’ve been working out of gaelicseattle.com for a while but now that I’m working full time again, I’ve had to reduce class offerings.

Because I’d like to make my many years of educational efforts available to interested persons, I’m developing a new way of making that happen. More will be revealed soon. I hope you’ll stay tuned.

Móran taing!

Fall 2020 offerings!

Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter for all the updates.

Or, subscribe to my Patreon.

AGA and Zero to Gaelic offerings are ‘school year’ programs, so it is best to start at the beginning and not try to join midway through.

Seattle Central and my own classes are quarterly. It may be possible to join at the beginning of each quarter, depending on your skill level with the topic.

Atlantic Gaelic Academy
Information and Registration
Beginners level, 11 AM Pacific (3 hour session), starting September 16
Intermediate 2, 3 PM Pacific (3 hour session), starting September 17

Seattle Central
Information and Registration
Scottish Gaelic 1: 6:30 PM Pacific (8 x 2 hour session), starting October 5 (no class on 11/9)
Ancient Monuments of Scotland & Ireland 9/30/2020 (1 session), 6:30-9:00 PM
Ireland: Beyond the Usual 10/7/2020 (1 session), 6:30-8:30 PM Pacific
Scotland: Beyond the Usual 10/28/2020 (1 session), 6:30-8:30 PM Pacific
the Celts: History, Art, and Mythology 10/14/2020-10/21/2020 (2 sessions), 6:30-9:00 PM Pacific
The Romans in Scotland 11/4/2020 (1 session) 6:30-9:00 PM Pacific

Zero to Gaelic
Information and Registration
Beginners Level. This program meets virtually 2 Saturdays a month for 1.5 hours a session. The time will be 11:30 AM – 1 PM Pacific time. There are 14 sessions total: 10/10/2020, 10/24/2020, 11/14/2020, 11/21/2020, 12/5/2020, 12/19/2020, 1/9/2021, 1/23/2021, 2/6/2021, 2/20/2021, 3/6/2021, 3/20/2021, 4/3/2021, 4/17/2021.

Beginning Conversation
10 Saturday Mornings, 9-11 AM Pacific time, October 10th-December 19th (no class November 7th).
Email me for details.

Summer 2020 Scottish Gaelic Courses

Please, sign up for my email newsletter list – click here to stay up-to-date!

Normally I don’t have summer courses because everyone (including myself) is usually away. This year is different. I’m offering these Scottish Gaelic classes (all are Pacific Daylight Time):

  • Tuesday morning (10 AM – 12 PM): Beginning Conversation Confidence Builder (Zoom) (6 weeks – just started)
  • Tuesday evening (6:30 – 8:30 PM): Beginning Conversation Confidence Builder (Zoom) (6 weeks – just started)
  • [Now recruiting students] Saturday morning (9 – 11 AM): Beginning Conversation Confidence Builder (Zoom)
  • Thursday evening (7 – 9 PM): Irregular verb review (Intermediate Level) (Skype, could switch to Zoom) (8 weeks – in progress)

While these classes are not designed for absolute beginners, people with some ability with Gaelic should be fine. The Beginning Conversation Confidence Builder is for people who want to become more comfortable asking and answering simple questions. It also serves as a review.

Contact me if these are of interest, or if you are interested in private tutoring options. It is OK to join these courses after they begin. Cost: $25 per 2-hour class (that’s two hours for the price of 1 hour of private tutoring!).

Coming up in the Autumn

In addition to Gaelic courses, the following online history and travel courses are in the pipeline (starting towards the end of September):

  • Scottish Gaelic 1 (Good for absolute beginners) (8 Monday evenings)
  • Ancient Monuments of Scotland and Ireland (1 Wednesday evening)
  • The Celts: History, Art, Mythology (2 Wednesday evenings)
  • The Romans in Scotland (1 Wednesday evening)
  • Scotland: Beyond the Usual (1 Wednesday evening)
  • Ireland: Beyond the Usual (1 Wednesday evening)

These courses are offered online via Zoom so they are available to anyone who can use that platform. Registration will be through Seattle Central College Continuing Education.

In addition, it is possible that the Beginning Conversation classes could continue in the fall. More details to come as we get closer.

More Information

More information is available at:
Website: gaelicseattle.com
Blog/Archive: Geoffrey@Patreon

New way to support my educational work with Gaelic

For those who have enjoyed my classes over the years and would like to see more, perhaps you will consider supporting me on patreon?

Goraidh – A Gaelic Langauge Tutor | Patreon

One of the things that happens when one has a job that pays minimally per hour is that one’s perception of the relationship between effort, needs, and compensation changes. I have spent a lot of time researching, developing, revising, and expanding my Gaelic language, history, and travel courses over the years. I love doing it, but I can’t do it as uncompensated time anymore. Patreon’s way of doing things is new for me, but I hope it can be mutually beneficial.

Let me know what you think?

Le gach dheagh dhùrachdan,

Geoffrey / Goraidh

Goraidh – A Gaelic Langauge Tutor | Patreon