National University of Ireland, Maynooth
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
FLYERS FOR OPTIONAL MODULES
II ARTS SEMESTER 1 2017-18
PLEASE NOTE
Flyers provide information supplementary to that available in module descriptors, which may be viewed on the university database at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses.
Students are expected to consult both flyers and module descriptors in advance of registration.
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
SECOND ARTS, 2017-2018
First Semester
Module Co-ordinator / Module codeHY 220 / Credits
2.5
Module title:
EUROPEAN STUDIES SPECIAL
This is a reading module with no scheduled lectures attached. Students may be expected to attend one tutorial early in the semester.
FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE POSTED ON MOODLE EARLY IN THE SEMESTER
Form of assessment
Essay of 2,500 words
Deadline: Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Special requirements (e.g. field trips incl. cost; special sessions; books)
Students may be expected to attend one tutorial early in the semester.
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, MAYNOOTH
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
SECOND ARTS, 2017-2018
First Semester
Module Co-ordinatorDR MICHAEL POTTERTON / Module code
HY 224 / Credits
5 / Lecture hours per week
Two (+ field trips)
Module title:
SETTLEMENT AND SOCIETY IN IRELAND
Module content
Ireland boasts one of the richest archaeological and historical landscapes in the world. It is especially rich and varied for the Middle Ages – from the advent of Christianity in the fifth century to the Dissolution of the monasteries over a millennium later in the 1530s and 1540s. The fifth century also marks the beginning of writing in Ireland and the start of our documented history. Combining the evidence of these written sources with what we know from archaeology and the visible physical remains of the past we can recreate a vivid picture of medieval life in Ireland. We can start to understand, for example, where and how people lived, what their daily lives were like, what they ate and drank, how society was structured, how they practised religion, how they dealt with death, and much more.
Learning Outcomes
The core objective of this module is to familiarise students with aspects of settlement and society across the island of Ireland from the beginning of recorded history in the early medieval period to the end of the Middle Ages. Illustrated lectures will guide participants on a virtual tour of the sites, monuments and landscapes of medieval Ireland. We will examine when, why and how they were constructed, who was responsible, what it was like to live, work and die during that time and what significance this has in the twenty-first century. Upon successful completion of the module, students will
· be familiar with major developments in Ireland in the period c.AD400–1600;
· be aware of where and how people lived during this time;
· be able to recognise Irish medieval archaeological monuments and landscapes;
· understand the significance of the medieval past in the modern world.
Form of assessment
One in-class test (33%) and one c.4,000-word illustrated project (67%). The project, on a topic approved by the lecturer, will be due for submission on or before Wednesday, 3 January 2018.
Module conditions apply. See relevant descriptor at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses.
Special requirements (e.g. field trips incl. cost; special sessions; books)
There will be two Saturday fieldtrips: one half-day visit (on foot) to sites in and around Maynooth; the second trip will depart via coach from Maynooth and visit a number of sites in the north-Leinster region. The second trip will cost students €15 each (the first is free). All participants in the module are expected to attend both field-trips. Further details will be provided in class and on Moodle.
national university of ireland, maynooth
department of history
second arts, 2017-18
First Semester
Lecturer
DR JACINTA PRUNTY / Module code HY 262 / Credits5 / Lecture hours per week
Two
Module title
WORLD HISTORY ELECTIVE (A)
THE MODERN MISSIONARY MOVEMENT
The modern missionary movement is an ideal focus for a world history module as it touches on so many global themes: imperialism, colonialism,exploration and travel, world trade, migration, slavery, linguistics, and more. It is a fascinating field of historical research, involving ‘first encounters’ between different cultures and opening up very differentgeographies. The centenary of the foundation of the Maynooth Mission to China, known as the Columban Fathers, is celebrated in 2017 making this a very special year in which to study mission history atMaynooth University. A workshop titled: ‘Maynooth, Ireland and the Far East’, will be held to mark the centenary on Friday 20 October 2017 in conjunction with this module (there will be no cost to students, and attendance will be credited).
Content
The module opens with the origins of the modern missionary movement in the late 1700s,the initiatives of William Carey and the first Baptist missionaries in India, and the involvement of missionaries in anti-slavery campaigns. It looks at the creation of numerous mission societies in the nineteenth century and the missiology of Henry Venn, namely, for ‘self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating churches’. The translation of the bible into indigenous languages, a core element of Protestant missions, is explored, in conjunction with the collections of the Hibernian Bible Society (held in the Russell Library). Mission promotion – through lantern slides, ethnographic exhibitions, film and mission magazines – is another theme. Among the case-studies this year, the Columbans (founded 1917) will be given particular attention. The final part of the module will cover shifts in understandings of mission in the twentieth century, from ‘poor pagans’ to the concepts ofinculturation, indigenisation, ecumenism, and dialogue.
Aims
To develop a critical understanding of the history and practice of Christian mission from Europe(including from Ireland),from bothProtestant and Catholic perspectives, from the late eighteenth century (origins of the modern missionary movement) to the third quarter of the twentieth century (post Vatican II reforms).
Assessment
Short practical exercise based on primary document(s): (20%)
Individualresearch project ofapprox.4,000words (80%).
Deadline for submission of essay: Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Module conditions apply. See relevant descriptor at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses.
national university of ireland, maynooth
department of history
second arts, 2017-2018
First Semester
Lecturer
DR REGINA DONLON / Module code HY275 / Credits5 / Lecture hours per week
Two
Module title:
Modern Ireland History (B)
FAMINE AND EMIGRATION IN NINETEENTH CENTURY IRELAND
Module content
Throughout the course of the nineteenth century, Ireland experienced three significant famines and consistent emigration. Demographic growth coupled with a depressed economy and social tensions resulted in one of the key watershed moments in Irish history. As a result, the Irish diaspora became one of the most significant global communities in modern history. It has influenced the dynamic of economic, political, religious and social infrastructures in a variety of countries and regional contexts. This course will take a transnational approach to the study of famine and diaspora, and introduce students to the vast historiography pertaining to the global Irish. The course will examine the causes and consequences of both famine and emigration in nineteenth century Ireland, as well as assess the integration and assimilation techniques employed by these immigrants in their new homelands. Using a variety of primary source material, students will investigate the context, course and impact of famine and consider the significance of an Irish diasporic identity in Britain, North America, Australia and other important immigrant destinations. Ultimately, students will develop an appreciation of the context, processes, mechanisms and challenges underpinning Irish life in the nineteenth century.
Module aims
The aim of this module is to enable the student to identify and understand the predominant arguments and key historiographical debates concerning famine and emigration in nineteenth century Ireland. Students will acquire a critical awareness of the complexities of Irish society in the nineteenth century and evaluate the characteristics of the Irish diaspora in a variety of geographical contexts. Finally they will develop an appreciation of methodologies employed by famine and diaspora historians.
Form of assessment
Critique of primary source document (c. 1500 words) 20%
In class presentation (10 mins) 20%
Essay (3500 words) 60%
Deadline for submission of essay: Wednesday, 3 January 2018.
Module conditions apply. See relevant descriptor at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses.
Special requirements (e.g. field trips incl. cost; special sessions; books)
None
national university of ireland, maynooth
department of history
Second arts, 2017-18
First Semester
Lecturer
DR ALISON FITZGERALD / Module code HY 278 / Credits5 / Lecture hours per week
Two
Module title
DOMESTIC WORLDS: THE GEORGIANS AT HOME
Module content
This module explores the British and Irish home during the eighteenth century and provides an intimate look at the material world of the Georgians. It considers the currency of a prescribed language of taste, the agency of women in fitting out interiors, the relationship between town and country, and the way in which formal visiting encouraged a culture of emulation and competition as contemporaries vied to keep up appearances. What was new? Who lead taste? How did new technology transform the sort of goods that people bought, used and coveted? Was there a clear distinction along gender lines in terms of fashionable commodities? Using a wide range of primary sources from diaries and letters, to account books and inventories, this module will consider the material culture of the Georgians at home.
Assessment
In-class assessment: 40%
Research project (approximately 4,000 words) 60%
Deadline for submission of essay: Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Module conditions apply. See relevant descriptor at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses.
Special requirements (e.g., field trips inc. cost; special sessions; books)
The number of students admitted to this module is limited to 25. There will be some site visits with this module, which will take place on Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings.
national university of ireland, maynooth
department of history
Second arts, 2017-18
First Semester
LecturerDR DAVID LEDERER
/ Module codeHY 282 / Credits
5 / Lecture hours per week
Two
Module title
INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE EMOTIONS
Module content
Emotions move people and feelings like fear, love and hate can unite or divide them. In this thematic introduction to an exciting new field of historical research, we will consider both the universality and cultural specificity of how people feel, both as individuals and as groups. The participants will consider how feelings are created, taught and transmitted, how they change over time and how they have impacted upon major political events, social movements and economic conjunctures throughout time.
Module aim
This module familiarizes participants with theoretical and interdisciplinary tools from cultural anthropology, cognitive psychology and the neuro-sciences and offers an opportunity to apply emotionality to the global analysis of specific historical events from antiquity to the present.
Form of assessment
Grades are based on short assignments (40%) and a final essay of approximately 3,000 words (60%).
Deadline for submission of essay: Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Module conditions apply. See relevant module descriptor at www.nuim.ie/courses.
Special requirements (e.g., field trips inc. cost; special sessions; books)
Course text tba
national university of ireland, maynooth
department of history
Second arts, 2017-18
First Semester
LecturerPROFESSOR MARIAN LYONS
/ Module codeHY 283 / Credits
5 / Lecture hours per week
Two
Module title
Early modern Europe – culture:
WITCHCRAFT IN EUROPE, c.1450-c.1650
Module content
This module explores the phenomenon of witchcraft in Europe during the era of the Renaissance, the Reformations and the Scientific Revolution when thousands of people (the majority of them women) were accused and tried for the crime of witchcraft. We explores how major social, political, and cultural changes of the period (notably state formation, Christian Humanism, Protestant and Catholic Reformations, New science, and skepticism) shaped belief in and practice of witchcraft within various levels of society. The module begins with an exploration of experiences of bewitchment. The emergence of the ‘cumulative concept’ of witchcraft is traced and its significance in relation to the phenomenon of hunting is examined. During this period, the supernatural was regarded as a reality that deserved serious attention of both religious and secular scholars who sought to apply scientific methods to interpreting that reality. The interpretations advanced by a selection of influential figures such as the German Dominican inquisitor, Heinrich Kramer and the French jurist and political philosopher, Jean Bodin among others are therefore explored through examination of extracts from their seminal texts. The broad contours of the witch hunting phenomenon are traced and complemented by a series of case studies of witchhunts in selected localities across Europe (including Germany, France, Scotland, and England) in which students have an opportunity to analyse contemporary written and visual sources relating to the hunts. The reasons for the eventual decline in witchcraft during the seventeenth century are explored in the closing section of the module.
Aim
This module aims to inform students regarding belief in and practice of witchcraft in early modern Europe, and to develop students’ understanding of the context and reasons for this widespread phenomenon.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students should have
· familiarized themselves with the salient features of the phenomenon of witchcraft in early modern European society
· deepened their understanding of how major social, political, and cultural changes of the period shaped belief in and practice of witchcraft
· heightened their awareness of variations in experiences of change/progress at country/regional level across Europe
· developed their analytical skills necessary to critically interpret and contextualize primary source material (documentary and visual)
Assessment
In-class presentation – 10%
Primary sources analysis (1,000 words) – 20%
Essay (3,500 words, topic to be agreed upon in advance with lecturer) – 70%
Deadline for submission of essay: Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Module conditions apply. See relevant descriptor at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/courses.
national university of ireland, maynooth
department of history
second arts, 2017-18
First Semester
Lecturer
PROFESSOR TERENCE DOOLEY / Module code HY 285 / Credits5 / Lecture hours per week
Two
Module title
DOING LOCAL STUDIES
Module content