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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Uses & Abuses of History
Module Code HY119 (ITS) / HIS1014 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School History & Geography
Module Co-ordinatorSparky Booker
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This is a team taught module that uses case studies from a wide range of geographical and chronological contexts to explore the uses of history in contemporary societies. Appeals to history have been used variously as a way of justifying political and social movements, military activities, state building and atrocities. Using these case studies will encourage students to think critically about the discipline of history and assess it not as a list of facts, but rather a range of powerful (and often inaccurate) narratives that have serious impacts on the world we live in.

Learning Outcomes

1. Reflect critically on the ways in which societies use history to justify contemporary social and political actions and movements
2. Identify and discuss specific examples of the presentist use of history
3. Present reasoned written arguments about the ways in which history has been used as a justification for political actions
4. Demonstrate awareness of the ways in which history is deliberately misinterpreted in the present day



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture20Lectures
Assignment Completion105Research and writing
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

A full bibliography will be available on Loop

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayReflective essay60%n/a
Reflective journalReflective journal prompted by an article, news item or other contemporary engagement with history40%n/a
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None

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