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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Conversion to Colony: Ireland 400-1200
Module Code HY223
School 68
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Anne Booker
Semester 2: Anne Booker
Autumn: Anne Booker
Module TeachersGrania Shanahan
Anne Booker
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Description

This course will introduce students to the history of medieval Ireland from the conversion of the island to Christianity in the fifth century up to the arrival of the English in the twelfth century. It will cover key events and developments of the period including the process of conversion and the subsequent flourishing of Christianity in Ireland, the changing nature of Irish kingship in the early medieval period, the arrival of Scandinavian forces in Ireland and their foundation of port towns like Dublin, Waterford, and Cork, and the arrival of the English and their creation of a colony on the island after 1169. Assessments are designed to encourage students to describe and analyse processes of historical change over time and demonstrate their understanding of medieval Irish history, but also will help them to work on oral and written communication and presentation skills. Social, religious and economic developments will be discussed alongside political events and a wide range of documentary and archaeological evidence will be used to provide a rounded picture of Ireland’s history in this period.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify key developments and events in Irish history from the fifth to the twelfth century
2. Comprehend and analyse the underlying reasons for and consequences of political, religious, social, economic and cultural change.
3. Engage critically with prescribed secondary readings and the arguments of historians about this period
4. Analyse critically and discuss primary sources from this period of Irish history
5. Construct an objective and well-presented written argument based on a broad range of historical evidence.
6. Engage in self-directed learning by specialising in areas of personal interest



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture20Lectuers/Seminars: Attending and participating in 1 two hour lecture/seminar per week
Independent Study50Seminar preparation: Reading and preparing to discuss the materials assigned for each seminar
Assignment Completion55Research 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

What were the middle ages: Periodisation and sources

St Patrick and the conversion of Ireland

Irish missionary activity abroad

Early Irish politics

Irish society and economy

The changing nature of Irish kingship and the rise of the U I Neill

The Vikings in Ireland

Urbanisation and the rise of Brian Boru

Creation of an English colony in Ireland

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentThis assessment contains short weekly assignments, including quizzes, outputs from group work and short reflections relating to the content of each week's classes. These assignments are mostly completed in class.40%As required
Essay2,000-2,500 words summative essay related to course topics60%As required
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Duffy, Seán: 1997, Ireland in the Middle Ages, Basingstoke,
  • Ó Cróinín, Dáibhí (ed.): 2005, A new history of Ireland: Prehistoric and early Ireland, Oxford,
  • Ó Corráin, Donnchadh: 1972, Ireland before the Normans, Dublin,
  • Ó Cróinín, Dáibhí: 1995, Early medieval Ireland, 400-1200, London,
  • Bhreathnach, Edel: 2014, Ireland in the medieval world, AD 400-1000: landscape, kingship and religion, Dublin,
Other Resources

50048, In Class/Loop, 0, A full comprehensive reading list will be provided on loop along with further resources,
Programme or List of Programmes
BRHBachelor of Religious Education &History
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