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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Fact, Fiction and European History
Module Code HY236
School 68
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Celeste McNamara
Semester 2: Celeste McNamara
Autumn: Celeste McNamara
Module TeachersGrania Shanahan
Celeste McNamara
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

What is the value of academic history, popular history, and historical fiction? How should the creators of any of these genres interact with fact, fiction, sources, and ideas about authority? Is there intellectual and educational value in all three? This module sets out to answer these questions, by looking at how history is disseminated to the public through popular media. We will discuss both popular historical work and works of historical fiction disseminated as in written, audio, and film formats, focusing on premodern European history. Students will have the opportunity to both critique and create works of popular history or historical fiction and consider how historians can best reach their intended audiences and make history come alive.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the different expectations and requirements of academic history, popular history, and historical fiction.
2. Articulate nuanced arguments about accuracy and authority in different forms of historical writing.
3. Identify, access, and critically analyse fictional, popular, and academic media.
4. Create an example of public-facing popular history or historical fiction.
5. Critique an example of public-facing popular history or historical fiction.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture48No Description
Independent Study202No Description
Total Workload: 250

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

Engaging the Public in History

Questions of Accuracy and Purpose

Historical Fiction Novels

Written Popular history/nonfiction

History at the cinema

Historical documentaries

Podcasting history

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Essay500-750 word essay15%Week 3
Essay1000-1500 word critical review30%As required
Project1000-1500 word creative piece in medium of choice (with written component)30%As required
ParticipationParticipation in class sessions and completion of collaborative annotations25%Every Week
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

    Other Resources

    53276, 0, Additional resources will be posted on Loop,
    Programme or List of Programmes
    BAJHBachelor of Arts (BAJH)
    BAJLBachelor of Arts (BAJL)
    BAJPBachelor of Arts (BAJP)
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