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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title History of Education in Ireland
Module Code EDS1052 (ITS: ES519)
Faculty Policy & Professional Practice School DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

History of Education introduces students to the development of education at primary and post-primary levels in Ireland. It highlights patterns of development, engagement and provision in relation to the various parties involved in provision since the inception of the primary system. It encourages students to engage with the various philosophical and legislative issues pertaining to schooling as a historically and contemporaneously contested territory. It also raises students’ awareness of educational policy in relation to teaching, curriculum and the teaching body. The purpose of this module is to critically examine the evolution of education and educational policy in the Irish context. Students will examine significant developments in the evolution of classroom practice and teaching as a profession. The module will support students in adopting a critical approach to recent developments such as relevant legislation, curricular change, and the impact of partner bodies such as the Teaching Council. Working collaboratively within the module, students will appraise the nature of professional and legislative accountability and responsibility in Irish education.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically reflect on different historical perspectives and appraise their impact on teaching and learning in contemporary Post Primary Education.
2. Synthesize the major historical concepts and theoretical perspectives and interpret their influence on education policy and practice in contemporary post primary education
3. Appraise the relevance of the History of Education in the development of the Irish post primary education system
4. Investigate how the History of Education informs the practice of post primary teachers in the Irish education system
5. Apply a critical understanding of the history of teaching and learning and recognise it's manifestation in modern day, post primary education.
6. Critically reflect on and appraise their role as professional practitioners not only in terms of current legislation and guidance but within the context of the development of practice, in particular, over the last three decades.
7. Recognise the importance of pupil fulfilment, intellectually and socially, within schooling.
8. Appreciate the role of the teacher as a facilitator of learning, a professional who constantly reflects upon attainment and ways of improving attainment.
9. Understand the school as a 'whole working body', characterised by collegial partnership with educational bodies, agencies and organisations.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Debate and Input on Historical and Cultural Analysis of Irish Education
Online activity12On Line reflection on specific topics in history of education
Independent Study77Reflecting on core questions of module
Independent Study12Required Study/Reading Reserved Publications
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10497Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorBrendan WalshModule TeacherIrene White, Majella Mcsharry
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentCritical literature review and conceptual analysis on an aspect of the history of Irish Education.100%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

The role of historical discourse in educational enquiry

Irish Education 1800-1960
Primary Schooling

Irish Education 1800-1960
Secondary Schooling

Irish Eduction 1800-1960
Technical/Vocational Education

Irish Eduction 1800-1960
University Education

Irish Education Post 1960
Overview of educational change in Ireland 1960-2013.

Irish Education Post 1960
Education in the Irish Constitution

Irish Education Post 1960
Role of Government

Irish Education Post 1960
Role of OECD and EU in Irish Education

Irish Education Post 1960
Early Childhood and Primary Schooling

Irish Education Post 1960
Post-primary Schooling

Irish Education Post 1960
Irish Cultural Heritage and Changing Society

Irish Education Post 1960
Teaching Profession

Irish Education Post 1960
Adult and Higher Education

Irish Education Post 1960
Special Education Needs

Irish Education Post 1960
Education Structures

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • NA: 0, Hogan, P. (1995) The Custody and Courtship of Experience: Western Philosophical Perspective (Dublin: Columba). Norman, J. (2003) Ethos and Education in Ireland (New York: Peter Lang). Coolahan, J. (1991) Irish Education: History and Structure (Dublin: I,
  • Walsh, Brendan: 2011, Education Studies in Ireland, Gill and McMillan, Dublin, 0717147665
  • Brendan Walsh,Roger Scruton: 2012, Degrees of Nonsense, 1908689021
  • James Norman: 2003, Ethos and education in Ireland, P. Lang, New York, 0820457280
  • John Coolahan,: 0, Irish Education, 0906980119


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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