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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Renaissance, Reform & Religious Wars
Module Code HIS1019 (ITS: HY211)
Faculty History & Geography School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

In the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries, Europe experienced massive changes with enduring effects. First Italians, then the rest of Europe made a concerted effort to revive an idealized classical past, making innovations and discoveries in the process. At roughly the same time, many people became dissatisfied with the Catholic Church, drawing attention to institutional hypocrisy and failures of pastoral care, eventually also disagreeing with its theology and interpretation of Scripture. Finally, in the aftermath of religious schism came religious war, as Catholics and Protestants battled not only over theological difference but also on political grounds, using religion as a cover. By examining these three key movements or events, we can trace some connections to modernity and see how the early modern period was dramatically changed by intellectual, social, and political shifts. We will read key primary sources that illuminate the period along with guiding secondary texts, and by the end of the module you will have a greater understanding of a period of critical importance in European history and be able to confidently engage with a range of sources for historical study.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate comprehension of the Renaissance, Reformations of Religion, and era of Religious Warfare
2. Evaluate the historical significance of the Renaissance and the Reformation
3. Contextualize primary sources which relate to key module topics
4. Evaluate and contextualize secondary sources which relate to key module topics
5. Develop abilities in historical analysis and argumentation


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture221 Hour, twice per week
Independent Study103Independent Study, Reading, Assignment preparation and completion
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10797Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorCeleste McNamaraModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentBook Review25%As required
EssayEssay (1500-2000 words), Assignments x2 (thesis statement and outline)50%As required
ParticipationGroup annotations on assigned readings25%As required
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

Medieval Foundations

Renaissance Economics

Renaissance Humanism

Renaissance Politics

Renaissance Exploration

Renaissance Science

Renaissance Art

Medieval Critiques of the Catholic Church

Martin Luther

John Calvin

Radical Reformers

Catholic Reform

The English Reformation

The French Wars of Religion

The Thirty Years’ War

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Jerry Brotton: 2006, The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford,
  • Peter Marshall: 2009, The Reformation: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • Loop: Key readings and resources for further reading will be available on Loop,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for HY211