Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title	What is History?
Module Code	HIS1
School	68
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr James Brunton	Office Number	D102
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

What is History and why study it? When a student has studied this module they will have answers to these questions, along with many more new questions, as students of History must have enquiring minds. This module is designed to introduce students to the exciting world of Early Modern Europe, which was a period of great change and innovation, with the module providing an overview of events and developments that occurred in Europe and beyond throughout a 350 year period. Students will be introduced to topics such as: the great artistic developments of the Renaissance; the growth of the first truly global empires; and the causes of a major split within the Catholic Church which resulted in the Protestant Reformation. This module also equips students with the study skills necessary to successfully study history at third level.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline and describe the major European historical events of the early modern period from 1500 to 1850.
2. Outline and describe the impact of major European events, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment and the French Revolution on Ireland.
3. Personally reflect on learning and evidence academic skills development
4. Develop and apply historical research skills

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	15	Face to face and online tutorials
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through Loop based discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	300	Using self-directed online learning resources, textbooks and multimedia artefacts.
Total Workload: 375

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

Unit 1: Introduction to Europe 1450-1800: Main events and Themes. How to use these Textbooks.

Unit2: Getting Organised, Getting Familiar: Learning Skills for Higher Education

Unit 3: What is History and Why Study It?

Unit 4: How to Study History – Gathering Information; Recording Information

Unit 5: Preparing for Assessment

Unit 6: The Medieval Legacy

Unit 7: The Renaissance

Unit 8: Transforming Discoveries

Unit 9: Pre Reformation: Ireland in the Early Sixteenth Century

Unit 10: The Reformation

Unit 11: The Counter-Reformation

Unit 12: Reformation in England and Ireland; Counter-Reformation in Ireland

Unit 13: Writing Skills – making a start

Unit 14: The Writing Toolkit

Unit 15: Planning your Writing

Unit 16: A Guide to Writing History Assignments

Unit 17: The Wars of Religion and The Thirty Years’ War

Unit 18: Witchcraft and Magic

Unit 19: The Rise of the Atlantic Economy: Spain and England

Unit 20: England and the Dutch Republic

Unit 21: Preparing for Exams

Unit 22: The Age of Absolutism

Unit 23: The Enlightenment

Unit 24: Enlightened Absolutism: Case Studies – Frederick II’ Catherine II; Maria Theresa; Joesph II

Unit 25: The New Philosophy of Science

Unit 26: Economic and Social Change

Unit 27: Eighteenth-Century Dynastic Rivalries

Unit 28: Background to the French Revolution

Unit 29: The French Revolution, 1789-94

Unit 30: The French Revolution and Europe

Unit 31: Napoleon

Unit 32: Europe After Napoleon

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Merriman, J.: 2009, A History of Modern Europe. From the Renaissance to the Age of Napoleon, 3rd Edition, W.W. Norton & Co,
Kumin, B (ed.): 2013, The European World 1500-1800: An Introduction to Early Modern History, Second, Routledge,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BA	BA in Humanities
BADIP	Diploma in Humanities
BAEH	BA in English & History
BASM	BA Single Module
EHDIP	Diploma in English and History

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