COURSE CURRICULUM

This history program is structured across two semesters and is designed to develop students' understanding of historiography, research methods, and key themes in Irish and European history. In Semester One, students begin with Interpretation and Argument in History, which explores the evolution of historical writing from classical times to the modern day, with a focus on Ireland since the seventeenth century. Research Methods for the Historian introduces students to essential research tools, including the use of archives, digital resources, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), fostering skills necessary for independent research. Ireland in the Twentieth Century: Crisis, Continuity and Change examines major political, economic, social, and cultural developments in twentieth-century Ireland, engaging students with primary sources in a seminar format. In Semester Two, Promoting History gives students practical experience in public history by involving them in organising a symposium and exploring how history is communicated through various media such as documentaries and exhibitions. The Irish Revolution in Context situates the Irish revolutionary period (1912–1923) within the wider European context, encouraging comparative analysis of revolutionary movements and state formations. Gender and Society in Ireland since 1867 focuses on changing gender roles through case studies of women’s lives and uses diverse primary sources to assess patterns of continuity and change. Throughout the year, students also undertake a Dissertation, an independent research project developed under expert supervision. This allows them to apply the methodologies and analytical skills acquired during the course to a topic of their choice. Overall, the program offers a comprehensive foundation in historical inquiry, critical analysis, and public engagement, equipping students with both academic and transferable skills suited to a variety of professional and research paths.