BA History Single Honours Degree
Level 1 Fifth and Sixth Module Choices
2013-14
Subject
Module Title
Module Code
Semester
Archaeology
From Cave Art to Celts
Barbarians, Vikings and Traders
GAP1008
GAP1010
1
2
Drama
Drama 1 – Performance Analysis
Drama 2 – Classical Theatre
DRA1001
DRA1002
(with DRA1001)
1
2
English
English in Transition
Introduction to English Language
English in Context
ENG1001
ENL1001
ENG1002
(with ENG1001)
1
1
2
Film Studies
Introduction to Film Studies 1
Introduction to Film Studies 2
FLM1001
FLM1002
(with FLM1001)
1
2
French
French Language 1
French Language 2
FRH1001
FRH1002
(with FRH1001)
FRH1011
FRH1012
(with FRH1011)
1
2
Beginners French 1
Beginners French 2
FRH1021
FRH1022
(with FRH1021)
1
2
History
Irish Studies 11: The Modern History, Politics, Sociology and
Anthropology of Northern Ireland
IRS1002
2
Irish and Celtic
Irish Language 1
Irish Language 2
1
2
Irish Folklore
Celtic Mythology
CEL1001
CEL1002
(with CEL1001)
CEL1004
CEL1033
Music
Musics of the World
MUS1001
1
Philosophy
Philosophy and Human Nature
Philosophy and the Good Life
PHL1001
PHL1004
1
2
Politics
Contemporary Europe
Media, Politics and Conflict
World Politics, War and Peace
Perspectives on Politics
Britain and Ireland in Comparative Perspective
PAI1001
PAI1005
PAI1006
PAI1007
PAI1009
1
2
1
1
2
Social Anthropology
Culture and Society: the Social Anthropological Perspective
A World on the Move: Anthropological and Historical Approaches to
Globalisation
ANT1001
ANT1003
1
1
Intermediate French 1
Intermediate French 2
1
2
2
1
Power, Ritual and Symbol: the View from Anthropology
Expressive Cultures: Interpreting Text, Image and Sound
ANT1004
ESA1001
2
2
Social Policy
Finding Out About Social Policy
SPY1001
2
Sociology
Understanding Society
The Sociological Imagination
SOC1001
SOC1002
1
2
Spanish
Hispanic Studies 1
Hispanic Studies 2
SPA1001
SPA1002
(with SPA1001)
1
2
Intermediate Spanish 1
Intermediate Spanish 2
SPA1011
SPA1012
(with SPA1011)
1
2
Beginners Spanish 1
Beginners Spanish 2
SPA1021
SPA1022
(with SPA1021)
1
2
BA History Single Honours Degree
Level 1 Fifth and Sixth Module Descriptions
2013-14
ARCHAEOLOGY
From Cave Art to Celts
GAP1008
Semester 1
This module provides students with an introduction to Archaeology and the study of European prehistory, from
the disappearance of the Neaderthals (c.40,000-3,000years ago), and the spread of anatomically modern
humans, to the end of the European Iron Age (c. 50BC).
Barbarians, Vikings and Traders
GAP1010
Semester 2
The course examines the archaeology of Europe from Late Antiquity (the end of the Roman Empire) until
AD1200. It considers in particular Ireland’s place in early medieval Europe and the impact of the Vikings on
North European societies. Other subjects considered are the development of trade, changes in church
architecture, food, household goods and fortifications.
DRAMA
Drama 1 – Performance Analysis
DRA1001
Semester 1
This module aims to introduce students to theatre as a particular form of live performance event and to introduce
students to theoretical, historical and practical approaches to theatre studies.
Drama 2 – Classical Theatre
DRA1002
Semester 2
This module will deal with Western theatre history from Ancient Greece to the medieval period. This module
will explore the origin of Western theatre in the civic and religious festivals of Ancient Greece; the philosophy
and practice of Greek Tragedy; the form and function of Greek comedy; the Roman development of tragedy
and comedy; and the emergence of medieval drama. A variety of aesthetic and interpretive approaches will be
deployed as will different methodologies used by theatre historians.
ENGLISH
English in Transition
(for students with A Level English Grade B or above)
ENG1001
Semester 1
The module is envisaged as introducing students to literary interpretation as conceived by English studies at
university level. It aims to provide students with critical skills and technical vocabulary necessary to study poetry
and prose for the rest of their degree. The module focuses on a small selection of texts designed to help
students make the transition from the critical strategies used at A-level to those of academic English. In turn,
the two sections of the module include contributions from the Heaney Centre and creative writing colleagues
and the mode of assessment will allow for reflective development of writing skills through resubmission of
formative writing for summative assessment.
Introduction to English Language
(for students with A Level English Grade B or above)
ENL1001
Semester 1
This module offers a broad introduction to key topics in English language and it lays the foundations for the
systematic analysis of the language in all its diversity. Among the topics covered are: common beliefs about
“good” and “bad” language, aspects of accent and dialect, and issues to do with language and power. The
course also explores children’s acquisition of language and examines the connections between language and
education. Other important areas of inquiry are social, situational and geographical variation in language, with
particular emphasis placed on the history and development of the English language across the centuries.
English in Context
(for students with A Level English Grade B or above)
ENG1002
Semester 2
This module examines a broad sample of recent fiction. In doing so, it raises a set of general questions: 1)
whose contemporary experience does this literature address? 2) what economic or political factors lead to a
shared sense of the contemporary? 3) how does modern fiction relate to these broader social forces? The
module has a three-part structure. Section 1 examines the sociology of contemporary taste; it focuses on the
institutions and practices that shape aesthetic judgement. Section 2 analyses literary treatments of
contemporary political issues and examines the suitability of literature as a vehicle for political reflection. The
final section of the module explores the ways in which recent fiction has raised questions about the nature and
function of religion in the modern world.
FILM STUDIES
Introduction to Film Studies 1
FLM1001
Semester 1
The module will introduce students to the principles of film form, narrative, styles and methodologies of film
criticism. It will concentrate on American and British cinema and the examples drawn from these two very
different cinematic industries will help increase and broaden knowledge of film and cinema, audiences and
industries.
Introduction to Film Studies 2
FLM1002
Semester 2
This module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of European cinema and throughout
emphasis is placed on relating its forms, structures, and contexts to a broader history of cinema, and film culture.
The module also explores relations between a range of European films and Hollywood cinema, particularly in
relation to the ways in which European film-makers have rejected and revered the dominance of Hollywood's
narrative aesthetic and industrial practices. The module will consolidate and develop upon work covered in
FLM1001.
FRENCH
French Language 1
(for students with A Level French Grade B or above)
FRH1001
Semester 1
A comprehensive consolidation and development of French language competence: translation, grammar,
comprehension, creative writing, oral (conversation, discussion and presentation skills). The material used in
all language classes will also broaden knowledge of contemporary issues in France and the French-speaking
world. This module also includes Business French or Le Francais Juridique (Law students only) and develops
skills in computer assisted language learning.
French Language 2
(for students with A Level French Grade B or above)
FRH1002
(with FRH1001)
Semester 2
An enlargement and enhancement of French language competence: translation, grammar, comprehension,
creative writing, oral (conversation, discussion and presentation skills). The material used in all language
classes will also broaden knowledge of contemporary issues in France and the French-speaking world. This
module also includes Business French or Le Francais Juridique (Law students only) and develops skills in
computer assisted language learning.
Intermediate French 1
(for students with AS Level French Grade B or above)
FRH1011
Semester 1
See French Language A with additional intensive language tuition in oral and written French.
Intermediate French 2
(for students with AS Level French Grade B or above)
FRH1012
(with FRH1011)
Semester 2
See French Language B with additional intensive language tuition in oral and written French.
Beginners French 1
(GSCE Grade B or above in foreign language)
FRH1021
Semester 1
This is an intensive language-learning course that aims to bring students with little or no prior knowledge of
French a basic grounding in the written and spoken language equivalent to post-GSCE standard. All students
are introduced to the core elements of French grammar and language use, including an hour with a native
speaker to develop spoken language skills.
Beginners French 2
(GSCE Grade B or above in foreign language)
FRH1022
(with FRH1021)
Semester 2
This is a continuation of Beginners’ French 1 which is designed to give students a solid grounding in French
written and spoken language to beyond A level standard. All students continue to focus on the core elements
of French grammar and language use, including translation, conversation, reading and comprehension skills.
HISTORY
Irish Studies 11: The Modern History, Politics, Sociology and
Anthropology of Northern Ireland
IRS1002
2
This module will cover the modern history of Ireland 1800-1920; the politics of Ireland (north and south) 19202002; aspects of the social anthropology of Ireland, including issues of parades and symbols in Northern Ireland.
IRISH AND CELTIC STUDIES
Irish Language 1
(for students with A Level Irish Grade B or above)
CEL1001
Semester 1
Comprehensive consolidation and advancement of Irish language competence in the domains of both written
and spoken Irish. Emphasis is placed on oral skills, textual analysis, comprehension and grammar. The
medium of instruction is Irish.
Irish Language 2
(for students with A Level Irish Grade B or above)
CEL1002
(with CEL1001)
2
Further advancement of the key language skills gained in semester 1 (CEL1001). The medium of instruction is
Irish.
Irish Folklore
CEL1004
2
The concept of folklore and its application in Ireland since the 19th century. Subjects under analysis may include
(i) folk narrative and performance (ii) ritual, belief, festival and worldview and (iii) material culture and lifestyle.
Celtic Mythology
CEL1033
1
This module will explore the evidence for the religion and beliefs of the Celtic-speaking peoples from the earliest
times. We will examine early Irish texts dealing with native gods and the Otherworld, and we will explore literary
archaeological and inscriptional evidence from Britain and the Continent for parallels among other Celticspeaking peoples. We will also investigate the supernatural aspect of early Irish sacral kingship and mythical
representations of Irish society, as well as the nature of goddesses and their connection with war and landscape.
MUSIC
Musics of the World
MUS1001
Semester 1
Ethnomusicologists claim that music is a human universal: Why is this so? Why do musical styles across the
world sound different from one another? How do people across the globe use music in their rituals and daily
lives? What role does music play in people’s social lives? This course aims to address these questions through
an introduction to the musics of various parts of the world, focusing in particular upon Sub-Saharan Africa,
Europe and Native America. In looking at musical systems from various parts of the world, students will be
introduced to the historical development of ethnomusicology, and to some of the interpretive models
ethnomusicologists have used in understanding music and musical activities within a social setting. Throughout
the semester students will also engage in practical musicking in at least one non-western musical style; drawing
on this experience, students will be challenged to reflect upon the role of music in structuring social worlds.
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy and Human Nature
PHL1001
Semester 1
An introduction to some fundamental philosophical problems arising from theories of human nature in the
western philosophical tradition, and to the methods which philosophers use for solving them, including
techniques of sound reasoning and argument. Topics covered will include the soul, personal identity, free will,
and life after death (among others). Reference will be made to the ideas and arguments of many important
figures in the history of philosophy, including Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume and Kant.
Philosophy and the Good Life
PHL1004
Semester 2
This module serves as an introduction to moral philosophy. The first part of the module explores a number of
general theories of morality, including utilitarianism, deontology and virtue ethics. The second part of the
module then considers how these theories bear on practical issues in applied ethics, such as affirmative
action, animal rights, abortion and global poverty. During both parts of the module, reference will be made to
classic authors from the past, such as Aristotle, Kant and Mill, and to more recent moral philosophers, such as
Peter Singer and Bernard Williams.
POLITICS
Contemporary Europe
PAI1001
Semester 1
The module provides an introduction to contemporary Europe from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Focusing primarily on the post-Cold War period and the process of European integration, it analyses major
political, economic and historical developments.
Media, Politics and Conflict
PAI1005
Semester 2
The module examines the nature of politics in media driven culture. It explores the relationship between media
and democracy, and asks questions about bias, agenda setting, power and control in the media. It covers both
local and global politics, and provides both the historical context for significant technological developments (e.g.
the Printing Press, the internet), and contemporary examples of the growing power of the media (e.g. the CNN
Effect). The module asks students to reflect on their own interactions with the media, and to compare different
media formats.
World Politics, War and Peace
PAI1006
Semester 1
The module examines the development of the international system and raises questions about how and whether
this system is changing in light of processes of globalisation. International relations theories of realism, idealism
and critical approaches will be introduced, as well as issues of war and conflict, global inequality, poverty,
climate change, race and gender.
Perspectives on Politics
PAI1007
Semester 1
An introduction to some key concepts in the study of politics such as the meaning of democracy, the relation
between individual and society, and the nature of power and political authority.
Britain and Ireland in Comparative Perspective
PAI1009
Semester 2
The purpose of this course is to explore key themes in British and Irish Politics in a comparative perspective.
The aim is to enable students to understand current politics by comparing Britain, Northern Ireland and the
Republic of Ireland to each other and also to other developed democracies. The course opens with two lectures
that lay out the ideas behind comparison as a tool of understanding. Subsequent topics include: party systems,
electoral systems, government formation, inter-party competition, intra-party competition and devolution.
SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Culture and Society: the Social Anthropological Perspective
ANT1001
Semester 1
The module introduces students to social anthropology through a consideration of the principles which underlie
aspects of family life, kinship, sexuality and gender relations, as well as gaining a livelihood, in different parts of
our complex world. Topics covered include: folk theories of reproduction and kinship systems; the impact of
modern assisted conception techniques on kinship systems in ‘the west’; how sex, sexuality and gender are
culturally constructed; why societies tend to avoid incest; food and social identification; the social consequences
of food shortage; the social consequences of tourism, including sex tourism; and how anthropology can
contribute to debates about such issues as ‘development’ and other public policies ‘at home’ and abroad.
A World on the Move: Anthropological and Historical
Approaches to Globalisation
ANT1003
Semester 1
Using comparative case studies from the contemporary and the historical record, this module offers introductory
reflections on how globalisation has been approached by anthropologists and historians. Among the issues
discussed are: global and local linkages in a world of economic, cultural and political connectivity; cultural
convergence and the expression of cultural difference; migrants, trafficked people, refugees and tourists;
diasporas, the idea of ‘home’ and national borders; the fate of the transnational family/kinship network in the
contemporary world; global and local regimes of power and resistance. The module will be taught by both
historians and social anthropologists.
Power, Ritual and Symbol: the View from Anthropology
ANT1004
Semester 2
This module addresses religion and politics as points of entry into social anthropology. The first half of the
course focuses on ‘religion’ as a belief system; the power of symbols, witchcraft ideas and witchcraft accusations
and the lessons we can learn from these; as well as on how religion operates under conditions of rapid social
change. Through a discussion of the role of ritual in regimes of power, the second half of the module shifts
towards a general consideration of anthropological approaches to politics and power. In this section we will look
at the nature of ‘power’; at how anthropologists have analysed political systems comparatively; at the micropolitics of everyday life and gossip; at the issue of ‘nationalism’ and ethnic conflicts; and on violence and
everyday life.
Expressive Cultures: Interpreting Text, Image and Sound
ESA1001
Semester 2
Anthropologists have analysed how people in different parts of the world express themselves in a variety of
ways through text, image and sound. Why do different groups emphasise particular media, who is involved in
specific expressive practices, and who actually controls the cultural practices? Can textual, verbal, musical and
material forms of expression be communicated across cultural and linguistic boundaries? How do processes of
cultural translation affect their meaning and impact on different lifeworlds? These and other issues will be central
to this module. In the first part of the module, we shall examine language-based forms of expression, including
travel writing and oral literature. The second part of the module will explore musical expressions and other
performative genres, examining musical activities and rituals. In the last part of the module, we shall focus on
forms of visual and material expression, looking, for example, at the production of photographs, ritual objects
and works of art.
SOCIAL POLICY
Finding out about Social Policy
SPY1001
Semester 2
Finding out about Social Policy provides an introduction to UK social policy. It looks at different perspectives,
themes, issues and debates in the field of social policy. It begins by identifying key ways of defining and
theorising social policy, and looks at the historical foundations and development of social policy in Britain and
Northern Ireland. It then moves on to look at current developments and trends in six substantive areas of social
policy: social security, the labour market, education, health, personal social services and housing.
SOCIOLOGY
Understanding Society
SOC1001
Semester 1
This module offers a general introduction to the discipline of sociology for those with no experience of studying
sociology before. Its primary objective is to initiate students to sociological thinking. Sociology does not rely on
our subjective experience and general ideas commonly shared within the society (beliefs, customs, traditions,
values, norms); its critical way of thinking and its methods allow us to discover aspects of social life that most
people are unaware of. This will be done through a diversity of topics such as social class, suicide, race, gender,
disability, globalisation, violence and other social phenomena. The module will provide a background for those
intending to study sociology in the second and third years, but also acts as a stand-alone sociology course for
those who do not intend to study it further.
The Sociological Imagination
SOC1002
Semester 2
This module introduces students to landmark sociological studies of power and inequality. The focus is on the
practice of sociological analysis of divisions and institutions such as gender, class, race, ethnicity, health, the
family, marriage, work and the media.
SPANISH
Hispanic Studies
(for students with A Level Spanish Grade B or above)
SPA1001
Semester 1
Classes focus on developing spoken and written Spanish language skills. Language work is based on a broad
range of texts relating to culture, literature and society in Spain and the Americas. Students develop a deeper
understanding of language, composition and grammar (translation, comprehension, essay writing), as well as
advancing spoken language ability with native speakers. This module includes an hour of ‘Applied language
skills’ in Business Spanish or Spanish for Law (Law students only) and includes computer assisted language
learning.
Hispanic Studies 2
(for students with A Level Spanish Grade B or above)
SPA1002
(with SPA1001)
Semester 2
Classes focus on continued development of spoken and written Spanish language skills. Language work is
based on a broad range of texts relating to culture, literature and society in Spain and the Americas. Students
develop a deeper understanding of language, composition and grammar (translation, comprehension, report
writing), as well as advancing spoken language ability with native speakers. This module includes an hour of
‘Applied language skills’ in Business Spanish or Spanish for Law (Law students only) and includes computer
assisted language learning.
Intermediate Spanish 1
(for students with AS Level Spanish Grade B or above)
SPA1011
Semester 1
See Hispanic Studies 1 description. AS level students follow the Hispanic Studies 1 course but also receive
extra support in their language learning.
Intermediate Spanish 2
(for students with AS Level Spanish Grade B or above)
SPA1012
(with SPA1011)
Semester 2
See Hispanic Studies 2 description. AS level students follow the Hispanic Studies 2 course but also receive
extra support in their language learning.
Beginners Spanish 1
(GSCE Grade B or above in foreign language)
SPA1021
Semester 1
This is an intensive language-learning course that aims to bring students to ‘A’ level standard in a year. All
students are introduced to the core elements of Spanish grammar and language use, including an hour with a
native speaker to develop spoken language skills. A core textbook is used that teaches language skills through
introduction to elements of Spanish and Latin American culture and history and includes elements of computer
assisted language learning and visual media.
Beginners Spanish 2
(GSCE Grade B or above in foreign language)
SPA1022
(with SPA1021)
Semester 2
This module builds upon the semester 1 language-learning course. All students are introduced to the core
elements of Spanish grammar and language use, including an hour with a native speaker to develop spoken
language skills. A core textbook is used that teaches language skills through introduction to elements of
Spanish and Latin American culture and history and includes elements of computer assisted language learning
and visual media.