BA History Single Degree
Level 1 Fifth and Sixth Module Descriptions
2012-13
ARCHAEOLOGY
Prehistoric Europe
ARP1002
Semester 1
This module explores the emergence of human societies in Europe, from the end of the Neanderthals
c.40,000 years ago to the Celts and the expansion of Rome. The module is an introduction not only to
the story of human cultures across Europe but to the methods and research questions that
archaeologists have applied to explanations of social, technological, environmental and economic
change. Topics covered include: Iron-Age hunters and their art, megaliths, Mediterranean palacecultures, Celtic warriors. Lectures, small-group seminars, field trip.
Historic Europe
ARP1003
Semester 2
The period covered in this module is the 1500 years from the height of the Roman Empire to the end of
the Middle Ages. The module spans the whole of Western Europe and the Near East, from Ireland and
southern Spain to northern Russia and east as far as Palestine. The first of its major themes is the
changing idea of Romanitas (‘Roman-ness’); archaeology shows that Roman ideas of architecture etc.
profoundly affected European culture long after the Roman Empire had ended. The second is is the
military, political and cultural expansion of western Europe; topics arising include the Crusades, the
Christian re-conquest of Islamic Spain, the German repression of the ‘heathen’ Slavs, the limits of
technology. Basic archaeological methods such as the interpretation of stratigraphy and the analysis of
buildings are discussed.
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 theatre history from Ancient Greece to the medieval period, encompassing
Western and Eastern performance cultures and contexts. 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 performative tradition of Classical Japanese
Theatre 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 Alevel 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 different critical and historical approaches to film. It covers a range
of films important in film history, and considers the development of narrative form and changing
technology such as the introduction of sound and digital media.
Introduction to Film Studies 2
FLM1002
Semester 2
The module offers students an introduction to world cinema, considering films from Europe and SouthEast Asia, whilst examining how these films may be differentiated from the more familiar cinema of
Hollywood. Lectures will examine the various ways of identifying and assessing these differences, whilst
seminars will explore these ideas via close textual analysis of the films themselves. The module will
consolidate and develop upon work covered in FLM1001 with particular emphasis on offering a broad
survey of world cinema while enhancing students’ skills in the critical analysis and evaluation of film
texts, contexts and concepts.
FRENCH
French Language A
(for students with A Level French Grade C 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 B
(for students with A Level French Grade C 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.
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)
1920-2002; 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. Extensive use is made of computer-assisted language learning. 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 as found in ancient and medieval sources in Ireland, Britain and the Continent with
particular focus on Ireland. We will examine the evidence for early Irish mythology, the native gods and
the Otherworld, and explore early Christian literary texts including the lives of the founding saints such as
Saint Patrick and Saint Brigit and tales about the oversea voyages undertaken by early saints such as St
Brendan. You will also study the nature of the surviving sources to enable you to assess their reliability
and determine how they can be properly used for the study of early Irish and Celtic history and belief,
while learning how to tell fact from fiction in the accounts of the early saints. The module will be of
particular interest to students of History, Literature, and Comparative Religion.
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
Approaches to Philosophy
PHL1001
Semester 1
An introduction to some leading philosophical problems and the methods which philosophers use for
solving them, including techniques of sound reasoning and argument. The topics include moral and
social dilemmas (e.g. discrimination, taking human life, censorship), freedom and determinism, and
arguments for the existence of God. Reference will be made to the ideas and arguments of many
important figures in the history of philosophy, including Plato, Aristotle, Eubulides, Anselm, Albertus
Magnus, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, Luther, de Molina, Descartes, Leibniz, Pascal, Locke, Hume, Kant,
Laplace, Bentham, J.S.Mill, Darwin, Marx, Frege, Russell, G.E. Moore.
Human Nature
PHL1002
Semester 2
An introduction to some fundamental philosophical problems arising from theories of human nature in the
western philosophical tradition. Reference will be made to the ideas and arguments of many important
figures in the history of philosophy, including Plato, Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant and Mill.
Philosophy and the Good Life
PHL1004
Semester 2
An introduction to some of the central issues in the philosophy of religion, ethical theory, and the value of
life. The religious approach to the value and meaning of life will be contrasted with that of secular
approaches. Topics will include knowing God without arguments, life after death, the problem of evil,
religion and science, religious experience, theories of well being, utilitarianism, and egoism.
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, intraparty competition and devolution.
PORTUGUESE STUDIES
Portuguese Studies 1
SPA1009
Semester 1
This module is only available to students enrolled on the BA Single Honours Spanish pathway.
Through a variety of appropriate teaching methods, this Portuguese language course introduces nonPortuguese speakers to the basic areas of grammatical usage and essential vocabulary, putting them
into practice through oral and written exercises. A contextual element, introducing thematic material, will
support language learning and raise awareness of Portuguese imperial expansion
Portuguese Studies 2
SPA1010
Semester 2
This module is only available to students enrolled on the BA Single Honours Spanish pathway.
This module develops the linguistic skills acquired in Portuguese Studies 1 and introduces new areas of
Portuguese grammar and vocabulary. New grammatical knowledge is put into practice through written
and oral exercises. It will also analyse the end of Portuguese colonisation under the Salazar
dictatorship.
PSYCHOLOGY
Thinking Critically about Popular Psychology 1
PSY1004
Semester 1
The module is one of two modules (the second module is PSY1005) that will explore popular beliefs and
stereotypes about psychological phenomena and study the extent to which they are supported by
evidence. The current module examines common questions about the nature of feelings and emotions,
social and interpersonal behaviour and personality development. Examples of the questions to be
covered are: “Can a so-called lie detector test really detect dishonesty?” “Is it better to express anger to
others than to hold it in?” “Do opposites attract?” “Is adolescence inevitably a time of psychological
turmoil?”
Thinking Critically about Popular Psychology 2
PSY1005
Semester 2
The module is one of two modules (the second module is PSY 1004) that will explore popular beliefs and
stereotypes about psychological phenomena and study the extent to which they are supported by
evidence. The current module examines common queries about the relationship between the brain and
human behaviour, how perception and memory works, and how about mental health. Examples of the
questions to be covered are: “Are some people left-brained and others right-brained?” “Can people have
extrasensory perception?” “Does human memory work like a tape-recorder?” “Does playing music to
infants boost their intelligence?” “Is abstinence the only realistic treatment for alcoholics?”
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 micro-politics 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 British social policy. It looks at different
perspectives, themes, issues and debates in the field of social policy. The course is organised into three
'sections'. 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. The third 'section' looks at the
impact of the European Union on British social policy.
SOCIOLOGY
Understanding Society
SOC1001
Semester 1
A general introduction to the concepts and methods of sociology with a particular focus on the theme of
the individual and society. This will include topics such as culture, social interaction, socialization and
assimilation into social roles through such agencies as gender and the family.
The Sociological Imagination
SOC1002
Semester 2
Provide a general introduction to the methods and concepts of sociology with a particular focus on the
theme of power and inequality. The module will examine the processes and institutions by which power
differentials and inequality are reproduced, such as class, education, work, race, patriarchy and
capitalism.
Sociology of Work
SOC1004
Semester 2
This module looks at the relationship between work and society. It examines the social and historical
context of modern work and organisations. It examines the sociology of work in international and
comparative frameworks. It will examine work in historical perspective; Classical Theoretical Approaches
to Understanding Work; contemporary theories of work organisation; Class Conflict and Revolution;
inequalities in the workplace; sociology of unemployment; sociology of unpaid work; Knowledge work
and the social organisation of expertise; Emotional labour; Globalisation and the future of work.
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.