Module Code - Title:
HI2110
-
Introduction to Local History: Approaches, Definitions and Presentations
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the key concepts, theories, definitions and approaches in local history and secondly, to facilitate and guide students in independently researching and writing local history.
Syllabus:
Defining local history; the role of the local historian; introduction to the principal aspects of the methodology of local history; identifying the different approaches to local history; comparative approaches in other countries; contemporary issues and debates in the field of local history; introducing the central concept of æcommunityÆ; guidelines for presentation and publication of local history
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful complete of this module the historian of the locality will have the ability to:
- demonstrate a clear grasp of the defintion, role and purpose of history and the historian;
- outline the key primary and secondary sources for researching and writing the history of localities;
- locate these sources in archives and other depositories; and
- ascertain, evaluate and consider what conclusions can be drawn from these sources for answering a historical problem.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Not applicable
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not applicable
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Prime Texts:
M. Williams (1996)
Researching local history: the human journey
, London
R. Gillespie and M. Hill (1998)
Doing Irish local history: pursuit and practice
, Belfast
Other Relevant Texts:
Various ()
Maynooth Local History pamphlet series
, Dublin
W.G. Hoskins (1993)
Doing Local History in England
, London
E Le Roy Laudurie (1990)
Montaillou: Cathars and Catholics in a French village
, London
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
CERTIFICATE IN LOCAL HISTORY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Generic PRS