Module Code - Title:
HI2132
-
RESEARCH METHODS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to guide students through key methods and approaches to the research of history of family to enable them to contextualise and corroborate their research projects and interests, and to present their results in a constructive and positive environment. Students will be encouraged to use a large variety of sources for their study of family history, both in the Irish regional/national context, and internationally, whilst availing of innovative technological expertise.
Syllabus:
The Research Methods (History of Family) seminar will convene during the spring semester under the direction of the academic course director and visiting staff, and will be attended by each enrolled student. Each member of the programme will be required to present firstly, their research proposal and secondly, the current results of research to-date, with references. The presentation will be followed by questions and discussion incorporating constructive critical feedback. This module will also include field trips to appropriate archival and related repositories, which feature material of relevance to the history of family.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module a student will:
Contextualise history of family testimony within the narrative of Irish historical research;
Evaluate clearly the contribution of technological innovations in the research and presentation of family histories;
Integrate genealogical methodologies, with existing primary documentary sources as well as secondary sources, to construct effective histories of family.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Ludmilla Jordanova (2006)
History in Practice
, London
Ruth Finnegan and Michael Drake (eds.) (1994)
Studying Family and Community History
, Cambridge
Finola Kennedy (2001)
Cottage to Creche: Family Change in Ireland
, Dublin
Other Relevant Texts:
David Hey (1996)
The Oxford Companion to Local and Family History
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Michael Glazier (ed.) (1999)
The Encyclopaedia of the Irish in America
, Notre Dame
John Tosh (1991)
The Pursuit of History
, London
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
David.Butler@ul.ie