This module explores the social, sexual and cultural lives of individuals in Ireland and North America through the prism of 'deviancies'. Focusing on the long eighteenth century, it interrogates how church, state and community responded to differences in gender, sexuality, religion, race and social rank to create acceptable standards.

How do societies decide what is 'deviant' and what is 'normal'? Who is responsible for enforcing those decisions? This module explores how concepts of deviancy were negotiated, regulated and enforced in Ireland and North America across the long eighteenth century. Drawing on a diverse range of primary source materials, we will explore how church, state and community responded to differences in gender, sexuality, religion, race and social rank to create acceptable standards. 'Deviancies' to be explored may include 'illicit' sexual relationships and practices (such as adultery, fornication, masturbation, and affinal incest); leisure cultures (alcohol misuse and 'promiscuous' dancing); disorderly families (domestic violence and marital breakdown); and queer identities (from same-sex intimacies to transgender lives). Case studies from the Irish and North American 'Presbyterian Archive' provide the spine to the module, giving students the opportunity to work first-hand with archival materials and carry out independent research.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of histories of deviancy and non-conformity in Ireland and North America, • independently identify and critically analyse primary sources relative to histories of deviancies, as well as sources drawn from the Presbyterian archive more particularly, • situate primary sources within the broader historical literature on deviancies, • present their work in a variety of formats, with an emphasis on digital literacy skills.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • demonstrate global awareness and a sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusivity • demonstrate independent learning and collaborative working skills • appreciate how perceptions of deviancy changed over time, and in response to factors such as gender, religion, social rank, and race.

N/a

This module aims to foster critical conversations about how inequalities are produced in societies both past and present, with the view to encouraging discussions of how history can help us imagine a more equitable future. It discusses themes and topics that require a historical approach grounded in ethical sensitivity and an appreciation of equality and diversity (Graduate Attribute: Responsible). In addition to working on sources provided by the module leader, students will utilise online research archives and databases to independently identify other primary sources. Students will also collaborate with one and another in class using platforms such as Google Docs and Padlet to co-produce learning materials that can be used for self-study beyond our in-person session (Graduate Attribute: Articulate). The module encourages students to flex and develop their skills in communicating knowledge in diverse ways. In addition to an applied case-study, the module is assessed via a research blog. Students will therefore develop skills in writing for diverse audiences (Graduate Attributes: Agile). The module is taught in workshop format and is underpinned by collaborative working. Through structured and semi-structured tasks, students are supported to develop their problem-solving skills and work towards independence and autonomy (Graduate attribute: Courageous).