Module Code - Title:
HI6041
-
INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE FAMILY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This course aims to look critically at the diversity and fluidity of households from socio-economic, political and cultural perspectives. Initially it concerns itself with monitoring household units from all social classes over time. It will explore issues of gender, domesticity and the notion of public/private spheres. An examination of public health and the provision of healthcare in the domestic setting will form a central section. The concepts of childhood and old age will be critically assessed in the Irish context.
Syllabus:
The course is divided into lectures which address the key themes of the History of Family in the modern period; what is the history of family?; Approaches to the study of the history of family; life cycles, marriage, celibacy, fertility; life cycles, childhood and old age; urbanisation and family life; family survival strategies; inheritance patterns, succession, dispossession; impact of migration on family life; family breakdown and marginality
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to
Identify and assess the main discourses of the History of Family
Understand the theoretical framework that underpins the History of Family
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate skills in chronological thinking
Demonstrate skills of historical analysis and interpretation
Demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods, including the conventions of documentation, in the context of a specific research project
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The course comprises lectures and small group teaching.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Ruth Finnegan and Michael Drake (1994)
Studying Family and Community History
, Cambridge
Jack Goody (2000)
The European family: an historico-anthropological essay
, Oxford
Michael Drake (1994)
The family and community: perspectives on family and community history,
, Oxford
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
leanne.calvert@ul.ie