History 339
HIST 339
Scotland and Ireland in the Modern Age (EU) (WI)
Catalog Entry
HIST 339
Scotland and Ireland in the Modern Age (EU) (WI)
Three hours lecture: (3)
Prerequisite: Three hours of History at the 100 level.
A general survey of Scottish and Irish history in modern times. Topics will range from William Wallace through the Reformation to Bonnie Prince Charlie and from Drougheda through the Great Famine to the troubles in Northern Ireland. Themes will include state building, identity formation, and relations between Highlanders and Lowlanders, Celts and Saxons, and Protestants and Catholics.
Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course will provide students a chance to become acquainted with the history of Scotland and Ireland, helping them to acquire knowledge and understanding of regions and countries to which many students trace their heritage and from which the United States has derived many important characteristics. The course will attempt to create awareness of how Scotland and Ireland came to be the ways that they are and how Scottish and Irish experiences have been important. Major topics include:
(1) Scottish Wars of Independence
(2) Scotland as an Independent Kingdom
(3) Scottish Reformation
(4) Scotland’s British Kings
(5) Anglo-Scottish Union
(6) Scottish Enlightenment
(7) Ireland Conquered and Unified
(8) Ireland under English Rule
(9) Anglo-Irish Union
(10) Independence and Partition
(11) The Troubles
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will combine lectures, class discussions based on assigned readings, media presentations, diverse writing assignments, and in-class exercises. In all cases, the course will be learner-centered. The course will also offer research opportunities, as students will be able to explore in greater depth topics of special interest through secondary and primary source readings. The course will provide the academic support services that students need in order to succeed.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. Students will practice thinking critically and analytically about historical issues, acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of pertinent historical events and processes, and cultivate a familiarity with the concepts of historical argument and interpretation.
2. Students will develop disciplinary research skills by designing strategies to locate and analyze primary and secondary source evidence, processing and organizing the resultant data, and composing proper citation and bibliographical entries.
3. Students will apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills to the creation and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example, historical social, economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address issues such as the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
4. Students will acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of key issues, themes, personalities, and events in the histories of Ireland and Scotland.
Assessment Measures
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course will be measured using an array of assessment tools that may include, among other things, class attendance and participation, written examinations, formal writing assignments of various types, and informal writing assignments. All exercises are designed to expand the student's ability to evaluate historical events and to develop his or her ability to compose persuasive arguments.
Other Course Information
None
Date Action Reviewed by
October 2010 Reviewed and Approved by Sharon A. Roger Hepburn, Chair
04/2011
March 01, 2021