HS3T84-Ireland in the seventeenth century: colonization, conflict and identity

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Rachel Foxley
Email: r.h.foxley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The seventeenth century in Ireland was a period of brutal struggles over land, religion, and identity. Oliver Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland in the middle of the century and King William’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 are defining events in Irish history; memories and myths of these events still reinforce the divided identities of the modern island of Ireland. In this module we will trace the story of Ireland from the process of English (and later British) plantation of Irish lands which had begun in the sixteenth century, through the 1641 rebellion and the wars of the mid and late seventeenth century, up to the foundations of the Protestant Ascendancy which was to dominate eighteenth-century Ireland.

Aims:

Part 3 Options involve the study of specific periods, subjects or types of History. This module aims to examine the consequences for Irish society and politics of English and Scottish plantation of Irish land, the rebellion and conquest of the 1640s and 1650s, the Restoration, and the war of 1689-91.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• identify and explain the main issues and events studied


• acquire a detailed knowledge of the events through extensive reading in specialised literature


• locate and assemble information on the subject by independent research


• appraise critically the primary sources and historical interpretations of the subject


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed essays.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:

Topics covered will include: the legacy of the Tudor reconquest of Ireland and the failure of protestant reformation; society and politics in Ireland: the Irish, the Old English, and the New English and Scots; the idea of plantation and the Ulster Plantation; Strafford in Ireland; The rebellion of 1641 and the Catholic Confederacy; Cromwellian conquest and the transplantation of Catholics; Restoration Ireland; The Earl of Tyrconnell and Catholic Ireland under James II; The War of the Two King s: Catholic revolution and Williamite conquest in Ireland; The foundations of the Protestant Ascendancy. Throughout the module we will consider the interplay of religion, nation, and culture in forming the identities of different groups in Irish society; the idea of colonization and its applicability to Ireland, and English and Scottish attitudes to Ireland and the Irish; and the role which Ireland played in the interlocking politics of the three Stuart kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars for which students must carry out full preparatory reading and research. Seminars rely on structured group discussion and may also include: seminar papers by students; discussion of evidence; team-based exercises and debates; study visit to a relevant location. Students are expected to carry out self-directed revision in the Summer term. Staff will be available for consultation as necessary.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		30
Project Supervision		1
Guided independent study:		169
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour paper requiring two answers to be taken at the time of the Part 3 examinations.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write one essay of not more than 2,500 words, to be submitted electronically via Blackboard by 12 noon on the Monday of week 9 of the term. Five marks will be deducted if the coursework essay exceeds 2,625 words (ie 5% over the word limit).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who fail Part Three are permitted one further attempt at a resit in each module they have failed. Students who fail Part Three will no longer be eligible for an Honours Degree but, assuming the necessary threshold after the resit (normally an overall average of 35% or above) is achieved, students will obtain a Pass Degree. Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) ONLY in August. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the third Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Purchase of textbooks is not compulsory, but students should consider setting aside £25 per course to cover the purchase of useful books

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 1 February 2022