Module Details

Module Code: ARCH H8006
Full Title: The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland: From The Coming of Christianity to the Anglo-Normans 400-1500AD
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Conor Brady
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The aim of this course is to introduce students to the archaeology of the historic period in Ireland from the coming of Christianity to the end of the Medieval period. Continuing with the themes established in Prehistoric Landscapes, this module will explore the many classes of archaeological monuments constructed during the period as a major component of the modern landscape. Changes in technology over the time period will be presented as well as changes in social structure, ceremony and ritual and landscape organisation.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Discuss the basic sequence of change in the landscape over the historic period
MLO2 Critically evaluate the major classes of historic archaeological monument associated with each of the different periods
MLO3 Assess the role these monuments played in their landscapes and what they tell us about the societies that constructed and used them
MLO4 Analyse the contribution made by the archaeology of this period to the character of the Irish landscape.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Roman influence
The background to the introduction of new technologies and Christianity
The Coming of Christianity
The impact of the coming of the new religion - literacy, the beginnings of history
Early Medieval settlement
ringforts, cashels and crannógs. Food and farming, craft exchange and trade.
The Church in early medieval Ireland
Challenges outside the Roman empire. Monasticism. Impact on Irish Society. Key features.
The Vikings
Phases of contact - Raiding, longphort settlement, the foundation of towns, craft, exchange and trade.
The Anglo Normans
Historical background. Earth and timber castles, stone castles, town and village development. Later medieval tower-houses.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Dealing with the key developments during one of the sub-periods; approx. 2000 words
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to choose from a list of topics covering the development of the medieval archaeology of Ireland

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to write an essay dealing with the key developments during one of the sub-periods; approx. 2000 words
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to choose from a list of topics covering the development of the medieval archaeology of Ireland
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Edwards, Nancy. (1990), The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland, Batsford, London.
  • O’Keeffe, Tadhg. (2000), Medieval Ireland: An Archaeology, Tempus, Stroud.
  • Barry, Terry. (1987), The Archaeology of Medieval Ireland, Routledge, London.
  • Manning, Conleth. (1995), Early Irish Monasteries, Country House, Dublin.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Ryan, Michael. (1994), Irish Archaeology Illustrated, Country House, Dublin.
  • Mallory, J. and MacNeill, T.. (1991), The Archaeology of Ulster, Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast.
  • O’Sullivan, Aidan. (2000), Crannogs – Lake Dwellings of Early Ireland, Country House, Dublin.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources