Evening & Short Course Programme - Booking
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Classics
SC11 Introduction to Roman Art and Architecture
This lecture-only module is an introductory survey of the development and major artistic and technical achievements of Roman architecture, sculpture, and painting. The course places art and architecture in its social, political and cultural context. It explores themes such as the representation of the human form, the use of narrative and mythology in art, and urbanization, and it looks at the works of individual artists. It traces the development of architectural forms, such as temples, theatres and Roman baths with attention to many of the iconic buildings and sites of the ancient world, including the Parthenon, Delphi and Olympia, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Pompeii.
SC12 Introduction to Roman History
This lecture-only module provides an introductory survey of the history of the Greek and Roman world, from the Greek Archaic age (c.700 BC) to the death of Augustus in AD 14. The main trends and issues of this period will be explored including colonisation, imperialism, war, the Athenian invention of democracy, the rise of Alexander, and the emergence of Rome as a major power in the Mediterranean. There will also be discussion of the main historical sources.
SC13 Greek and Roman Mythology and Religion part II
What is myth? How do myths deal with fundamental human concerns about who we are and the world we live in? What is the relationship between myth and religion? Why did the Greeks and Romans worship many gods, believe in oracles, or perform animal sacrifice? This lecture-only module is an introduction to the major myths and religions of the classical world using the full range of primary source material: literary, artistic and archaeological. It explores the functions of myth within society and the various theories of myth. The first half of the course will focus on themes such as the creation of myths in the wider context of Near Eastern mythology, the character of the Olympian gods, heroes and their monstrous opponents, divine-human relations, and the major mythic cycles of the Trojan war, and the Atreus and Theban sagas. The second half of the course will explore the nature of Greek and Roman religion in its social context. It considers key elements of ritual action: sacrifice, rites of passage, festivals, as well as the diverse ancient beliefs on death and the afterlife and the role of mystery religions. This lecture-only course will be illustrated.
History Of Art And Architecture
SA09 Introduction to European Art II
This lecture-only module offers a survey of Western painting and sculpture from c.1520. It provides an introduction to the critical analysis of artworks and considers such matters as the iconography of major religious and mythological subjects, issues of style, the functions of works of art and architecture, as well as the range of technical methods employed by artists. Art works are considered in the context of influential factors such as historical period, geographic location, and the prevailing social, political and religious environments.
SA10 Introduction to European Architecture II
This lecture-only module offers a survey of Western architecture from c.1520. It provides an introduction to the critical analysis of building types. The module considers such matters as issues of style, the functions architecture, as well as the range of technical methods employed by architects in the context of influential factors such as historical period, geographic location, and the prevailing social, political and religious environments.
SA11 Themes in Irish Art 2
This module presents a thematic introduction to Irish art, architecture and design in its broader international context. Subjects will be connected across periods and styles– the focus not on presenting individualised summarized histories but rather considering how aspects of Irish visual history are connected and have evolved over time.
SA12 Cultural Intersections in the History of Art 2
This course examines the influence of different global cultures on the history of Western art from the medieval period to the twentieth century. Organized thematically, it will consider how different factors such as religious conversion, trade and the age of discovery on artistic styles
SA13 Islamic Art and Architecture of the Medieval Mediterranean
This module considers objects and places from the medieval world that have accumulated multiple meanings over time. Challenging the narrative of a 'clash of civilisations' between Islam and Christianity, it focuses on the entangled histories of art and architecture in the medieval Mediterranean, examining through case studies the mediatory role of art, material culture and architecture from the 10th to 15th centuries.
SA16 The Art Of The Renaissance
This course will look in detail at a number of key Renaissance artists including Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian. It will examine the works of these artists within the context of early modern society, investigating the conditions of artistic patronage, and pursuing the theme of the ‘revival of antiquity’ alongside the changing religious demands placed on artists in the light of the Reformation. It will also explore critically a number of themes and questions such as the ‘idea of the Renaissance’, whether there was a Renaissance for women, or if the Renaissance was multi-cultural? Other topics to be examined include ‘the rise of the artist’, the theory of ‘disegno’, artistic exchanges between Italy and northern Europe, the nature of different artistic centres in Italy (like Bologna, Milan or Venice as well as Florence and Rome), the growth of the genre of portraiture, and the experience of dreaming, melancholy or falling in love as described in the visual arts.
SA17 The Age of Rembrandt and Vermeer
The module will examine some of the wealth of artistic production in the Netherlands in the seventeenth century. The module will be based around the study of Rembrandt and Vermeer as contrasting and complementary figures who represent some of the diverse tendencies of the time. This will entail the study of the development of individual styles and subject matter ranging from history painting to portraiture, landscape and genre painting. The distinct artistic character associated with centres of production, even ones that were geographically close, will be assessed with an emphasis on Amsterdam, Delft and Utrecht. The module will also look at the posthumous reputations of Rembrandt and Vermeer, examining questions of attribution, authenticity, canonicity and rediscovery. So far as is possible the module will use examples now in the National Gallery of Ireland or formerly in Irish collections.
History
SH06 The Hundred Years War c.1337-1453
The Hundred Years War was in reality a series of wars, on both land and sea, arising primarily from the political and dynastic conflicts of the kings of England and France. It was fought mainly in France but also engulfed Brittany, Scotland, the Iberian kingdoms, the Netherlands and other countries. The first part of the wars is retailed in considerable detail by the contemporary chronicler, Jean Froissart, whose powerful portrait of warfare and political rivalry is set against a backdrop of chivalric endeavour and glory.
SH07 Climate and Environment in the Pre-modern World
Climate history is a rapidly evolving field of study that aims (1) to reconstruct climate conditions over past centuries and millennia and (2) understand how societies perceived and responded to changing climates and extreme weather. These aims can be best achieved by combining evidence from both natural and human archives. In this module we will examine the historical development of natural archives such as tree-rings and ice-cores and introduce how they can be used to reveal climate variations in the past. We will then examine how this information can be combined with evidence from human archives, including written and archaeological records, to understand the social impacts of climate change and extreme weather. In doing so, we will draw upon case studies of major episodes of climate change from the ancient and medieval eras. These case studies will bring us from ancient Egypt and Babylonia to the ancient American Southwest, and from there to Medieval Ireland, Japan, China and beyond. In these places we will examine the role that explosive volcanic eruptions and rapid changes in the Sun’s output of energy played in causing extreme weather that was often accompanied by major human impacts such as famine, disease and conflict, before studying the ways in which ancient and medieval societies attempted to cope with these impacts and adapt to changing climates.
SH08 Europe 1500-1800: Power and Culture
This module explores the political and cultural history of Europe during the early modern period. It analyses the efforts of reformers to revive their churches and societies during the sixteenth century. It then examines the legacy of these reform movements and considers how cultural divisions as well as competition for power led to prolonged periods of conflict within states and between states during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This module then charts the emergence during the eighteenth century of new ways of thinking about private life and popular culture and of new ideas about science, society and the self of the Enlightenment. Finally, it explores how these ideas contributed to political crisis following the French Revolution.
SH10 Americal History
An introduction to the main events of American history from the beginnings of English colonization in the early seventeenth century to the present, this lecture-only module is divided chronologically in two parts. Among topics covered are the colonial period; the establishment of American independence; the U.S. constitution; slavery; the Civil War; industrialization, urbanisation and the problems of a multi-ethnic society. Changes in American popular culture are considered, as are the emergence of the US as a world power and American foreign policy.
SH11 Imperialism to Globalism: Europe and the World 1860-1970
Global integration is not only a fact of modern life, but of modern history writing. The interconnectedness of distant societies and states, and powerful forces making for social, cultural and economic interaction have prompted significant scholarly assessment.
This lecture-only module investigates some of the events and processes which have led to a more integrated world order between the mid-nineteenth century and the later twentieth century. For most of that period much of the world was carved up between a number of inter-continental empires centred in Europe. How those empires grew, exerted control and in due course retreated will be the particular focus of the module. But other processes, too, will be considered, not least the integrating force of economic changes and the spreading power of capitalism across the globe. Attention will be given to the evolution of ideologies of imperialism and social Darwinism and to whether or not such ideologies impacted upon changing global power relationships. The module, while broadly chronological in approach, will focus on a wide range of themes in cultural, economic and political history.
School Of Histories And Humanities
S001 The Hidden Truth: Conspiracies, Treason and Plots
Delve into the shadows of human history in our captivating new lecture series – ‘The Hidden Truth?’. Conspiracies, plots and acts of treason have long been woven into the fabric of human history and culture, captivating minds with their secrecy and intrigue. From ancient empires to modern governments, whispers of clandestine agendas and hidden alliances as well as untold stories lurking behind print and canvas stir our imaginations and suspicions alike. Whether fuelled by ambition, ideology, or fear, the allure of uncovering hidden truths continues to captivate and divide societies across the globe.
Join us for sixteen insightful lectures, presented over two terms, featuring experts from the Classics, History, and History of Art and Architecture. Together we will unravel the intricate interplay of hidden agendas and covert alliances and will explore how shadowy narratives in history, literature and art intertwine and often blur the line between fact and fiction, challenging our perceptions of power, trust, and loyalty.
SO02 Introduction to Irish Family History
This is a continuation class from semester 1 – you must have completed semester 1 to take part in semester 2.
Family History isn’t just about the past: learning about our origins allows people to get down to the granular details of our ancestors’ lives. It enables people to construct their own family narrative and their personal identity. This lecture-only module is taught through a series of eight lectures per term over two terms by Fiona Fitzsimons & Brian Donovan of the Irish Family History Centre (Eneclann). The course covers a broad sweep of Irish history (1650s to 1950s), and is deeply rooted in the sources. The focus is on the records generated by churches, central and local government, enterprises, families and individuals; exploring what section of the Irish population is documented in these records, and how to interpret the evidence. Where record collections were destroyed, do any collateral records survive that contain relevant information?
The fee includes free access to the largest Irish collection online, www.Findmypast.ie It will also provide support for all participants to construct a simple family history portfolio over sixteen weeks, including creating a family profile; research to collect documentary evidence; building a family tree; and writing a simple report.
Please note: This is a lecture-only course and does not include access to computers on campus. Participants must have access to their own computers at home for follow up clinics and research.
SO03 Irish Family History: Intermediate Level
This is a continuation class from semester 1. You must have completed semester 1 to take part in semester 2.
Building on the theoretical foundations of the first year, we begin to move into experiential learning with the option of project work in term 2. We explore the Irish diaspora in all its aspects (military, mercantile, civilian, political and criminal exiles and convicts, adventurers, orphans) anywhere they went, and where sources survive, in Irish and overseas archives. In term two we will turn a spotlight on demographic groups that are more challenging to trace: finding women in the sources; researching Irish Travellers before 1950; and children in care 1840s to 1952. There will be a continuing emphasis on the appropriate methodology to use in family and social history, for a successful research outcome.
Please note: This is a lecture-only course and does not include access to computers on campus. Participants must have access to their own computers at home for follow up clinics and research.
The Centre for Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
GS01 Gender: History, Culture and Representation
‘The story is no longer about the things that have happened to women and men and how they have reacted to them; instead it is about how the subjective and collective meanings of women and men as categories of identity have been constructed.’ (Joan Scott, Gender and the Politics of History, New York, 19988, p.6). This lecture-only module will examine the histories and representations of gender, seeking to understand how gender is constructed by societies, institutions and individuals, through the critical analysis of texts, works of art and public actions. Gender, its role, its construction and it historiography will be brought together by scholars across the school in an interdisciplinary module. The operation of gender ‘as a tool of analysis’ will be examined in histories of the body, sexuality, medicine, religion, politics, institutions and representations in a variety of texts and contexts which will show the inherent instability and elusive nature of many gendered identities.
If you have any questions about these programmes,
please contact:
Dr. Patricia Stapleton,
Evening & Short Courses Coordinator,
Room 3141,
School of Histories and Humanities,
Arts Building,
Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 896 8589,
E-mail: extramural.hh@tcd.ie