EUST10010 Approaches to European Studies

Academic Year 2024/2025

Welcome to the European Studies core course designed especially for you as first-year undergraduates! This semester, we will delve into the fascinating and complex topic of the Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day, which occurred in August 1572. This historical event, marked by political intrigue, widespread violence and religious conflict, has inspired a wealth of cultural products, including dramas, poetry, novels, and films.

Our exploration of the Massacre will be interdisciplinary, allowing us to examine the event through various academic lenses. We will hear from experts across the College of Arts and Humanities at UCD, who will share insights from their research and the diverse methodologies they use. Together, we will consider how these approaches can be applied to our own study of the 1572 Massacre.

As a pivotal event in the sixteenth century, the Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day highlights many key features of early modern European history. By investigating this topic, we will gain a deeper understanding of the political, social, and cultural dynamics that shaped the period. Join us as we uncover the layers of history, violence, and cultural production surrounding this significant event.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

• Introduction to University-Level Study: Develop foundational skills in researching, writing, and presenting ideas, essential for your academic success at UCD and in your future career.
• Exposure to Diverse Methodologies: Gain insight into various methodological approaches and techniques used by scholars across different disciplines, including history, languages, music, and art.
• Appreciation of Interdisciplinarity: Understand the advantages and challenges of interdisciplinary study, enhancing your ability to integrate diverse perspectives and methods.
• Confidence in Academic Engagement: Build confidence in asking questions, debating different perspectives, and presenting well-reasoned arguments in both written and oral forms

Indicative Module Content:

Welcome

Introduction to the course and its objectives.

Renaissance and Reformation: France in Flux

Examination of the social, political, and religious transformations in France during the Renaissance and Reformation periods.

Massacre I – Radical Clerics and Unsettled Communities | Blood Wedding

Exploration of the role of radical clerics and the impact on communities, with a focus on the "Blood Wedding."

Massacre II – The Psychology of Religious Violence | Gendered Violence

Analysis of the psychological aspects of religious violence and its gendered dimensions.

Massacre III – Making Sense of Suffering | Christopher Marlowe’s The Massacre at Paris (1593) | Memorialisation

Discussion on interpreting suffering, featuring Christopher Marlowe’s play and the concept of memorialisation.


Women Writers and the Construction of Memory in Fourteenth to Sixteenth-Century France

Study of how women writers contributed to the construction of memory during this period.


Reading Week

Time allocated for independent reading and study.

Monuments vs Memorials: Remembering and Forgetting Genocide in Namibia

Joint seminar with Global History on the themes of monuments, memorials, and the collective memory of genocide.


The Continual Rediscovery of Antiquity

Exploration of how antiquity has been continuously rediscovered and reinterpreted over time.

Books in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century – A Hands-On Introduction

Practical session on the books of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Students are encouraged to bring a pencil and paper.

Essay Clinic/Advice

Session dedicated to providing guidance and advice on essay writing and coursework.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

20
Specified Learning Activities

45
Autonomous Student Learning

45
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
We will meet once a week for a two-hour seminar. Although the course centres on a specific case study, it offers a broader exploration of interdisciplinary perspectives. Throughout the semester, scholars from various disciplines will join us to share their research and explain their unique approaches to studying the world.
Guest Lectures:
• Scholars from different fields will introduce you to their research methodologies and perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of the topic.
Reflective Learning:
• Weekly reports will encourage you to reflect on the material, fostering critical thinking and enhancing your writing skills.
Research and Writing:
• The final essay will help you develop confidence in conducting research, especially utilizing sources in different languages, and in presenting your findings coherently.
This approach ensures that you gain a deep understanding of the subject matter while developing essential academic skills in research, critical analysis, and interdisciplinary thinking.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Reflective Assignment: weekly contributions and reports n/a Graded No

50
Assignment(Including Essay): 2,500-word research essay n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

You will receive regular feedback on your weekly reports. You will receive feedback on your proposed plans for your essays in class. You will receive written feedback on your final essays after the results have been published for the module.