Program Overview
The Diploma in Heritage and Folklore Studies is a two-year program exploring Celtic history, folklore, historical geography, and medieval Irish history. It integrates approaches from historians, folklorists, Celtic scholars, archaeologists, and geographers. The program is designed for those interested in local and regional studies and provides skills for careers in the heritage sector. Graduates are eligible for exemptions from the first year of the BA degree in UCC and may qualify for the Local History MA.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Diploma in Heritage and Folklore Studies (formerly known as the Diploma in Local and Regional Studies) is designed for individuals interested in local history and heritage, members of historical societies, and those working or intending to work in the heritage sector. This program aims to develop skills for those interested in local and regional studies, integrating approaches used by historians, folklorists, Celtic scholars, archaeologists, and geographers.
Outline:
The Diploma program is structured over two years, with modules offered in each year.
Year 1 Modules:
- CC1801: Celtic Ireland: This module explores the history and culture of Celtic Ireland.
- AD1051: Studying Folklore: The Sayings and Doings of Common People: This module delves into the study of folklore, focusing on the sayings and doings of ordinary people.
- AD1052: Historical Geography: This module examines the historical development of landscapes and their relationship to human societies.
Year 2 Modules:
- AD2866: The Irish Medieval Church: This module investigates the history and significance of the Irish Medieval Church.
- AD2868: Local Food Studies: History, Tradition and Identity: This module examines the history, traditions, and cultural significance of local food.
- AR1011: The Archaeology of Prehistoric Ireland: This module explores the archaeology of prehistoric Ireland, focusing on its monuments and artifacts.
- AD2874: Research Project on Local and Regional Studies: This module involves the development and completion of a research project on a local or regional topic.
- AD2875: Community Memory - Influences and Dynamics: This module examines the concept of community memory and its influences and dynamics.
Assessment:
The program utilizes continuous assessment, with no formal written examinations. Assessment methods include:
- Essays
- Fieldtrip/fieldwork reports
- Literature/sources review
- Document study
- Oral presentation
- Poster presentations
- Research project
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Weekly lectures
- Workshops
- Field trips The teaching staff includes faculty from the School of History, Department of Folklore and Ethnology, Department of Early and Medieval Irish, Department of Archaeology, Department of Geography, and Adult and Continuing Education.
Careers:
The Diploma in Heritage and Folklore Studies prepares graduates for careers in the Irish heritage or tourism sector. It also provides a solid academic foundation for those wishing to pursue further studies at the degree or higher diploma levels. Diploma graduates may be eligible for 15 credit exemptions from the first year of the BA degree in UCC. Depending on experience, diploma graduates may also qualify for the Local History MA (School of History) in UCC.
Other:
The program is typically taught one evening per week (Thursdays, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm), with teaching and field trips occurring on some Saturdays. Students are expected to attend all Saturday classes and field trips. All field trips are based in Munster. Students will incur some minor costs for field trips.
