With the imminent introduction of the new JC courses, teachers will be asked to design short courses on their respective subjects. Rather than explaining how to design a short course, I thought I might give an example. Below is a short course I designed on local history for junior cycle students.
The Course was based on St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk and covers topics such as Catholic Emancipation (1829), Eucharistic Congress (1932) and the Second Vatican Council (1962 – 1965)
When teaching history, it is important to relate the content to the students experience. This places history in their own context, in their own story. All history is local, and you are sure to find a local connection to most historical events covered in this history curriculum.
JC Short Course: Local History
Title:
Local History: St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk: From Catholic Emancipation and Famine to the Second Vatican Council.
Rationale:
The Rationale of completing such a course is to set the world events of the Catholic Emancipation (1829), Famine (1847) and the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) in a local context using St Patrick’s Church as a point of reference. The pupils will also explore other key events in Irish history from a local perspective, including the Dundalk Meeting with Daniel O’Connell (1842) and the Eucharistic Congress (1932).
In this way it is hoped that the pupils will recognise the significance of these events of international importance from a local, tangible perspective. They will realise that history is something which happens in their own locality with consequences on the world stage. As part of this course the pupils will undertake a field trip to St Patrick’s Church to see how this building is important in local history and continues to be a central feature in the life of their locality.
Course Overview:
The strands in this short course are:
Strand 1 – Evidence: The pupils will explore the various sources of evidence, developing their research skills. They will evaluate sources of data, distinguishing between primary and secondary sources as well as identifying any potential bias.
Strand 2 – Local History: The pupils will explore the events listed above from a local perspective, this is linked with strand 1. They will identify the main sources of information and gather the relevant data.
Strand 3 – National/International History: The pupils will identify how these local events corresponded to national events. They will identify the links between these and the impact on national/international events.
Strand 4 – Project Work: The learning will be assessed by the pupils presenting a project on one of the key areas of research. Each group will be given one area on which to focus their project: 1. Catholic Emancipation. 2. The Irish Famine. 3. The Eucharistic Congress. 4. Modern History.
Description:
- This Short Course will take place in 2nd Year of junior cycle.
- Resources
Book: St Patrick’s, Dundalk: A Centenary Account (1947)
Book: Michael Murtagh, St Patrick’s, Dundalk: An Anniversary Account (1997)
Website: St Patrick’s Parish, Dundalk: http://www.stpatricksparishdundalk.org
Local Archives: County Louth Library.
Parish Archives.
- The challenges that students might encounter in completing the short course are:
Lack of Resources: As this is a much specialised local history project, there are very few resources available.
Difficulties recognising the significance of local events on national matters.
Difficulties connecting local events in broad national significance.
- The challenges might be overcome by:
Engaging in primary research with people for whom some of the events may be in living memory.
Assessing the impact of local events on broader national events.
Assessing the value of various types of sources and the information gained.
- Possible links with external agencies/groups in the local community:
St Patrick’s Parish, Dundalk
Louth Archaeological & Historical Society.
Louth County Museum, Dundalk.
Louth County Library, Dundalk.
- Possible links with other subjects
Religious Education: Community, Religious Tradition, Penal Laws, Christianity.
CSPE: Political history, the role of the State, Community, Individuals, Ireland and its relationship with the International Community.
English: Grammar and Punctuation, Debating, Reading and Research, Literacy.
Mathematics: Numeracy skills.
Geography: Louth, Ireland, Townscapes.
- The Learning will be assessed by:
Patch History: The pupils will be split up into four groups for two weeks, each researching one specific area of local history. They will then spend two weeks teaching the other groups the information they have gained.
Project Work: Each pupil will then assemble a project, using three of the areas studied. They will present this in class. These projects will be displayed in the classroom.
Continuous Assessment: At the end of each lesson there will be an assessment of the learning outcomes. At the end of each week there will be an assessment of the learning which has taken place in that week. These will vary from written assessments to questioning and essay answers.
Statements of Learning:
| Statement One
Communicates effectively using a variety of means in a range of contexts in L16.
|
Through a combination of group work and project work, the pupils will develop their communication skills. They will actively listen and discuss the various ideas and collect them to form a project. They will examine a variety of sources, including a visit to the site, to gain the relevant information. |
| Statement Two
Takes initiative, is innovative and develops entrepreneurial skills.
|
The pupils will learn to take control of their own learning by developing their research skills as well as guiding their group in the collection of relevant data. They will learn to meet and overcome the challenges of research. They will be encouraged to take initiative and think ‘outside the box’ for new ideas on the issues under consideration in order to gain further insight. |
| Statement Three
Brings an idea from conception to realisation.
|
The pupils will bring their projects from being concepts to realisation by working together and developing their project into a sound piece of research. They will be able to demonstrate their knowledge on a variety of issues including their causes and effects. |
| Statement Four
Uses appropriate technologies in meeting a design challenge.
|
The pupils will be encouraged to use a variety of methods of research, including digital technology. Through developing an online portfolio, the pupils will design a project using various resources including PowerPoint and video. |
Resources:
PP St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk
You can follow me at @5j16mrclarke or check out my blog at http://www.5j16mrclarke.wordpress.com
EdRe5S 