Carlow College
HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING AWARDS COUNCIL
(H.E.T.A.C.)

 

CORE SUBJECTS:

B.A & B.A (Hons) in Humainities:

English

History

Philosophy

Theology

B.A (Hons) in English and History

English

History

B.A (Hons) in English and Spanish

English

Spanish

 

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS:

Philosophy:

What is philosophy? It is about searching for the truth. It involves testing the foundations of our knowledge and discovering the justifications for what we believe. In First and Second year students examine how some of the most influential philosophers in the Western tradition have tackled questions such as: What can we know? Should we rely on the power of human reason? Does God exist?  How can we live justly?

Philosophy courses included on the Third and Fourth Year syllabuses include: Political Philosophy', 'Metaphysics', 'Existentialist Literature' and 'Philosophy of Religion'.

Theology:

Theology can defined as 'reasonable discourse concerning God'.The First and Second Year degree programmes at Carlow College cover Introduction to Theology and Christology. Year I focuses on the relationship between Western Culture, the Christian faith, and the fundamental beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. Year II provides students with an insight intothe figure of Jesus of Nazareth and into the way reflection on him has developed as Christ, Son of God and Saviour. Students have the option of taking 'Biblical Studies'. This subject focuses on the Old and New Testaments as the primary resource of theological research. The introductory course on biblical studies aims to develop the student's knowledge of the literature contained in the Old and New Testaments.Year III & IV students can take courses in areas such as 'Moral Theology'.'Prophets & Synoptic Gospels', 'Pauline & Johannine Writings', and 'World Religions'.

 

English Literature:

The First year courses on English Literature at Carlow College aim to provide students with an introduction to the literary genres of fiction, poetry, criticism, and drama, and to help them develop a critically-informed and imaginative approach to the study of literature. Through close readings of a range of texts, students will learn about the literary conventions and thematic concerns associated with these writings. Classes will also examine the ideas that literary works express, the contexts in which they are written and read and the extent to which they voice universal human concerns. In Year II, III & IV students take Courses on the literature of the Renaissance, the Romantic Period and Victorian Periods, Modernism, Gothic Literature, Post-Colonial Literature, and modern drama. Throughout the degree programme, particular emphasis is placed on the study of Irish writing in English. Students will  explore the dual British and Irish context out of which this literature has emerged, and come to appreciate the rich and complex literary tradition that has been generated out of Ireland's colonial and post-colonial legacy.

 

History:

As an academic discipline, Historry refers to the study of the past. However, it also aims to develop students' ability to think in historical terms. The study of History at Carlow College nurtures the skill through courses that focus on the Ancient World, the Renaissance and Reformation, and on Modern Ireland and Europe. Students study the principal historical events, influences and forces at work in these periods. They develop a sense of historical perspective, learn to evaluate historical sources, and how to critique media representations of history. History is also a key component of the Irish Studies courses offered in years three and four of the degree programme. These courses concentrate on the cultural, social and political development of Ireland in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Spanish:

Spanish will be taught to beginners, so no knowledge of the language is necessary. The course will develop language skills through exploring cultures of Spain and Latin America, considering Hispanic art, cinema and literature, and increasing competance in areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking Spanish.

 

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS

Communications:

The aim of this subject is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to communicate

effectively.  The programme examines the history and theory of Communications, and develops students’ skills in areas such as Teamwork, Managing Conflict, Presentation and Writing Skills.   

Creative Writing:

The objective of this course is to develop students’ creative writing skills in the genres of fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, and essay writing.  Classes take the form of practical writing workshops designed to provide a positive environment in which students can develop their own ideas and writings skills.  These classes are supplemented lectures and seminars on major Irish writers.  Students will also attend talks and readings by guest authors, literary agents and publishers.

 

Drama & Performance Studies:

Drama and Theatre Studies provides students with a grounding in the actual practice of theatre, while also ensuring that knowledge is both theoretically and historically informed.  Students will gain skills in areas such as acting, set-design, directing, and theatre management, and attain an understanding of the development of film and theatre in Irish and international contexts.

 

Irish Studies:

Irish Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Irish society.  These courses concentrate primarily on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and consider developments in Irish culture and society from the perspectives of a number of academic disciplines, such as history, literature, the social sciences, and political philosophy.

Languages:

An Ghaeilge – the aim of this course is to provide a general introduction to the Irish language for third level students.  It will improve students’ writing skills and build confidence in their spoken Irish.  Classes will also explore facets of Irish literature from the early nature poetry to contemporary poetry, prose and journalism.

Hispanic Studies – These courses are suitable for beginner- and intermediate-level students of the Spanish language.  As well as developing students’ language skills, the courses also explore the cultures of Spain and Latin American nations through a consideration of Hispanic art, cinema, and literature in translation.

Psychology:

These courses provide students with a grounding in the subject of Psychology.  The main areas of study addressed are: Developmental Psychology (human developmental across the life-span); Social Psychology (intelligence, social cognition, social influences and group dynamics); and Abnormal Psychology (biological, major disorders and classifications, and therapeutic approaches).

Social Studies:

Social Studies provides students with a broad understanding of a range of social issues.  Students will gain knowledge of the nature and causes of social problems.  They will learn about the role of specific agencies, both statutory and voluntary, and be able to critically assess the consequences of the Irish State’s social policies.