The School of History began a Schools Liaison Programme in 2000. To date, School's staff have visited over sixty Munster schools where History is taught. The aim of the programme is to tell students about the History courses offered at University College Cork and how the subject is taught here. Courses range from the ancient world to contemporary History. They consider the 'big issues' like the formation of national identities, relations between states, culture contact and conflict. There is also a wide range of specialised courses to choose from. In these, the historians introduce students to current research in their area of expertise. In teaching History, there is an emphasis on developing the skills of interpretation, of critical analysis and the ability to communicate ideas effectively both in writing and orally. These are highly marketable skills, especially in the context of recent and profound economic changes.
Our purpose is to inform students-particularly those in their final year-of the options available to them as the Leaving Certificate approaches and they prepare to make some of their most important choices. We would also like to keep teachers informed of forthcoming conferences and other events hosted by the School.
If you would like to arrange a school visit by a member of staff, please contact Diarmuid Scully at d.scully@ucc.ie.
