Ireland since the famine, 1845-1998 ADED1078E

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

From the Great Famine in 1845 to the Northern Irish Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the island of Ireland underwent many tumultuous changes to become Northern Ireland and the independent nation in the EU that it is today. This course explores this critical period of political, social and economic upheaval, including the development of the 'Irish Question', the Easter 1916 uprising, civil war and the growth of Irish nationalism and unionism. Guided by talks from our expert tutor and discussion with classmates, students will have the opportunity to examine primary sources from these events and evaluate conflicting historical perspectives to better understand and contextualise the birth of these modern nations.

Timetable

Blocks 1 & 2,

Weeks 1-20

Wednesdays, 19:00-20:00

Requirements of Entry

None 

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessments one and two:

Two 1,500-word essays concerning figures, events and processes covered by the course (40% of the final grade each, contributing 80% of the final grade in total)

 

Assessment three:

Choose one of the following options:

■ A 500-word source analysis

■ A 5 min presentation (recorded in advance or as delivered)

■ Or a 1-page (500 word) poster

explaining the political, social and/or economic significance of at least one primary source material from the era studied (20% of the final grade)

Course Aims

The aims of this course are to: 

■ Provide a critical overview of the key figures and events shaping Ireland from the Great Famine in 1845 to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998

■ Introduce the key political, social and economic processes that shaped these events.

■ Provide an opportunity for students to engage with both primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify some of the key figures and events shaping Ireland from the Great Famine in 1845 to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998

■ Explain some of the key political, social and economic processes that shaped these events

■ Analyse and evaluate primary source materials and secondary historical interpretations relevant to these events.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.