Course Catalogue

Humanities and Social Science

To equip students with a clear understanding of Irish history from the late seventeenth century to the early twentieth century To allow students to critically engage with contentious periods of Irish history and with the associated historiography. To provide students with an opportunity to critically evaluate primary documents.

Outline Syllabus:This course will introduce students to the main features of Irish history from the Jacobite/Williamite war of the late seventeenth century when the Protestant King William defeated the Catholic King James to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The course will allow students to engage with a range of political, social, cultural and economic topics as it traces its way from the 1690's to the early years of the twentieth century. During the course will we examine the development of nationalism, republicanism and unionism. We will also discuss in some detail the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s while the importance of religion, music, language, sport and literature in Irish life will be also be examined. It is also important to look beyond Ireland consider the contribution made by Irish immigrant groups in Britain, the United States and Australia to Irish political, economic and cultural life back in Ireland. The course will conclude with an discussion of the Irish Revolution – the period between 1916 and 1922, when in the course of six years Ireland faced a rebellion, a war of independence and a civil war. Topics considered in this course include: • Jacobite/Williamite War • The Penal Laws • 1798 Rebellion • Act of Union, 1800 • Robert Emmet's Rebellion of 1803 • Daniel O'Connell – Emancipation and Repeal • The Young Irelanders • The Great Famine • The Irish Emigrant Tradition • The Fenians and Clan na Gael • The Home Rule Movement • The consolidation of Ulster Unionism • The Gaelic Revival • Ireland and World War I • The 1916 Rising • The War of Independence • The Civil War

Module Overview:
This module will equip you with a clear understanding of Irish history from the late seventeenth century to the early twentieth century. The module will also introduce you to contentious periods of Irish history and to familiarize them with the associated historiography.

Additional Information:This course will begin by providing a strong narrative framework. It will also highlight a number of key historical controversies surrounding the origins and course of Irish Republicanism and Unionism.