PO3630 - Irish Politics
This course has an on-line noticeboard (accessible from TCD computers only) containing information for current students about the course schedule, handouts, downloadable readings, deadlines etc.
| Times | Location |
| Thursday 5-6 | Arts 2041A |
| Friday 12-1 | Arts 3074 |
Duration
Academic year 2011–12. The course carries 10 ECTS credits.
Contact hours per week
Two lectures per week; 9 tutorials during the year. Lectures at 5 pm on Thursdays (Room 2041A) and 12 noon on Fridays (Room 3074), both in the Arts Block.
Nine classes for each student over the course of the academic year. Teaching assistant Michael Courtney (courtnmj @ tcd.ie).
Assessment and examination
Two 1,700-word essays (12.5% each); 1 three-hour examination (75%). The exam takes place in May 2012; Exams Office site will have full exam timetable when it's finalised in spring 2012 (look under 'Economic and Social Studies').
Description
The course, which covers both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, aims to facilitate an understanding of the Irish political and governmental processes and of the nature of the Northern Ireland problem. The politics of the Republic of Ireland are dealt with through examination of ten topics. These include: political culture; the constitution; Irish political parties; voting behaviour and the party system; elections and the electoral system; the government and the Oireachtas; policy making; the position of the Taoiseach; Ireland and the EU. The politics of Northern Ireland are examined through consideration of: the historical roots of the conflict; the heart of the conflict; the phenomenon of loyalism; options for the future; long-term factors and the future trajectory of Northern Ireland.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will have an enhanced understanding of the Irish political and governmental processes and the academic research undertaken into these areas. They will also be aware of the background to and interpretations of Northern Ireland politics.
Visiting students
This course is OPEN to visiting students. Reading chapter 1 of the course textbook (Politics in the Republic of Ireland, see below) in advance of term or early in the term is recommended for those with little background knowledge of Irish history. A useful overview of the country is Eoin O'Malley, Contemporary Ireland (Palgrave Macmillan, 2011).
Reading
John Coakley and Michael Gallagher (eds), Politics in the Republic of Ireland, 5th ed (Routledge and PSAI Press, 2010)
Jonathan Tonge, The New Northern Irish Politics? (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005) is a good starting point