HI2132 Ireland in the 20th Century

Module Organiser: Dr. Anne Dolan
Duration: Hilary term
Contact hours: 2 lectures per week and 6 seminars over the course of the term
Weighting: 10 ECTS
Assessment: 20% essay, 80% examination

Description: This module examines Ireland’s twentieth century. From one country under the Union to two independent states, this course will analyse the political changes that shaped the century from Home Rule and Unionism to revolution to independence, from dominion to republic, from self-rule to direct rule, from ‘ourselves alone’ to the EEC, from troubles to peace. It will question the emphasis on the political narrative which has dominated the study of the century, and will consider how the priorities of social, economic and cultural history raise significant challenges for the traditional studies of twentieth century Ireland. Drawing on a wide range of sources and experiences, this course will explore the forces that have shaped Ireland’s twentieth century, the extent to which events in the second half of the century have shaped the analysis and debate of the first fifty years. By placing Ireland’s twentieth century in a broader context it will also consider how the Irish case compares to the experience of other states. It will question how Ireland’s twentieth century has been studied, how the emphasis of the historiography is changing or can change, and whether comparative analysis can confirm or undermine conclusions about the Irish case.

Leaning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Outline chronologically and explain key developments in the history of Ireland during the twentieth-century
• Assess the impact of these developments on Ireland
• Search for, and critically appraise, relevant literature
• Undertake an extended analysis of select contemporary sources
• Communicate analysis and argument in written and verbal format