HI2131 Ireland and the Union, 1801-1922

Module Organiser: Dr. David Fitzpatrick
Duration: Michaelmas 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: The module covers political, religious, social, and economic themes in the history of Ireland from the Act of Union to the early twentieth century, including the conduct of Irish government under the Union, Irish involvement in the Empire, the development of nationalism and unionism, the conflicts over Repeal and Home Rule, the increasing polarisation of Catholics and Protestants, the origins and impact of the Great Famine, post-Famine ‘modernisation’, the importance of emigration and Irish settlement abroad, and the political crises of the early twentieth century culminating in the revolution of 1916–21. Attention is given to the imprint of religion, social class, and gender on Irish politics and, more generally, on Irish life. The aim of the course is to help students develop a broader understanding of modern Irish history, a critical approach towards historical scholarship, and the ability to interpret primary sources.

Learning Outcomes

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

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