131-105 Modern & Contemporary Ireland Since 1790

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites, or first year European studies: Prerequisites.

This subject is a study of the main social, economic and political developments in Ireland since the late 18th century. A particular focus will be the relationship between Ireland and Britain, including the divisions within Ireland between nationalists and loyalists; the 19th century nationalist battles for social justice and Home Rule; the 1920s division of Ireland and the ongoing struggle over the future of Northern Ireland. Students will also encounter a broader range of aspects of Irish society: religion as a cultural, social and political factor; poverty and the tragedy of the Irish famine; mass emigration and the Irish diaspora; and the richness of Irish culture. Students should complete the subject with a general knowledge of the major developments in Irish history since 1790 and an awareness of the principal elements in debates over Irish nationalism and unionism.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.

• R F Forster, Modern Ireland 1600-1792. Penguin, 1988.
• A Jackson, Ireland 1798-1998. Blackwell, 1999.