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.