Modern Irish History and Memory

On completion of this module students should have a fundamental knowledge of some of the principal episodes of modern Irish history, along with an appreciation of the varieties of heritage associated with the memory of the past in the present.

1. (a) Think critically and sceptically, and have the confidence to formulate open-minded opinions about prevailing orthodoxies and accepted views on the past (by considering modern Irish history as 'critical investigation' rather than as 'unchallengeable tablets of stone').

   (b) Understand the broad framework of modern Irish history (and its relationship to memory), and demonstrate a strong command of the relevant literature in the field.

   (c) Place the major social, economic, political, religious and settlement trends within the general Irish historical narrative.

   (d) Relate Irish history to that of Britain and, where relevant, the wider world, demonstrating an understanding of how international events impacted on what was happening in Ireland.

   (e) Demonstrate accomplished presentation, interpretation and writing skills as they pertain to the understanding of modern Irish history and memory.

   (f) Demonstrate an awareness of the interdisciplinary relationships between Irish history and cognate disciplines.

   (g) Demonstrate a general awareness of historiographical matters.

   (h) Demonstrate a better understanding of the past insofar as its legacy is still with us, in visible monuments and landscape features, in forms of social organisation, and in currently held attitudes and values.

   (i) Demonstrate an understanding of the higher cultural meanings of heritage, the concept of memory and the politics of commemoration in post-colonial Ireland.

   (j) Appreciate the interplay between history and memory in the Irish heritage industry/sector.

   (k) Think independently and demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.

   (l) Demonstrate an awareness of the value of archival sources, published works, newspaper reportage and films/documentaries for studying modern Irish history and memory.