'Understanding Northern Ireland: History, Politics and Anthropology'

Overview

From its inception, Northern Ireland has been a site of contestation. This module explores the history and politics of the state, and how its two largest groups form, perform, and contest their identities in a society marked by colonial legacies and ethno-national division. It looks at the various political solutions that have been applied to ‘the Province’, with a particular focus on the Peace Process. It will examine the realities and legacies of the conflict since the signing of the 1998 Agreement, as well as the development of cultural and political 'traditions' in particular, examining continuity and change in Irish society. It will explore how past narratives continue to inform present-day politics, how identities are negotiated in an increasingly diverse society, and the changing role of rituals, symbols, and public space in Northern Ireland.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this module, students will:

• Understand how to utilise a range of disciplinary approaches (historical, political, anthropological, and sociological) in helping to develop an understanding of division and conflict within Northern Ireland.

•Be aware of how to examine how contemporary political communities use the past to construct traditions, ideologies and identities.

•Understand how to explore the role of history in understandings of Northern Ireland.

•Develop a broad understanding of the politics of the state.

•Understand and look at key contemporary issues in Northern Irish society.

•Be able to assess and highlight various research approaches to Northern Ireland, and to explore how academic work can be applied.

Skills

Students will acquire skills in understanding written material, skills in weighing evidence and skills in debating controversial topics. The ability to read material, weigh judgements and engage with the topics being discussed. They should also develop oral presentation skills, essay writing skills and skills in accessing and analysing information, research evaluation. They will also gain experience of coping with controversial topics.

Assessment