This module provides the opportunity for students to look in detail at the recent history of Northern Ireland in order to create a case study to explore a wide range of contemporary themes that relate to other parts of the International Relations: History and Global Policy curriculum. Themes relating to war, civil conflict, secularisation, nationality, peace building, political negotiation, state policy, terrorism and counter terrorism, gang culture, music, art and literature will all be explored in a context where online primary sources in the English language are readily available in trustworthy, curated sites. Following a broadly chronological structure the module introduces the conflict and provides a narrative account of events but intersperses these with thematic interventions when appropriate.

1,000 word Research Paper 25% based on a critical evaluation of the history and importance of an idea or organisation in the history of Northern Ireland chosen from a selection of options. This is fundamentally a biographical essay requiring research, planning, writing, drafting and critical contextual evaluation. Learning Outcomes Analysis, Communication.

2,500 word Essay 75% A critical response to one of a number of option essay questions that require critical consideration, research, planning, drafting, referencing, the identification and use of primary sources and the application of a developed historiographical understanding of how others have approached similar questions in the past. Learning Outcomes Knowledge &
Understanding, Analysis, Communication, Learning


Key Information Set Data:
100% Coursework

The module is both chronologically and thematically structured around the Northern Ireland Troubles, providing context in lectures, detailed analysis in mandatory weekly readings and discussion seminars where students can engage with and share their own ideas and thoughts.

1. DEMONSTRATE DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONCLUSION OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND TROUBLES AND LATER PEACE PROCESS.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE AN UNDERSTANDING OF IMPACT POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIETAL FORCES HAVE HAD ON HISTORY OF NORTHERN IRELAND.

Analysis

3. PROVIDE WELL-RESEARCHED AND DEVELOPED PIECES OF WORK IN APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC STYLE.
Communication

4. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO EVALUATE CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRACTICES WITHIN THE HISTORY OF NORTHERN IRELAND.

Learning

Recommended Library books and journals in the University library and use of online resources.
Data projection suitable slides and short video presentations (with audio) in both lecture and seminar rooms.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

David McKittrick and David McVea, Making Sense of the Troubles: A History of the Northern Ireland Conflict (Penguin, 2012)
Aaron Edwards, The Northern Ireland Troubles (Osprey, 2011)
Paul Dixon, Northern Ireland: The Politics of War and Peace (Palgrave, 2008)
Paul Dixon and Eamonn O’Kane, Northern Ireland Since 1969 (Seminar Studies In History) (Routledge, 2011)