One 4,000 word essay weighted at 100% [Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4]

The module uses the Act of Union as the pivots for the analysis of Anglo-Irish relations since 1800. The main periods covered are Britain's relationship with Pre-famine Ireland, the impact of the Gaelic revival on Irish identity and politics, the Anglo Irish relationship after independence as well as the Northern Ireland Troubles and its outcomes. Through analysing the changing nature and meaning of 'Union' this module asks students to think critically about aspects of devolution and governance in Britain today. The overall aim of the module however remains, and that is to site an understanding of Britain's political impact on the history of an other, using the various revisions of the Act of Union to book-end the course's main chronological sections.

The module incorporates three styles of learning strategies. The lectures offer introductions to the topics, themes, events and historical debate surrounding the topic. The seminars provide the opportunity for discussion and debate of specified areas covered using pre-supplied readings. Independent learning incorporates working through the prescribed readings, pre-lecture preparation and preparation for the assessed research essay.

Boyce D.G .(1996)The Irish Question in British Politics, 1868-1996. Macmillan
English R. (2007) Irish Freedom: The History of Irish Nationalism
Foster R.F. (1988) Modern Ireland
Hennessey T. (1997) A History of Northern Ireland 1920-1996
Jackson A. (2003) Home Rule: An Irish History 1800-2000

Library, reading list to be supplied, along with specific pre-seminar readings.

Online - useful websites for primary source material, chronologies etc are available, e.g. www.actofunion.ie and www.cain.ulst.ac.uk

Blackboard, lecture handouts, PowerPoint slides, course handbooks and important supplementary material and/or sources will be placed on the Blackboard system.