The Great Irish Famine, 1845-1852: Hunger, Modernity and Exile (U04542)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-4-U04542

Over one million people died during the Great Irish Famine of 1845-52, and at least another million people emigrated, most destined for North America. What happened in Ireland in the late 1840s is the subject of much debate among historians, not least because of the vexed question: who, if anyone, was responsible for this appalling tragedy? This course considers issues of causation and responsibility, as well as the social, political and economic dimensions of the Irish crisis. How many people died, what kinds of people died, and indeed was the famine inevitable? How does the Irish experience compare with famines elsewhere? And lastly, what was the subsequent significance of this crucial event for British-Irish relations in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries? These issues are explored through the critical analysis of a wide range of primary source materials, available in both electronic and printed form.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : A pass in a third level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel. 503783).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 1 hour(s) 50 minutes per week for 22 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to demonstrate in their course work, written examination and oral presentations:
- a detailed knowledge of the causes, course and consequences of the Great Irish Famine
- an understanding of the key historiographical debates relating to this event
- an awareness of the complexities involved in the study of a controversial episode in modern Irish and British history
- an appreciation of the value of examining the comparative history of other nineteenth century famines
- an ability to utilize and critically analyse relevant primary sources to support well-reasoned arguments and sophisticated historical interpretations.

Assessment Information

Two essays of about 3000 words each (one third of overall assessment); two two-hour examination papers (two thirds of overall assessment). Examination marks will be double-weighted. Students will receive feedback and individual consultation on their written work.