Memory and Violence in Ireland

Subject 131-413 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Prof Elizabeth Malcolm
Subject Overview:

This subject examines how and why certain violent events in Irish history since 1600 have been remembered and commemorated, while others have been ignored and forgotten. It draws upon the work of theorists (such as Maurice Halbwachs, Paul Ricoeur and Pierre Nora) of the construction of memory, sites of memory, collective memory and amnesia. It asks students to consider events, such as the 1641 Rebellion, CromwellÂs capture of Drogheda (1649), the siege of Derry (1689), the Battle of the Boyne (1690), the 1798 Rebellion, the Famine (1845-9), the 1916 Rising, the wars of the period 1914-23 and the Northern Ireland Troubles (1968-98). The subject explores the extent to which Irish nationalism and unionism are both informed and validated by commemorations of past violence. British collective memory and amnesia in terms of Irish history will also be examined and compared. Students will encounter folklore, poetry, songs, national celebrations, museums, monuments, statues, paintings and murals as evidence of the commemoration of IrelandÂs violent past.

Assessment: A document essay of 1500 words 30% (due mid semester) and a research essay of 3500 words 70% (due at the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

  • be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;Â

  • have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.
Notes: .
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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