The Troubles in Northern Ireland 1968-98

Subject 131-419 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in history.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Erica Mehrtens
Phone: x45962
Subject Overview: This subject offers a wide-ranging examination and analysis of the 30 years of violence and unrest that occurred in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to the 1990s. It asks students to comprehend the difficulty of resolving long-standing communal conflicts either militarily or politically. The subject looks at the characteristics of the two communities, their histories and cultures. It explores the roles of the IRA, loyalist paramilitaries, the security forces, the courts and governments, as well as the international implications of the conflict. In addition, how the troubles impacted on human rights and on the everyday life of the communities is considered. The progress of the peace process and its future prospects are also assessed. Students should develop a clear understanding of the nature of the Troubles and the obstacles that still exist to their resolution.
Objectives:
  • understand why political violence broke out in Northern Ireland in the late 1960s and continued for nearly 30 years;
  • be able to comprehend the positions taken by the various parties involved: Nationalists, Republicans, Unionists, Loyalists and the British, Irish and American governments;
  • appreciate the impact that the Troubles had on the lives of the people of Northern Ireland;
  • be able to demonstrate an insight into the intractability of such long-lasting and deep-seated communal and political conflicts.
Assessment: An essay of 5000 words 100% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:
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;
  • have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.
Related Course(s): Master of International Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in International Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History
History
History

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