Irish History, Society and Culture 1690-1890

Catalog description

This course provides an introduction to Ireland’s cultural, social, historical and political landscapes from the Battle of the Boyne (1690) through the Great Famine at mid-19th century and up to the dawn of the 20th century. During this time period Ireland went through several formative stages of upheaval and Ireland in 1689 was a very different place in every sense than in 1889.  Likewise, religious practices as well as Irish culture, language, and foodways also underwent dramatic transformations during the two hundred period under review for this course.  This class will explore how, why, and in what manner Ireland changed, socially, politically, and culturally.  By the end of it, students will have a fundamental understanding as to the forces that influenced these dramatic changes and the reasons why they occurred.