Detailed Information
Ireland is in a state of ongoing transformation, experiencing rapid and dramatic economic, social and cultural changes in a short period of time. Yet there are structural continuities traced back to modern Irish society before and after independence that underlie and help to explain these changes. This module explores the continuities amidst the significant changes in contemporary Irish society drawing on a comparative perspective. This provides a framework to identify what is similar to the continuities and changes in Ireland compared to other related societies, and what is different in the Irish experience contrasted with other societies. The topics examined in the module include some of the following: periods of boom and bust in Ireland's development, particularly the Celtic Tiger and current austerity; population, emigration and immigration; inequality, poverty and class; housing; education; labour markets; social networks; religion and secularisation; pluralism and liberalisation; consumerism and individualism; the media; social movements; and nationalism and national identity.
Semester 2
Level 1
Lectures: Mondays 11:00 - 12:00 and Wednesdays 12:00 - 13:00
Tutorials: To be selected
If you are taking this module for credit, please take note of the dates below:
Term dates for revision: Saturday, 27 April - Sunday, 5 May
Term dates for exams: Tuesday, 7 May – Saturday, 18 May
Open Learning Fee (audit only) €350 per module
Open Learning Fee (with assessment) €500 per 5 credit module
Upgrading from audit to credit: You may upgrade from being an audit student to a credit student up to three weeks into term. Please note, however, that you can't change back to being an audit student - if you decide not to complete the assignments and/or sit the exams, this will appear on your academic record.
Concessions
There are no concessions available for Open Learning modules.
Refunds
Refunds may in some instances be available for extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness, within two weeks of the start of the module. Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing, with supporting documents where appropriate.
Dr Gerard Boucher