PO/HS 360 - Northern Irish Troubles: 1969-1999

The purpose of this course is to examine the origins and key events of the Northern Ireland conflict up until the Peace Process and the beginnings of the transition to a Post-Conflict society. Given the nature of the conflict and its aftermath, the interpretation of many of these events remains contested between the different protagonists. This course, therefore, will look at the conflict and its relevance from different viewpoints – Republican, Nationalist, Loyalist, Unionist, the British and Irish governments. The course content also charts the changes that have taken place in competing political/ ethno-nationalist discourses, paving the way for the Peace Process and the Good Friday Agreement.

The course will also offer a special focus on issues and challenges that face Northern Ireland in a post-conflict context, including the experience of women, the growing problem of racism, as well as issues around education, culture, class and politics.