The Great Irish Famine, 1845-1852: Hunger, Modernity and Exile (U03600)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCA-3-U03600

Over one million people died during the Great Irish Famine of 1845-52 and at least another million people emigrated, most destined for North America. What happened in Ireland during this period is the subject of much debate among historians, not least because of the vexed question: who, if anyone, was responsible for this appalling tragedy? This course explores issues of causation and responsibility, as well as the social, political and economic dimensions of the Irish crisis. How many people died, what kinds of people died, and indeed was the famine inevitable? How does the Irish experience compare with famines elsewhere? And lastly, what was the subsequent significance of this crucial event for Irish-British relations in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries?

Entry Requirements

? This course is not accepting further student enrolments.

? Pre-requisites : A pass in any first level historical course or equivalent and any second level historical course or equivalent. Before enrolling students on this course, Directors are asked to contact the History Honours Admissions Secretary to ensure that a place is available (tel.503783).

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

The Great Irish Famine, 1845-1852: Hunger, Modernity and Exile (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History, (School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2007	11:10	13:00	Room 1.110, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the causes, course and consequences of the Great Irish Famine; an understanding of the key debates relating to this period; an awareness of the complexities involved in the study of a controversial episode in modern Irish history; and an ability to utilise relevant primary sources to support historical arguments

Assessment Information

The course will demand one 3000 word essay and one two-hour examination. The essay will make up one third of the final assessment. The exam will be worth two-thirds of the final assessment. Students can expect written feedback and individual consultation on their work.