University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tues 11am - 1pm Tues 2-4pm

This module will give students an in-depth understanding of the recent conflict in Northern Ireland. Students will be introduced to a range of theoretical perspectives and concepts from across IR (such as nationalism, identity, peacebuilding, consociationalism, political violence and memory) to explain and understand aspects of the conflict era and postconflict Northern Ireland. Students will gain an understanding of the social and political factors which gave rise to violence in the 1960s. They will study the trajectory of the conflict, examining the main protagonists in the violence as well as the key actors and processes that achieved the fragile peace of the 1990s. Students will discuss the aftermath of that conflict and contemporary efforts to deal with legacy issues. They will examine challenges to the current precarious peace. Crucially the module equips students with analytical skills and conceptual tools that they can apply to other cases and contexts in their wider studies.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1x2 hr seminar (11 weeks), 2 optional consultation hours with Coordinator (x12 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours: 46

Guided independent study hours: 264

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr K J McConaghy
Module teaching staff: Dr Kieran McConaghy

Intended learning outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will be able to understand and explain the onset of the conflict in Northern Ireland from a range of theoretical perspectives
• By the end of the module, students will be able to understand and explain the perspectives of various elite and community level stakeholders on the conflict in Northern Ireland
• By the end of the module, students will be able to critically assess the effectiveness of formal and informal efforts to establish and maintain peace in Northern Ireland
• By the end of the module, students will be able to elucidate the persistent challenges to peace and security in contemporary Northern Ireland