What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about the origins, evolution and dynamics of one of Europe’s most recent – and deadly – intra-state conflicts. The ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland, 1968-98, was marked by their persistence and seeming intractability. With the paramilitary ceasefires in the 1990s, a new era opened; but difficulties remain in moving from a mere absence of violence to a genuine peace. You will examine the dynamics of violence and its impact on the politics and culture of Northern Ireland over a fifty year period, and the significant challenges posed to peace since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through a mixture of lectures and seminars. Key themes and debates surrounding the Northern Ireland conflict will be introduced in lectures, and developed in the seminars that allow group working and further discussion. All learning materials, tasks and readings will be posted on the eLearning Portal (Blackboard) and the online reading list to enable participation within the seminar programme. You will participate in formative assessment activities and receive feedback, and will be responsible for your own guided and independent learning. Summative assessment will test the learning against the learning outcomes for the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Academic support is provided through group and individual tutorials which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. Academic learning materials are provided through eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and through assessment tasks. Students will do weekly presentations and will be asked to produce an essay plan to gain further formative feedback. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised feedback and consultation timeslots and via email.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically analyse the way in which scholars understand key issues of politics and society in Northern Ireland during the 'Troubles'.
2. Critically discuss and consider the causes and consequences of political violence in Northern Ireland.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Critically engage with historical theories and methodologies to investigate and analyse the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process.
4. Apply knowledge and communicate your informed opinions about Northern Ireland to challenge historical claims and arguments.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate a deep and meaningful awareness of cultural differences based on religion, politics, and geography.
How will I be assessed?
Your knowledge and understanding of Northern Ireland politics and society, your ability to analyse and critically discuss historiographical theories, their assumptions and application, and present a variety of primary evidence will be tested in two 3,000 word essays, set by your tutor, which will span the breadth of the module’s coverage.
You will have the opportunity to present your work in the seminars and will receive formative feedback from your lecturer in classroom discussions, debates, and tutorial sessions. Formative assessment through your lecturer will be written and verbal, and you will also receive feedback through engagement with your peers who will enable you to test your explanations about the nature of the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’ and peace process. Feedback on your first summative assessment will allow you to improve on later ones.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code T720
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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