Ireland Course: The Celts to the Celtic Tiger

History. See the future. It’s in the past.

The world as we know it today has been shaped by events of the past. Learn about history the smart way with History courses at the University of Sydney.

This course introduces participants to the history of Ireland – its beliefs, legends, customs, festival celebrations and storytelling traditions, as well as the small matters of history, geography and religion. Irish history from the past to the present in covered, encompassing luminary figures in history that have shaped the politics of this country.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a general understanding of the history and geography of Ireland.
2. Discuss the Geo-Political landscape of this country.
3. Discuss the unique Irish view of life, both past and present.
4. Recognise the unique beauty of the Irish language, arts and culture.

Content

Celtic, Viking & Norman history of Ireland

From the beginning, Ireland wore a welcome sign to invaders, or so it seems. We will explore the different impact each invasion had on the Emerald Isle and how the Vikings and the Norman particularly, became more Irish than the Irish themselves.

History of Ireland as part of the British Empire

From the 12th Century until 1921, Ireland was part of the British Empire. We will examine the turbulent history through a series of important characters and the role they played, both good and bad, in the history of Irish politics from Home Rule to Anglo-Irish Treaty – Elizabeth I, Oliver Cromwell, Daniel O’Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell and Padraig Pearse.

Ireland’s independence – 1916, Collins & de Valera

We will examine the rise and fall of the 1916 Easter Rising and the political impact, as well as some of the main protagonists who rose out of the rebellion and who had a role to play in the War of Independence and the Civil War, namely Eamonn de Valera and Michael Collins.

Irish culture – The land of Saints and Scholars

We will examine the profound impact Irish culture has had on the world. From the Book of Kells to U2, we look at all components of Irish society – language, sport, music and literature. From Guinness to hurling and all in between, we will also explore the lighter side of Irish life, from shamrocks to shenanigans!

Ireland – Now and the future?

We will examine how Ireland transformed itself under the Celtic Tiger, and how it has regressed since. We will look at the impact this has had on Irish Australia and the diaspora of Irish around the world and what the future holds for the Emerald Isle.

Topics covered within the above chapter framework:

• Mesolithic and Neolithic Ireland
• Celts and St Patrick
• The Vikings and the Normans
• The flight of the Earls
• Wolf Tone
• The Act of Union & Daniel O’Connell
• Catholic emancipation and the famine
• The Fenians and home rule
• The 1916 rising
• The War of Independence
• The Civil War and the Treaty
• Fianna Fail and Fianna Gael
• 1937 Constitution
• Neutrality during WW2
• 1960’s – Civil Rights Movement and "The Troubles"
• The Celtic Tiger, 2012 and beyond.

Intended Audience

This course is aimed at those interested in the history and culture of Ireland, both for those of Irish ancestry, or those intending to visit the Emerald Isle.

Delivery Style

This course is delivered as an interactive workshop. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by an experienced facilitator.

Materials

A course handbook will be provided in class.