HISTORY
Heroes and Villians? History Makers of 20th Century Ireland
AUTUMN HN154
Mondays
Tutor: Ciara Meehan
This course takes a broad look at twentieth century Ireland through the eyes of those who helped shape the country’s development. The ten figures explored have each provoked intense feeling, ranging from loyalty to loathing – often simultaneously. These history makers will be examined from varying perspectives, considering also the impact that the passage of time has had on their reputations. Ultimately, the course will consider how each individual played two seemingly contradictory roles, that of hero and of villain.
The ten figures under consideration range from key contributors at the start of the twentieth century through to contemporary figures: Edward Carson, John Redmond, Michael Collins, Kevin O’Higgins, Eamon de Valera, Noel Browne, Charles Haughey, Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley. In addition to considering the individuals, they will also be placed in the wider historical context to offer a more complete understanding of the development of modern Ireland. This interactive course offers much scope for discussion, debate and analysis of each figure.
| BELFIELD | ||
| 10 Mondays |
Sep 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3 |
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
| (No class Oct 29 ) | ||
| FEE €190 | Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or call (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment | |
Tutor Details:
Ciara Meehan is lecturer in history at the UCD Quinn School. She teaches and publishes on aspects of nineteenth and twentieth century Ireland, and is the author of The Cosgrave Party: a history of Cumann na nGaedheal (RIA, 2010). She is also the co-editor of ‘History and Policy’ at HistoryHub.ie.
Provisional list of key topics to be covered:
- Edward Carson
- John Redmond
- Roger Casement
- Michael Collins
- Kevin O’Higgins
- Eamon de Valera
- Noel Browne
- Charles Haughey
- Gerry Adams
- Ian Paisley
Who is the course for?
This course will appeal to anybody who has an interest in twentieth-century Irish history and politics, and, in particular, in those key figures who have shaped the development of the country. No previous knowledge is required to take this course.
Reading List:
The following is a selection of recommended texts for those interested in reading further around the course content. We advise that you do not buy books in advance of the course as your tutor will discuss the list and suggest the most relevant reading for particular interests.
Bew, Paul, John Redmond (Dublin, 1996)
Collins, Stephen, The Haughey file: the unprecedented career and last years of The Boss (Dublin, 1992)
Daly, Mary E. (ed.), Roger Casement in Irish & world history (Dublin, 2005)
Dwyer, T. Ryle, Michael Collins: the man who won the war (Cork, 1990)
Ferriter, Diarmaid, Judging Dev: a reassessment of the life and legacy of Eamon de Valera (Dublin, 2007)
Horgan, John, Noel Browne: passionate outsider (Dublin, 2000)
Jackson, Alvin, Sir Edward Carson (Dublin, 1993)
McCarthy, John P., Kevin O’Higgins: builder of the Irish Free State (Dublin, 2006)
Moloney, Ed, Paisley: from demagogue to democrat? (Dublin, 2008)
Sharrock, David & Devenport, Mark, Man of war, man of peace: the unauthorised biography of Gerry Adams (London, 1997)
