POL10010 Irish Politics

Academic Year 2017/2018

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the workings of the Irish political system. We start by locating Irish politics in comparative terms, showing how unusual a political system it is in comparison to other European states. The course then examines the historical, constitutional, social and political context of Irish politics. It deals with the ground rules within which Irish elections take place, the evolution of the Irish party system, and voting behaviour in elections and referendums. The course exmaines the operation of the main political institutions: the Dail, the Seanad, the government, the judiciary and major offices such as those of President and Taoiseach. Other important forums for political activity are also considered. This course will be taught entirely by lectures; there will be no tutorials.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able: to explain the origins and historical development of the Irish political system and how it 'fits' in comparison to other European nation states; to describe the working and significance of the electoral system; to assess evidence relating to Irish political behaviour; and to have a firm grasp of the nature and functions of Irish political institutions and political processes

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

78
Total

100
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
Irish Politics II (POL20140)

 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Examination: Final 1-hour exam

70

 1 hour End of Trimester Exam
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: Mid-term multiple choice test

30

 Unspecified

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

End of Semester Exam

Remediation

If you fail this module there will be a 1 hour resit exam available at the end of the following semester. You should register for this resit exam at the start of the next semester.

Name Role
Professor Niamh Hardiman Lecturer / Co-Lecturer