Module: Introduction to Contemporary Irish Society

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Contemporary Irish Society
Module Code	CUS1004 (ITS: LC103)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To describe the social, economic and political features of modern Irish society. To highlight the controversial issues surrounding recent changes in Irish society. To provide a familiarity with the topical issues, political traditions and social attitudes of modern Ireland.

Learning Outcomes

1. Research and present information about an aspect of Irish society in an interactive manner.
2. Describe the social, economic and political features of modern Irish society.
3. Critically appraise recent developments in Irish society.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	2	Contact hours
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	24	No Description
Directed learning	12	No Description
Online activity	40	No Description
Independent Study	23	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10310	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Barra O Seaghdha	Module Teacher	Fiona Gallagher, Julie Daniel, Martin Toal

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	n/a	20%	Week 1
Presentation	n/a	80%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

'Introduction to Irish Society
Some background information regarding history, demography, political structures, education, the media, industry, agriculture and urban life. With guidance from the lecturer, the students will then proceed in groups to investigate certain themes in modern Irish society, such as the environment, the Irish language, emigration, immigration, the position of women, the press, travellers, Ireland and the EU, tourism, Dublin and urban development, the family, political parties, attitudes to Northern Ireland, the Catholic Church's role, other churches and religions, trade unions, rural life, education.They will present their findings - which can include powerpoint, pre-recorded interviews, overheads, hand-outs, video - in oral form to the tutorial group and invite discussion about what they have presented.'

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None