Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2018 - 2019
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Description The object of this module is to examine the formative phase of Irish history spanning the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Now commonly denominated the early modern era, the course will explore the varieties of strategies by which the interest known as the New English emerged as the dominant force, and how, it consolidated its authority at the expense of the Gaelic Irish, and, subsequently, of the Old English. Empowered by land confiscation and the demographic reinforcement that accompanied plantation, the New English was enabled to consolidate its authority. Key episodes in the process – the plantation of Ulster, the 1641 Rebellion, and the Cromwellian confiscation will be examined. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the main issues, key episodes and formative trends of early modern Irish history 2. Engage with and prioritise the main factors that shaped the transformation of Ireland during this period 3. Appreciate the variety of perspectives - political, economic, social and religious - that inform and shape the history of this period 4. Identify and possess a familiarity with the main historical texts (books and articles) and interpretations that manner with historical texts and historical documentation 5. Present appropriately researched historical arguments that are evidentially based and historiographically informed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Indicative ContentThe object of this module is to explore the history of early modern Ireland – which was a particularly formative phase of Irish history. The course will explore the varieties of strategies by which the English Crown built upon the extension of royal control in the sixteenth century, to pursue an active policy of Anglicisation in the seventeenth. Symbolised by the termination of the Lordship of Ireland, and the assumption by Henry VIII of the kingship on the island becoming a kingdom in 1541, the Tudors laid the groundwork for the emergence of the New English as the dominant interest in the kingdom through the pursuit of a policy of conquest and plantation. They were enabled thereby effectually to overcome the resistance of the most powerful lords, and to eclipse the Gaelic Irish polity by the end of the century. However, tensions between the Old and the New English, combined with the intensification of religion-based animosities, ethnic hostilities and the destabilising effects of contestation in Britain ensure that the seventeenth century was particularly eventful. BY analysing the respective fortunes of the Gaelic Irish, the Old English and the New English in the early seventeenth century and the impact of ethnic and religious tensions the context is provided for an analysis of the profound contestation that was a feature of the 1640s and 1650s. Particular attention will be accorded the origins and implications of the 1641 Rebellion, the Confederation of Kilkenny, and the decisive impact of the Cromwellian Conquest not only on the ownership of land, but also on the exercise of power. The origins of what is conventionally denominated Protestant Ascendancy have been located in these events, but the authority of that ascendancy was far from assured, and the restoration era, spanning the quarter century 1660-85 and the reign of Charles II can be seen as an interlude between the drama of the mid-century, and the culmination of the power struggle to determine who would hold the levers of powers. Catholic hopes were elevated during James II’s short active reign, only to be dashed by the ‘Glorious Revolution’, and the political and land settlement that followed. As a result, by the early 1690s the power and authority of the ‘Protestant interest’ in Ireland had arrived at a point where it can be acknowledged that the foundations of what is identified as Protestant ascendancy were in place. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 0, In Class/Online, 0, A detailed listing of supporting readings will be provided to students on the commencement of this course., | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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