The legacies of the Troubles in Ireland and Northern Ireland today

About this course

The course places the Troubles in historical context, tracing their roots, escalation and resolution before examining their effects on contemporary Ireland and Northern Ireland. Topics include the structures of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, Northern Ireland’s political institutions, transitional justice, truth recovery, memorialisation, contested symbols and parades, and attitudes in the Republic of Ireland. Teaching combines tutor-led talks with discussions that invite critical engagement and the consideration of differing perspectives. The course also explores how the conflict continues through education, policing, murals, flags, communal memory and inter-generational narratives.

What you'll learn

• Summarise key historical milestones in the Troubles.
• Explain the structures and outcomes of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement.
• Analyse how legacy issues continue to influence politics and everyday life.
• Evaluate approaches to truth recovery, transitional justice and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
• Assess the place of Northern Ireland and the Troubles in contemporary politics in the Republic of Ireland.

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for newcomers as well as learners with some background knowledge. It involves tutor-led teaching and active group discussion, including sensitive and contested subjects, so participants are expected to listen respectfully and engage thoughtfully with views they may not share. A good grasp of English is needed.

• Suitable for learners new to the subject.
• Requires respectful participation in discussions about sensitive topics.
• A good grasp of English is needed to follow the course.

Before you go

• A notebook or electronic device may be useful for taking notes.