Module Code - Title:

PO4013 - GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN IRELAND

Year Last Offered:

2023/4

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To introduce the principal institutions of Irish government and politics and to examine their relationship to Irish society.

Syllabus:

Historical introduction to the economic, cultural, and social background of Irish politics; economic, social and political change; Irish political culture; constitutional development; development of political parties and evolution of the party system; electoral behaviour; social bases of party support; overview of the principal political institutions, including the presidency, the Oireachtas, the Government, the Taoiseach and the civil service.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Break down relatively complex histories of the state into a series of critical junctures to explain the trajectory of social and economic development Recognise values implicit in alternative political behaviours and approaches Construct arguments to develop a critique of contemporary approaches to economic and social policy Compare and contrast efficacy of alternative policy prescriptionsJudge political outcomes from a variety of perspectives

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Combine variety of insights to analysis of issues Differentiate between alternative perspectives implicit in policy prescriptions Prepare a literature survey.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Arrange group participation in debates and presentations

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The module will be delivered via lectures and seminars, with a greater emphasis on seminar participation and discursive approaches to the study of Irish politics

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

faculty publications

Prime Texts:

Coakley, J. and Gallagher, M. (eds.) (1996) Politics in the Republic of Ireland, 2nd ed , Limerick: PSAI Press

Chubb, B. (1992) The Government and Politics of Ireland, 3rd ed , London: Longman

Dooney, S. and O Toole, J. (1991) Irish Government Today , Dublin: Gill and Macmillan

Other Relevant Texts:

Sinnott, R. (1995) Irish Voters Decide , Manchester: Manchester University Press

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester - Year to be First Offered:

Summer - 08/09

Module Leader:

patrick.doyle@ul.ie