Module Details

Module Code: LANG8010
Title: Irish Culture and Contemporary
Long Title: Irish Culture and Contemporary Society
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2220 - Languages
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Available to Erasmus and International Students, this module introduces the traditional and contemporary culture(s) of Ireland's evolving social reality. With a focus on modern and contemporary Ireland, learners will engage with representative literary, journalistic, artistic and socio-political texts, as well as a broad range of screen media. These will be closely read, with an emphasis on the influence and reimaging of social and cultural heritage. Incorporating the students’ own applied research, the module will provide an understanding of topical issues in Ireland, spanning the social, economic, political and cultural spheres.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 demonstrate an awareness of Ireland’s cultural heritage and contribution to the literary and visual arts globally.
LO2 demonstrate an understanding of evolving (multi-)cultural characteristics and practices in an Ireland undergoing rapid transformation.
LO3 describe key social, economic and political features of modern and contemporary Ireland.
LO4 assess recent developments in Irish culture and society critically and in context.
LO5 research aspects of Irish culture and society and present findings interactively using a multimedia approach.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction
Historical, geographical, demographic, societal and cultural overview.
Culture
Ireland’s cultural heritage through the ages, with particular emphasis on twentieth century and contemporary Irish writers, artists, musicians, film-makers. The role of the Irish language.
Political economy
The structure and working of the Irish political system and the main political institutions and parties. Economic transformation during the boom era and resultant social and cultural change. Demographic changes, emigration, immigration, living standards. Health, education and welfare systems in modern Ireland.
Society
The evolving role of religion(s). The relationship between church and state and secularization. Overview of civil society organisations. Analysis of the role of the media in civil society. Key milestones (and ongoing debates) in civic and social life in the late 20th and 21st centuries.
Ireland and the world
Relations with Northern Ireland, the EU, the US, emerging economies and developing countries. Critical analysis of ‘brand’ Ireland and inbound tourism. Ireland's influence on and dialogues with global cultures.
Comparative analysis
Class discussion and debate will encourage independent comparative analysis of cultures with which they are familiar. Theoretical and applied discussion of the construct of culture.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Learners will complete two in-class critical commentaries on a selection of texts and/or themes discussed during the module.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Students will complete an in-class test comprising short-answer questions on a range of themes, topics, images and texts studied during the module.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,4,5
Assessment Description
Students will work in small groups to investigate a specified aspect or aspects of modern Irish society and/or culture over a number of weeks, culminating in a multimedia presentation of their findings to the larger group.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Input on relevant theory, history, socio-cultural, socio-economic and socio-political themes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Discussion, debate, critical review and extension tasks. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Review, advance preparation, independent learning and extension. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Input on relevant theory, history, socio-cultural, socio-economic and socio-political themes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Discussion, debate, critical review and extension tasks. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Review, advance preparation, independent learning and extension. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Augustine Martin. (2010), Soundings, Gill & Macmillan, Dublin, p.280, [ISBN: 978-0717148417].
  • RF Foster (ed.). (2021), The Oxford History of Ireland, Oxford University Press, Oxford, p.372, [ISBN: 978-0192802026].
  • Richard Killeen. (2010), A Brief History of Ireland, Robinson Publishing, p.288, [ISBN: 978-1849014397].
  • James Joyce. (2017), Dubliners, Vintage Classics, London, p.0, [ISBN: 978-1784872793].
  • Fintan O'Toole, Catherine Marshall, Eibhear Walshe. (2016), Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks, Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, [ISBN: 978-1908996923].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BIBLA_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business with Language 5 Group Elective 1