SOC10060 Ireland in Comparative Perspective

Academic Year 2021/2022

Ireland is in a state of ongoing transformation, experiencing rapid and dramatic economic, social and cultural changes in a short period of time. Yet there are structural continuities traced back to modern Irish society before and after independence that underlie and help to explain these changes. This module explores the continuities amidst the significant changes in contemporary Irish society drawing on a comparative perspective. This provides a framework to identify what is similar to the continuities and changes in Ireland compared to other related societies, and what is different in the Irish experience contrasted with other societies. The topics examined in the module include some of the following: periods of boom and bust in Ireland's development, particularly the Celtic Tiger and current austerity; population, emigration and immigration; inequality, poverty and class; housing; education; labour markets; social networks; religion and secularisation; pluralism and liberalisation; consumerism and individualism; the media; social movements; and nationalism and national identity.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: 1) Discuss how sociologists have analysed the main continuities and changes in Irish society; 2) Discuss these continuities and changes drawing on a comparative perspective; 3) Discuss how to apply a comparative perspective on these continuities and changes to specific topics in Irish society studied in the module; 4) Write an exam that shows a capacity to incorporate points 1 to 3 above appropriate to the level of the module.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Seminar (or Webinar)

4
Specified Learning Activities

10
Autonomous Student Learning

89
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module teaches Key Skills:
Critical Thinking
Social Theorising
Analysing & Applying
Writing
Comparative Historical
Independent Learning
Communication
Digital & Media Literacy

Depending on the COVID-19 situation teaching format may change according to the UCD regulations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
SOC30400 - Contemporary Ireland


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): Online test 1 Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Examination: Online exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

60
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): Online test 2 Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on assessed coursework as individual comments published in VLE, in group sessions at lectures/seminars, and/or in person during office hours as appropriate.