Irish-America: Culture & Society

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This module will address the influence and effect of the Irish diaspora in America and explore the input, contribution and impact of the enormous Irish community there. Some 35.5 million people in America claim Irish descent. The time period under review begins with the mass emigration caused by the Great Famine in Ireland in 1845 and the assimilation and influence of this diaspora on American culture. It will analyse the reaction of the Irish-Americans to the rising nationalist movement in Ireland from 1890 to 1922. Moving to 'second wave' emigration in the 1950s, lectures will discuss how the strength of the Irish community grew in Post-War America to become a recognisable force politically, socially and culturally. The current status of the Irish in America will also be considered. A number of academic field trips related to the module content will be organised throughout the trimester.