Intro. To Irish Politics

(2.5-3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course provides a solid framework for understanding the key features of the Irish political system as well as the issues that dominate analysis of Irish politics. The course begins with an overview of Ireland's historical experience, of Irish political culture and of the factors that have formed that culture. After an analysis of the role, genesis and development of the Constitution the course moves on to a discussion of electoral behaviour and the origins of the party system. It includes an analysis of the nature and impact of the electoral system and the impact of a range of internal and external factors on the Irish political process.