Although inextricably linked to Britain, Ireland’s history, identity, and nationhood has equally been shaped by its relationship with Europe and America.
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At its closest point, the distance between Britain and Ireland is a mere twelve miles. However, despite this proximity, Ireland’s historical development, whilst sharing similarities to that of Britain, was also fundamentally different in terms of ethnicity, language, religious observance, and law. This course takes as its premise, the view that the development of an authentic expression of Irish identity, although undoubtedly affected by a relationship with Britain as colonisers, cohabitants and companions was influenced and inspired by developments in continental Europe and America. It was this relationship which was to prove the bedrock and foundation of a distinct and different expression of identity which, try as it might Britain, could never suppress.
What will we cover?
Wk. 1. From the Civil War to WW2.
Wk. 2. The Creation of the Republic of Ireland.
Wk. 3 Northern Ireland and the Civil Rights Movement.
Wk. 4. The Troubles 1968-1980.
WK 5. From Hunger Strikes to the Good Friday Agreement.
Wk 6. From the Good Friday Agreement to Brexit and the Windsor Agreement.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have a knowledge and understanding of key events in Irish history from the Civil War to the Windsor Framework.
Consider evaluate and explain the significance of mainland Europe in the creation of a sense of an identity in Ireland that separate from and different to notions of governance and control from Britain.
Understand the similarities and differences between cultural identity in Britain and Ireland.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
There is no requirement for any academic qualification before taking this course. It is aimed at anyone who is interested in a narrative of Irish history built upon the thesis that continental Europe greatly affected the distinctiveness of Irish identity.
An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course comprises six 2hr lectures. Pre and post lectures readings and other activities are offered on a voluntary basis
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in Irish and British history. Please see the City Lit website.
Colm has been involved in education for 40 years and has extensive adult education experience. Currently an Associate Lecturer at Solent University in Southampton, he holds degrees from five universities including a PhD from Strathclyde and an MBA from Hull. He has published extensively on sport and education in internationally peer reviewed journals including an article on sport in Elite Irish Schools 1878-1914. He has also co-authored a book on the role of schoolteachers in the development of association football in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His latest book Sport and Irish Identity is due in 2022.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/irish-history-and-identity-5-american-and-european-influences-in-the-modern-era311357Irish history and identity 5: American and European Influences in the Modern Erahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history22851177117816301228511771178<p>Although inextricably linked to Britain, Ireland’s history, identity, and nationhood has equally been shaped by its relationship with Europe and America. </p><p> </p>352816313Irish history and identity 5: American and European Influences in the Modern Era179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-05-07T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHBH79179179Irish history and identity 5: American and European Influences in the Modern Era143116179Colm Hickeyirish-history-and-identity-5-american-and-european-influences-in-the-modern-era/hbh79-2526<p>Although inextricably linked to Britain, Ireland’s history, identity, and nationhood has equally been shaped by its relationship with Europe and America. </p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-05-07 00:00:00<p>At its closest point, the distance between Britain and Ireland is a mere twelve miles. However, despite this proximity, Ireland’s historical development, whilst sharing similarities to that of Britain, was also fundamentally different in terms of ethnicity, language, religious observance, and law. This course takes as its premise, the view that the development of an authentic expression of Irish identity, although undoubtedly affected by a relationship with Britain as colonisers, cohabitants and companions was influenced and inspired by developments in continental Europe and America. It was this relationship which was to prove the bedrock and foundation of a distinct and different expression of identity which, try as it might Britain, could never suppress.</p><p>Although inextricably linked to Britain, Ireland’s history, identity, and nationhood has equally been shaped by its relationship with Europe and America. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Wk. 1. From the Civil War to WW2.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk. 2. The Creation of the Republic of Ireland.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk. 3 Northern Ireland and the Civil Rights Movement.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk. 4. The Troubles 1968-1980.</strong></p><p><strong>WK 5. From Hunger Strikes to the Good Friday Agreement.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk 6. From the Good Friday Agreement to Brexit and the Windsor Agreement.</strong></p><ul><li>Have a knowledge and understanding of key events in Irish history from the Civil War to the Windsor Framework.</li><li>Consider evaluate and explain the significance of mainland Europe in the creation of a sense of an identity in Ireland that separate from and different to notions of governance and control from Britain.</li><li>Understand the similarities and differences between cultural identity in Britain and Ireland.</li></ul><ul><li>There is no requirement for any academic qualification before taking this course. It is aimed at anyone who is interested in a narrative of Irish history built upon the thesis that continental Europe greatly affected the distinctiveness of Irish identity.</li><li>An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate. </li></ul><p>The course comprises six 2hr lectures. Pre and post lectures readings and other activities are offered on a voluntary basis</p><p>No. </p><p>Other courses in Irish and British history. Please see the City Lit website. </p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyvirtual143179116HBH79NONEThu07/05/26 - 11/06/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:456 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetColm HickeyAvailable courses2026-05-07T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities179179Irish history and identity 5: American and European Influences in the Modern Erairish-history-and-identity-5-american-and-european-influences-in-the-modern-era/hbh79-2526<p>Although inextricably linked to Britain, Ireland’s history, identity, and nationhood has equally been shaped by its relationship with Europe and America. </p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-05-07 00:00:00<p>At its closest point, the distance between Britain and Ireland is a mere twelve miles. However, despite this proximity, Ireland’s historical development, whilst sharing similarities to that of Britain, was also fundamentally different in terms of ethnicity, language, religious observance, and law. This course takes as its premise, the view that the development of an authentic expression of Irish identity, although undoubtedly affected by a relationship with Britain as colonisers, cohabitants and companions was influenced and inspired by developments in continental Europe and America. It was this relationship which was to prove the bedrock and foundation of a distinct and different expression of identity which, try as it might Britain, could never suppress.</p><p>Although inextricably linked to Britain, Ireland’s history, identity, and nationhood has equally been shaped by its relationship with Europe and America. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Wk. 1. From the Civil War to WW2.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk. 2. The Creation of the Republic of Ireland.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk. 3 Northern Ireland and the Civil Rights Movement.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk. 4. The Troubles 1968-1980.</strong></p><p><strong>WK 5. From Hunger Strikes to the Good Friday Agreement.</strong></p><p><strong>Wk 6. From the Good Friday Agreement to Brexit and the Windsor Agreement.</strong></p><ul><li>Have a knowledge and understanding of key events in Irish history from the Civil War to the Windsor Framework.</li><li>Consider evaluate and explain the significance of mainland Europe in the creation of a sense of an identity in Ireland that separate from and different to notions of governance and control from Britain.</li><li>Understand the similarities and differences between cultural identity in Britain and Ireland.</li></ul><ul><li>There is no requirement for any academic qualification before taking this course. It is aimed at anyone who is interested in a narrative of Irish history built upon the thesis that continental Europe greatly affected the distinctiveness of Irish identity.</li><li>An open mind and willingness to participate, respectfully, in class discussion and debate. </li></ul><p>The course comprises six 2hr lectures. Pre and post lectures readings and other activities are offered on a voluntary basis</p><p>No. </p><p>Other courses in Irish and British history. Please see the City Lit website. </p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyconfigurable
16301178British & Irish historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/16301/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history
