POS 250 Irish Politics

This course examines the government and politics of Ireland. Ordinarily taught by Irish scholars in the department's faculty exchange program with the University College Cork, the course begins with a historical context, outlining the foundation and development of the Irish state. It then explores Irish political culture, which is crucial to any understanding of contemporary Irish politics. The Irish constitution provides the framework for the Irish political landscape. Both it and key political institutions including the legislature, executive, bureaucracy and Presidency are explored in some depth. The course concludes with an examination of major policy issues in Ireland today, including social partnership arrangements; Irish foreign policy; and the dawn of a new era in Northern Ireland. Fall (CP) (L10) (4 credits)