Ireland

This course facilitates the exploration of the construction of childhood and youth in Irish writing. Students have the opportunity to analyze texts written for adult readers as well as texts written for children. The course examines texts through the lens of "childhood and youth," and students are introduced to a series of subject areas including myth, folklore, community, education, history, postcolonialism, race, ability, genders, and sexualities. With a focus on texts from the 20th and 21st centuries, discussions are positioned within the context of broader cultural debates and incorporate a number of theoretical approaches. 

This course introduces students to various aspects of archaeological excavation, commencing with the historical development of such investigations. The course traces the main stages internationally, from the work of antiquarians right through to that of modern archaeologists. The methods involved in modern archaeological excavation are presented. In addition to all of this internationally relevant material, some Irish-specific content is explored. This includes the legal framework governing archaeological excavation in Ireland, a practical account of the licensing system and a taste of how it works.  

The course explores the influential criminological theories of crime and criminality, it then proceeds to look at how responses to behavior defined as criminal have emerged and changed over time. The course explores the rationalities of punishment including deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, and incapacitation, as well as the institutions and practices that have been developed to give these rationalities effect. This includes a focus on policing, prison, and wider sites of detention as well as probation and community sanctions. The course also explores the coverage of crime and justice in contemporary culture, and how this influences public perceptions. The course draws on contemporary criminological examples and historical case studies and explores these issues from both an international an Irish perspective.