Thousands expected to take lessons online in Trinity’s Irish history class

One of the biggest classes of Irish history has started and Trinity College Dublin hopes to match the 17,000 who signed up for its free online programme first time round.

The university’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on the turbulent period experienced by Ireland in the early 20th century attracted worldwide interest last year.

Anyone with internet access can still register for the course, Irish Lives in War and Revolution: Exploring Ireland’s History 1912-1923, which got under way yesterday. Over six weeks, Trinity lecturers will explore the lives of men, women, and children in that time, with an emphasis on learning about the contested nature of history caused by various opposing viewpoints.

“Our aim is to question that there is a single narrative or an easy explanation of the past. We want to challenge the silent assumption that there can be one authoritative voice claiming to have all the answers,” said Ciarán Brady, professor of early modern history and historiography.

The college again saw strong demand, after more than 17,000 registered to take part when it was first run last autumn. More than half who expressed interest were from outside Ireland, particularly countries with a strong Irish diaspora, including more than one in four from the US, 14% from the UK, and 11% in countries including Australia, Canada, France, and Spain.

Through video, assignment, and online discussion with fellow participants, students will consider the choices of those who fought in the First World War, the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Civil War, as well as those who lived through them.

Learners can go at their own pace, but are expected to set aside around five hours a week to the course.

See more and register at: www.futurelearn.com/courses/irish-history.

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