Northern Ireland: From Conflict to Compromise with Martin Burns, A&S '98 (MS)
Course Title: Northern Ireland: From Conflict to Compromise
Instructor: Martin Burns A&S '98 (MS)
Brought to you by Odyssey
January 27, 2026 - February 17, 2026 (4 Sessions)
Tuesday, 6:00PM ET - 8:00PM ET
Virtual via Zoom
Course Description: Trace Northern Ireland’s path from its early history through the turbulent era known as The Troubles, and into the modern day. Beginning with an overview of Irish history leading up to 1912, participants will discuss the decades of political and sectarian conflict that shaped a generation. Explore the landmark Good Friday/Belfast Agreement: how it came to be, what it achieved, and whether its lessons can inform peace-building efforts elsewhere. In our final session, we’ll turn to Northern Ireland today, examining its challenges, progress, and what the future may hold.
While no readings are required for this course, participants may enjoy the following titles:
- Gerry Adams, A Farther Shore: Ireland's Long Road to Peace (London, 2005)
- Richard English, Irish Freedom: The History of Nationalism in Ireland (London, 2006)
- Richard English, Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA (London, 2003)
- Susan McKay, Northern Protestants: An Unsettled People (Belfast, 2021)
- David McKitterick & David McVea, Making Sense of the Troubles (Belfast, 2000)
- George Mitchell, Making Peace (London, 1999)
- Mark Mulholland, Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2003)
- Jonathan Powell, Great Hatred, Little Room: Making Peace in Northern Ireland (London, 2009)
- James Waller, A Troubled Sleep: Risk and Resilience in Contemporary Northern Ireland
Explore more lifelong learning opportunities in our full SPRING 2026 Odyssey Catalog
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