Building on the theoretical foundations of the first year, participants move into experiential learning with the option of project work. We explore the Irish diaspora in all its aspects (military, mercantile, civilian, political, criminal exiles and convicts, adventurers, orphans, and more), assessing where they went and what sources survive (in both Irish and overseas archives).

 

In term two we will turn a spotlight on demographic groups that are more challenging to trace: finding women in the sources; researching Irish Travellers before 1950; and children in care from the 1840s to 1952. There will be a continuing emphasis on the appropriate methodology to use in family and social history, for a successful research outcome.

 

This course does not include access to a computer. Participants must have access to their own computers at home for follow-up clinics and individual research.