This course examines religion in Ireland from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Religion is a significant dimension of society, culture, and individual life around the world but in few countries is it as embedded in society, culture, and individual life, and so central to the national narrative, as in Ireland. Religion has defined the successive ages of Irish history, beginning with pre-Christianity and then various Christian expressions, and has shaped more than anything else Ireland and its people?s identity. Today, Ireland has ostensibly moved to a post-religion era, with a secular character, yet religion remains salient in Irish society, culture, and individual life in more nuanced, diverse, ways. This in turn reflects complex religious tendencies that were always there. ?Religion in Ireland? draws out the religious story of Ireland and it uses it to reach the fullest understanding of Irish society, culture, and individual life, both past and present.

***Course is pending approval from CEA CAPA's School of Record.***