World Cultures

Unit I Europe

Name: Kyle Chandler

Block: 2
Exploring a European Country Research Activity
Instructions: Using the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life (found through the
library database Gale Virtual Reference Library; username and password is colonials), research a
European nation of interest to you and complete the items below thoughtfully and completely.
Be prepared to share what youve learned with your peers.
1. To what extent was this country ruled by others? Use evidence to support your answer.
The Republic of Ireland was ruled by Great Britain up until 1922 when they gained
their independence. This was a five-year struggle for them.
2. Which 20th century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events
and explain their impact.
The event that had the greatest impact on the nation is their Civil War. The Irish Free
State won the battle over the Irish Republic force in 1923. This was a one battle.
Another event that was highly important was in 1937 when the Republic of Ireland
adopted a constitution by the Irish people to declare their independence.
3. Identify the following:
Topic
Well known cities, regions,
or landforms

Details
Dublin- Capital of the nation and the largest city
Cork- The second largest city in the nation
Galway- A city on the river on the west coast of The

Relative size (size in

relationship to another
place)
Description of natural
environment

Population size
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very
diverse) with explanation
Languages/Alphabets

Republic of Ireland.
It is the relative size of the state of Indiana.

The nation of The Republic of Ireland has a tremendous

coast-line with a lot of peninsulas. Also, the coast-line is
covered in mountains.
4.595 million people
.99 males for every one female
Life Expectancy: Male- 76.96 Female- 80.35
The official languages of The Republic of Ireland is Irish
and English.
They use more of a modern alphabet now, it is called
modern Irish alphabet.

4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using
specific details.

The country of the Republic of Ireland is influenced by folklore in many ways. Their
myths are highly based off of old folk stories that have been pasted down from
generation to generation. Also, their music was influenced by old folk tales because
even today they still listen to folk music.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
The religion that is practiced in this nation is Roman Catholicism. They visit the
churches of the The Republic of Ireland on Sundays and worship God.
6. Are rites of passage in this country similar to or different from rites of passage in the U.S.?
Explain your answer using specific pieces of evidence.
Most births occur in hospitals, Roman Catholic families have their child baptized
within the first week of birth, and weddings are festive just like in the United States.
7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to
this country? Provide at least three.
When traveling to the Republic of Ireland expect to eat a lot of the dairy products.
Also, I would tell you to go and watch a Gaelic Football game since that is their
favorite sport. Lastly, I would tell you to gp and explore some of the bars because
the nation is well known for their alcohol.
8. Is the standard of living in this country better, worse, or about the same as that of the U.S.?
Justify your answer with at least three pieces of evidence.
The standard of living in the Republic of Ireland is fairly similar to the United States.
They have good health just like the United States. Also, their literacy rate is nearly
100% just like the United States. Lastly, they enjoy playing sports just like Americans.
9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.
Family is very important in the Republic of Ireland. It is very similar to our family
means in America. Marriages are not arranged. Many Irish families have good
relationships with their extended family members.
10.Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific
details.

11.How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using
specific facts.
Their food and diet is similar to the rest of the northern European nations. They put a
big impact on eating meat, bread and potatoes during most meals. They also
regularly eat fish such as salmon a lot. Lastly, the Republic of Ireland people drink a
lot of beer and are well known for this characteristic.
12.How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive
in the U.S.?
My education would differ than mine here in the United States because I go to public
school where as about 90 percent of the schools there are Roman Catholic. Other

than that the schooling in the Republic of Ireland is very similar to here in the U.S.
They have three levels of schooling just like us and their college system is very similar
to ours as well.
13.What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and
describe at least three.
They are much known for the holiday of St. Patricks Day. This is when Irish people go
out and party and go and see parades. They also developed the holiday of Halloween.
This is a celebration of the harvest season and now a days it when kids go out and
trick-or-treat for candy. Lastly they are known for their beer. They have developed
some of the most known beer brands throughout the world.

14.Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.

The economy of the Republic of Ireland has been booming within the last 20 years. In
the five years leading up to 1999 the GDP per capita has risen nearly 60%. However
the nation doesnt have a lot of arable land so farming can be very difficult. The
farming is being helped out by the advancement of technology in the nation.
15.How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would
you want to live there?
People of this country spend their leisure time playing golf, Gaelic football, listen to
music, go explore famous landmarks, and dance. I would like to live here because I
enjoy golfing a lot. Also, since their life style is pretty similar to the United States it
wouldnt be that big of a transition.
16.List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country
needs to resolve.
First, they need to figure out a way to get more arable land because this is taking
away from money they could be making from agriculture. Secondly, they need to help
some of the people in poverty figure out a way to get out of poverty because this is
making some of the cities worse. Lastly, they need to figure out a way to give
everyone free healthcare because if everyone has it the economy will get even better
because they people will have more spending money.
17.Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using
specific evidence.
Yes they are treated equally in the nation of the Republic of Ireland. I feel this
because they are parliamentary democracy so all citizens receive a vote. Also,
feminism is a growing belief here so that shows you that women have the right to
speak their mind and are able to do important things with their life compared to some
of the other nations of the world.

"Irish Free State Declared." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2015.
"Relative Size of Ireland - Ireland's History in Maps." Relative Size of Ireland - Ireland's History in
Maps. N.p., n.d.
Web. 18 Feb. 2015.
"Countries and Their Cultures." Culture of Ireland. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2015.