Irish Studies, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland

Belfast

Term: Summer 
Dates: July 17 - August 8, 2009

Description: Overview

Located at the historic Queens University Belfast, the Institute for Irish Studies hosts this summer school, an interdisciplinary program exploring several aspects of Irish history and culture from an Irish and Northern Irish perspective.

Students on this program attend lectures by internationally acclaimed scholars on a variety of subjects, including history, politics, anthropology, film and theater, language and literature. The summer program also offers the unique opportunity for students to meet and have discussions with representatives of Northern Irelands political parties. A series of fieldtrips to locations such as Stormont Parliament Building and the burial place of St. Patrick ensures that students will experience the history of Ireland firsthand. The Institute for Irish Studies aims to enhance traditional learning through fieldwork and social activity.

Highlights: Program Activities

Students will have several opportunities to see the city of Belfast up close, including tours of Belfasts famous wall murals, the shipbuilding district where the Titanic was built, and Belfasts public art.

Field trips outside of Belfast offer students a taste of the rest of Northern Ireland. Students will visit the Antrim Coast, the Glens of Antrim, and the Giants Causeway, following sixty miles of gorgeous coastline; the vibrant and historically rich city of Derry / Londonderry; and the Centre for Migration Studies and Ulster American Folk Park, which tell the story of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic.

Throughout the program, the cultural heritage of Northern Ireland will be an integral part of the experience. Lectures on Northern Irish literature, art, music, theatre, and film will provide an historical context for viewing the contemporary art that can be seen on Derrys walls, heard in Belfasts pubs, and read in books published internationally by Northern Irish writers. The Seamus Heaney Center for Irish Poetry will also give students the chance to meet notable Northern Irish poets and to create some verse of their own.

The program explores Northern Irish politics from many angles. One highlight is the tour of Stormont Parliament Building that culminates in meetings with representatives of major Northern Ireland political parties. Students will also take a field trip to the Antrim police station to meet officers from various units including the Tactical Support Group.

Social events include both a ceilidh (Irish dancing) and a wine social in Queens Universitys iconic Lanyon Building as well as an evening at the John Hewitt pub in the Cathedral quarter.

Academic Program

Students can choose to enroll for the course under any of the following course numbers:

ENG 590/EURS 511/PCS 555/HIST 510: Irish Studies
Students who enroll in the course as ENGL 590 can take advantage of a partnership with the Seamus Heaney Centre for poetry; students choosing this option have the opportunity to participate in 5 days of literary discussions and writing workshops with established Northern Irish writers and critics.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Approximately $3,750

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $620 *

* Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the students individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above. (KU students enrolled in the Graduate School will pay approximately an additional $146.)

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare, most meals, insurance, passport fees, visa fees (if applicable), books, and personal expenses. Estimated $2,500.

Note
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.   

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application