Xavier University is offering two unique opportunities for students in the summer of 2009. Two groups of 10 students will spend two weeks in Ireland touring the country to come to understand and appreciate the natural history of the island, the context of Irish literature, and the sources of historical identity for the Irish.
 
Unlike most programs where students are housed in dorms and take classes in traditional classrooms, students will travel much of the island and stay at Castles, Hotels, and Bed and Breakfasts. We will visit Kilkenny Castle, Galway, Inis Meáin, Ballycotton, the Rock of Cashel, Waterford, Athassel Priory, Kilcooly Abbey, Connemara, the Swiss Cottage, Cahir Castle, and many others.
 
Students will discuss with local experts a variety of topics from thatching, to dance, to music, to local history. Students will take nature walks, attend plays, and interact with a variety of people and places to come to know Ireland. Accommodations for students include stays at B&B's as well as one week at Bansha Castle.
COURSE DATES

May 26-June 10, 2009 - Itinerary
SOCI 270 - Dr. Timothy White
ENGL 375 - Dr. Graley Herren

June 12-June 26, 2009 - Itinerary
SOCI 270 - Dr. Timothy White
BIOL 114-5 - Dr. George Farnsworth

 
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
 
SOCI 270 - Celts, Conquest, and Conflicting Identities
This is a course on Irish Historical Sociology and fulfills the university social science requirement. Dr. White’s course analyzes the waves of human migration that have come to Ireland over the past 10,000 years and how each wave of migration has contributed to contemporary Irish identity.
 
ENGL 375 - Literature and the Arts of Ireland
This course integrates Irish writers and plays as part of the course and fulfills the university literature requirement. It includes a visit to the National Gallery in Dublin and at least one live play performance.
 
BIOL 114-5 - Biodiversity and Conservation in Ireland
This course includes nature walks, bird watching, and visits to a variety of natural habitats in Ireland including coastlines, river estuaries, midland farming, and the Burren. It fulfills a university science requirement.
 
 

FEES

The fees for this program include 6 credit hours of Xavier tuition and all costs in Ireland. All food, accommodation, local travel, and admission costs are covered. The total cost of the program is $3995. The fees do not include airfare.

 
PROFESSORS
 
                       
 
Dr. Timothy White
Dept. of Political Science & Sociology
Dr. Graley Herren
Dept. of English
Dr. George Farnsworth
Dept. of Biology
 
 

APPLICATION

All students must submit an application. Space is limited and airline tickets must be purchased in advance, so it is best to apply early.

Download Application