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Ireland's People and Culture

 Program Highlights

• Explore Galway through walking tours
• Visit the Kylemore and Glenstal Benedictine Abbeys
• Tour the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands
• Learn some converstaional Irish
• Disover the rich culture of traditional Irish music, dance and song
• Live in a tradional Irish cottage
• Climb Croagh Patrick (weather permitting)
• This is an Intercultural (IC) designated course

Program Description

Galway, Ireland is located on the west coast of Ireland, and sits on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. The area is rich in the tradition of the Irish culture, particularly the arts. The area we will be staying in is the largest of the Gaeltacht areas of Ireland (where the government recognizes Irish as the 1st language and the traditional music, dance, and singing are fostered). During the three week May Term you will experience the welcoming people, performing arts, and the incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape of the west coast of Ireland. In addition, learning excursions will take you to other parts of the Island to visit sites that are course related and to give you a taste of the whole island.

Course Description

The course is designed for you to learn about the Gaeltacht region of Ireland near Galway.You will study the Gaeltacht area to learn about the government policy to restore the Irish language as well as social and artistic traditions in music, theatre and dance. You will reflect on the role of music, theatre and dance in the Gaeltacht region and how this has changed since 1926 with the formation of the Irish Free State. Comparisons will be made on how the Gaeltacht area differs from the rest of Ireland. You will critically reflect upon your learning to identify cultural comparisons and points of difference with the United States.  The course includes classroom learning, guest speakers and learning excursions designed to complement classes. The course carries an Intercultural designation (IC) - 2 credits. During your time in Ireland we will focus on the following learning goals:

1.  To understand how the Gaeltacht Areas have changed since the early years of the Irish Free State.
2. To reflect upon what the texts and excursions are teaching you about Gaeltacht culture. 

3. To discover how your perspective on the Irish culture and the Gaeltecht area are influenced by your background.

Program Cost

The program cost is estimated to be $1,595. The cost of 2 credits at CSB/SJU (estimated at $1040) and the cost of airfare (estimated at $1,000) are not included in the price.

This price includes accomodations during the program, local transportation, learning excursions adn asmission to museums, theatre adn other cultural events; as well as some meals.

Students will be responsible for most of their meals, personal spending money and any activities not included with the program. The cost does not include payment for academic credit at CSB/SJU. In addition round-trip international airfare to Ireland is not included. Airfare to Dublin will differ depending upon the departure city, but is estimated at $1000. Transportation will be paid directly by the students, not the program. Students will also pay for the cost of transportation from Galway to Dublin for their return trip.

Housing

During our time in Galway and the surrounding areas the group will be housed at the Park Lodge Hotel located 12 KM from Galway city and 1.5 K from Spiddal. This is the same place that houses the fall semester-long study abroad program through CSB/SJU. You will live in 5 person cottages at the lodge where classrooms are also located. The cottages have fully equipped kitchens where you can cook your own meals. Washing machines and dryers are available on site for a reasonable cost.

Important Information

• Bring good walking shoes - there is much walking and uneven terrain
• Pack lightly - washing machines and dryers are available on site
• A back pack for day and overnight trips is advisable
• A water proof (not water resistant or water repellent) jacket

Directors

Leading the program are Jane Kathman, Professor Emerita of the Management Department and Michael Kathman, Librarian Emeritus. Jane and Michael directed the semester-long program in Galway in 2006 and 2011, the Roman-Greco Program in 2009 and 2010, and were on the faculty team for the E- Scholars January Term to China.