The purpose of the six-week Irish Studies Program is to introduce students to
Ireland's history, literature, society and archaeology through a 10-day Orientation
in Dublin, Galway, and on the Aran Islands, and five weeks of courses at the National
University of Ireland, Galway Summer School in Irish Studies.
Dr. James J. Murphy, Villanova University's Director of Irish Studies, accompanies
the students throughout the Orientation Program in Eastern and Western Ireland.
Program Dates
June 16 - July 24, 2009
Students select two (2) courses of the following courses for six (6) Villanova
undergraduate credits:
ENG 2500 Literature: Representing Ireland The study of ways in which
"Irishness" has been represented in 20th century fiction, drama, fiction, poetry,
and film. 3 credits
AAH 3007 Archaeological Heritage. A study of Ireland’s Neolithic
and Celtic Iron ages through to the Christian Period including the early and
late medieval era. 3 credits
ENG 2450 Gaelic Culture and Literature. A study of Gaelic culture
and literature (in translation) from the earliest times to the present day.
3 credits
HIS 3216 Irish History. Modern Irish history including nationalism,
the land question, and Anglo-Irish relations. 3 credits
SOC 4000 Irish Society. Study of issues in modern Irish society,
including family, religion, rural and urban communities, emigration, and the
role of women. 3 credits
THE 3030 Traditional Irish Music and Dance. A study of the ways in
which music shapes cultural identity. 3 credits.
Location
Galway City, the third largest
city in Ireland, is now regarded by many as the cultural capital of Ireland. Throughout
the year, Galway is a thriving center of theater, galleries, readings, and concerts
ranging from classical to the best of Irish traditional music. During the summer
school period, Galway is especially alive with energy. Its natural attraction as
a seaside resort is supplemented by events such as the Galway Arts Festival, which
brings world-class performers to the city. Traditionally, many of our students volunteer
in various aspects of the festival, further deepening their understanding of and
involvement with the real Ireland beyond the walls of the classroom. Galway's location
on the west coast places students in easy access to some of the richest and most
complex aspects of Irish history.
National University of Ireland,
Galway, our base for most of the program, was founded in 1849. It is one of the
constituent colleges of NUI, the National University of Ireland. The campus is located
on the banks of the River Corrib, about ten minutes walk from city center.
Program Requirements
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale; non-Villanova students must provide a recent official university transcript of undergraduate work
Full-time university status without disciplinary probation
Completed Villanova application submitted to Dr. James Murphy.
Faculty Program Coordinator Information
Dr. James Murphy
Department of English, Chair of Irish Studies
St. Augustine Center (SAC)
467
610-519-4647 james.murphy@villanova.edu
Housing & Meals
During the summer program, students will live with Irish families with two students for each family. Breakfast is provided daily. All housing is within an easy walk of campus and downtown.
Itinerary 2009
June 16
June 17 – 19
June 20
June 23
June 24
July 23
July 24
Students depart U.S.A.
Dublin
Depart Dublin for Galway, to Galway, via Clonmacnoise
Return to Galway, Homestays begin
Coursework at NUI, Galway begins
Last day of coursework and last night of homestay. Students can leave once classes are completed on July 23.
Last day of program, students must be out of housing
NOTICE: Villanova University reserve the right to modify
or cancel the program if circumstances warrant.
ENG 2500 Literature: Representing Ireland The study of ways in which
"Irishness" has been represented in 20th century fiction, drama, fiction, poetry,
and film. 3 credits 
Dr. James Murphy
