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Link to Summer Program Application

Program

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 14 - July 23, 2010

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.
• AAH 3009 Introduction to Art in Ireland. This course traces the development of Irish art from Newgrange to the 2009 Venice Biennale. A key question underlying the various strands of the course will be the development of a distinctly Irish cultural identity in the visual arts and the influence of international trends on Irish artists throughout the ages.

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 2010 *Tentative, will be confirmed mid-October

NOTICE: Villanova University reserves the right to modify or cancel the program if circumstances warrant.