University College Dublin - Irish Studies Summer Programme

This programme, which has a focus on Irish Studies, draws on the expertise of all disciplines within the College. It examines Irish history, culture and society in an interdisciplinary and interactive manner. Each topic is addressed in an associated lecture by a leading expert in that particular field. Highlights of the academic programme include trips to the rich variety of museums and cultural sites in Dublin.

UCD Arts and Humanities Summer Study Abroad Programme also offers a bespoke cultural and social programme of excursions and social events, enabling students to explore Dublin and Ireland outside of the classroom. Participating students will live in student residences on campus.

This Study Abroad Programme will be attractive to students with a background in Arts and Humanities, as well as those majoring in other areas, who would like to earn credits within Arts and Humanities.

Dates and Fees

June 2nd to 15th 2020: Two-week Study Abroad Programme (5 ECTS credits)
June 2nd to 28th 2020: Four-week Study Abroad Programme (10 ECTS credits)
If you would like to be notified when applications open and to receive further updates, please complete this expression of interest form.

For further information, please email artsstudyabroad@ucd.ie.

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Module 1: Ireland in the World

2-15 June 2020 (5 credits) 

This interdisciplinary module will explore Ireland’s interaction with Europe and the wider world from ancient to modern times. As a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland has cultivated global links for centuries through the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity, Celtic and Viking influences, Norman and English settlers, political and religious allies in Europe and through outward and (more recently) inward migration. Lectures and seminars in this module will examine Ireland’s economic, religious, linguistic and political encounters with other nations through trade, colonisation, exploration, migration and exile. Cultural, artistic and literary exchanges will be discussed through specific case-studies highlighting key themes relating to global encounters from a range of time periods. On-campus tours to cultural repositories will include analysis of relevant material from the National Folklore Collection and UCD Special Collections. Related cultural visits will be scheduled for EPIC museum, Dublin Castle and Glasnevin Cemetery.

Learning outcomes

30% Report on cultural site visit

20% Specified learning activities

50% Reflective Learning Journal

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 Module 2: Performing Irish Identity

15-28 June 2020 (5 credits)

This multidisciplinary module will explore how Irish identity is ‘performed’ through a range of cultural practices and traditions. With over 70 million people worldwide claiming Irish descent, the expression of Irish cultural identity has a global impact and influence. Case-studies and examples will draw on current scholarship in the fields of art, film, literature, manuscript production, music and dance, sculpture, sporting activities, storytelling, theatre and other cultural activities. Lectures and seminars in this module will explore how these cultural practices have changed and developed over time and space in response to political, social and cultural conditions. Practice-based workshops introducing students to traditional Irish music and dancing, drama, sport and literary analysis will be a central feature of this module. On-campus tours to cultural repositories will include UCD Poetry Reading Archive, Kevin Barry Window and National Folklore Collection Sound Archive. Related cultural visits will be scheduled for MoLI museum, National Museum of Decorative Arts, National Gallery, Irish Traditional Music Archive and Croke Park.

Learning outcomes

30% Review of cultural event

20% Specified learning activities

50% Research presentation