Ireland

This year-long program explores Ireland and Irish America through the lenses of history, literature, politics, spirituality, language, film, and the arts. In fall quarter we begin with the study of Irish ways of understanding the world, focusing on the roots of pre-Christian spirituality and traditional culture. We will examine the blend of pre-Christian and Christian cultures in the first millennium C.E., and move forward to the layered impact of the Vikings, Normans, and English. We end fall quarter with the Celtic Revival (Yeats, Joyce, and others) at the turn of the 20th century. In winter quarter we shift to Irish America for four weeks, then turn our attention back to Ireland for the 20th century and into the present.

Most weeks will include lectures, seminars, small group work, songs, play reading, poetry, and a film. Short pre-seminar papers will focus students' attention on the week's text. In fall quarter, three large papers are required (on ancient Ireland, the English conquest, and the Celtic Revival). In winter, two large papers are required (on Irish America and contemporary Ireland). At least one work of visual art will be required in each quarter. The last week of fall and winter quarters will focus on collaborative student productions.

Every student is expected to work intensively with the Gaelic language all year; no exceptions. Our work will include frequent lessons and short exams in grammar and pronunciation, as well as the application of those lessons to Gaelic-language songs and poetry. Students who do not wish to study Gaelic should not sign up for this program.

Early spring quarter we will travel to the small village of Gleann Cholm Cille in Donegal, the northernmost county of the Republic. Students will spend several weeks improving their language skills, learning traditional skills (weaving, singing, dancing, poetry writing, drumming, tin whistle playing) and exploring the region, which is rich in archaeological features like standing stones and dolmens. Students should be physically able to hike on hilly terrain and climb over fences and large stones. Classes will be held in the evenings as well as during the day. Students will then have the opportunity to develop a two-week independent study project for credit, based on consultation with the faculty. Upon their return at the end of May, students will write a significant integrative essay, combining the theory of Irish studies with what they have learned in the practice of living and studying in Ireland.