Program Description

Sponsored by UW-Madison and the University of Michigan, this summer program to Dublin introduces U.S. students to Ireland’s rich history and culture through study at Trinity College, a renowned 400 year-old university in the heart of Dublin. This program is an excellent opportunity for students to engage in Irish Studies in one of Europe’s fastest growing capital cities.

The capital of Ireland for almost all of its thousand-year history, Dublin has been home to many of the world’s leading writers and playwrights, such as Sheridan, Shaw, Swift, Joyce, O’Casey, and Beckett. From Neil Jordan to U2, contemporary actors, filmmakers, poets and musicians have continued to contribute to popular culture in Dublin. Originally a Viking settlement, Dublin is situated between Dublin Bay and the mountains within bus and train access to the renowned scenic areas of Kerry, Clare Cork, Galway, Waterford and Donegal.

Academics

Founded in 1592, Trinity College is the alma mater of some of Ireland’s most famous artists, writers, and political figures. Situated in the heart of Dublin, Trinity College is an ideal location for studying contemporary Ireland, with the National Museum, Parliament (Dáil Éireann) and National Gallery, as well as cafés, bars, theaters and several music venues all within walking distance of the college. While studying at Trinity College, program participants take classes alongside other U.S. students and enroll in a total of six credits from the following course options:

• A multi-disciplinary series of course modules taught by Irish professors, covering topics such as history, theatre, Irish and Gaelic literature, visual culture, and critical issues. Course modules are organized by USIT, a well-known provider of support services for academic programs in Ireland. (one credit each)
• A specially-designed course (topics vary from year to year) taught by the Resident Director, a U.S. faculty member from one of the sponsoring institutions. (three credits)

Students may either take the Resident Director course (three credits) and three modules (three credits) or six modules (six credits). Participants who take the Resident Director course must take the history or literature module (depending on topic of Resident Director course) plus two additional modules. Students will request one three-credit UW-Madison course as the equivalent for the three modules.

Housing

Students are housed on the Trinity College campus in apartments each consisting of four to five single rooms with two bathrooms, kitchen, and a shared living area. Housing and weekday continental breakfasts are included in the program fee. Students may do light cooking in their rooms or purchase meals from campus dining facilities, as well as nearby supermarkets, delis, and restaurants. During the program, participants will have access to the Trinity College library, restaurants, bars, and sports facilities, including tennis courts.

Excursions and Activities

Upon arrival, students attend an orientation at Trinity College to introduce them to the academic program, the Trinity campus, local facilities, and the city of Dublin. A faculty member from one of the sponsoring institutions serves as the Resident Director of the program each summer. The Resident Director is responsible for teaching a course as well as assisting students personally and academically during the program. USIT provides support in addition to the cultural activities and excursions, and organization of the Irish Studies core courses.

The program integrates numerous field trips and cultural activities to complement the academic coursework. Previous trips, tours, and social events have included a one week stay in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as excursions to sights such as Dublin Castle, the Irish Parliament, County Wicklow, and an archaeology trip to Boyne Valley. While in Dublin, students may also enjoy theater visits, local sporting events, a city tour, and traditional Irish music sessions.