Location

Dublin, Donegal, Ireland

Program Description

Global Perspectives on Civil Rights, Social Justice & Peace Studies offers an important socio-historical framework of the history of Ireland from pre-Christian to modern times. This syllabus includes a study of Gaelic Ireland, British Imperialism, Famine, Poverty, and Emigration, the Irish-American impact on the United States, Slavery, Civil Rights and Social Justice, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution of Northern Ireland, comparative narratives in the USA, the current political climate, and a comprehensive program of field trips integrated with the class teaching to reinforce the learning outcomes.

The course will have enabled individuals to develop an understanding of Irish culture, and its impact on European and American culture. Students should be able to identify problematical issues in the concept of “Irishness” and to reflect and compare this notion with their own experiences, here and back home. This in turn should encourage critical discussion and reflection about the differences between US, Irish and European cultures, and the collective relationship that individuals have with their own societies. In particular, the course will develop critical thinking about conflict resolution, modern political structures, and the role of Civil Rights and Equality in the development of other nations.

This program is focused on conflict resolution and civil rights across the United States, Ireland and other European cultures and the collective relationship that individuals have within their own societies. To immerse individuals in the cultural experience abroad and familiarize them with the Irish culture from neolithic period into modern times, we have included a variety of activities. For example, critical discussion and learning will stem from seven lectures about cultural identity, civil rights, colonization and traditions by scholars, experts, activists and community members. Interactive and experiential learning is also included through multiple guided tours to museums (ex: Museum of Emigration, Museum of Free Derry & Bogside Murals, etc.), art galleries (ex: Tour of Siglo), and landscapes (ex: Sliabh Liag Cliffs and Killybegs, Cavan Burren, Beaver Island Memorial and Lighthouse, etc.).

Location Description

The program will mostly be hosted in County Donegal, Ireland. Located on the Atlantic Coast, this part of Ireland is recognized for its incredible views, rich history, and the welcoming people of Ireland. Even though we will mostly based in Donegal, we travel to many other parts of Ireland, including Dublin City and the counties of Meath, Cavan, Fermanagh, Sligo, Leitrim, and Derry. County Donegal is one of the most historic, beautiful, and scenic counties in the Republic. We will be residing in the town of Bundoran, which is famous for surfing and a traditional Irish welcome. Therefore, we will have Ocean views known as ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’. Weather is usually a daily mix of sunshine, rain, and wind, and you need to bring appropriate clothing depending on the time of year.

Director

Ja'La Wourman | wourmajj@jmu.edu | Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication

Graciela Perez | perezgx@jmu.edu | Justice Studies

Accommodations

Accommodation is provided in apartments with full cooking facilities, free Wi-Fi, TV, dining & kitchen area. The Atlantic Campus includes sauna, Jacuzzi and small pool that is free for use by students, a large lobby area, teaching area, breakfast room and Irish Pub (used for cultural activities.) Hotel accommodation if used will be in hotel rooms 3* or higher. 

Meals included- Breakfast x 9 Evening Meal x 8 Lunch Hot Meal x 1.

The daily meal plan includes a continental breakfast each morning of juice, cereal & yoghurt, toast & preserves, pastries, cold meats and cheeses, with provision for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets. A full cooked breakfast is provided where available, and full cooking facilities are in each apartment. Dinner each day includes a choice of three entrees and dessert. Lunch will be a self-selected packed lunch or purchased lunch while out and about. Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-free diets are accommodated with notice.

Additional Items to Consider

Accommodation on campus is in two or three bed apartments with max two students per bedroom. Apartments have kitchen, dining areas, bedrooms, bathroom with shower, and Wi-Fi. Apartments are on site, with study area and lecture theatre and recreation areas downstairs in the same building. The accommodation is on the main street of the town, with stores, pharmacy, and ATM in minutes of walking distance. The beach and seafront is 3 minutes from the front door.

Dublin hotel rooms are booked on a shared basis, with two people per room. Rooming lists are arranged by the lead faculty/visiting college. Single room accommodation is offered subject to availability and will incur a supplement. A limited number of single apartments are available at campus, and are subject to a supplement.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in all majors.