The majority of activities take place at sites within the two major cities, immersing individuals in the cultural experience abroad and familiarizing them with the cities as well as Irish culture, history, society, politics, and economics. Critical discussions and learning will stem from six one-hour morning lectures, presented by scholars, experts, activists, and community members, covering topics such as cultural identity, civil rights, colonization, history, governance, the Troubles, and traditions. Two one-hour classes will be led by student pairs based on students’ chosen chapters in The Routledge History of Irish America (2024). The chapters are electronically provided to students before the trip. Prior to the trip, students are asked to view a pre-trip learning slideshow online to familiarize themselves with the basics of traveling abroad and some norms particular to Dublin and Belfast.

Interactive and experiential learning dominate the time spent overseas with daily guided tours to museums & historical sites (ex: EPIC Museum and Famine Statues in Dublin, Book of Kells at Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Belfast Castle, Ulster American Folk Park, etc.), artistic engagements (ex: Tour of Belfast’s political murals, National Museum of Ireland, Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience, the Liberties or South City music trails, Ulster Museum, etc.), and landscapes (ex: Dublin’s five iconic Georgian Squares, O’Connell Street, St. Stephen’s Green, Phoenix Park, Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Slipways, Dark Hedges Road, etc.). During the trip, students are asked to submit five photos, each accompanied by a brief explanation that includes citations demonstrating how the photograph represents the course themes. At the conclusion of the trip, students are asked to select three photos to submit, along with citations, and explain why they believe these images best represent the course themes and objectives.

The course offers a distinct opportunity for students to transition from a U.S.-centric focus to comparing major U.S. movements for civil rights and justice (historically and currently) with those in other countries, due to its emphasis on Irish perspectives. Students will be able to apply their concepts of cultural identity to narratives of Irish culture and community experiences through this immersive experience. The distinct ability to have students identify problematic issues in the concept of “Irishness” and reflect and compare this notion with their experiences and representations of identity and ethnicity in Ireland is compelling and can be uniquely accomplished through this program.