Irish Studies

The Irish Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary minor in the history and culture of Ireland and the Irish Diaspora, from the early Christian period to present day. Contemporary trends underscore the extraordinarily diverse character that Irish Studies has assumed in the last two decades. Scholarship on Ireland has yielded rich dividends in our understanding of the experience of colonialism, literature, music and national identity, the significance of emigration and diasporic communities, economic modernization, the role of women, and finally the difficulty of effecting lasting peace between bitterly divided peoples. Students are also encouraged to immerse themselves in the culture of Ireland by visiting the country itself. The College currently has a cooperative study abroad program with the National University of Ireland in Galway, and an annual seven to nine day cultural tour of Ireland which can be taken for credit.