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Peace, Reconciliation, and Identity: Literature and Politics in Northern Ireland

Location: Northern Ireland
Course Begins Online: May 17, 2010
Travel Dates: June 7 – June 28, 2010
Coursework Completion Date: July 26, 2010
Faculty Leader: Dr. Christopher Boettcher
Academic Credits: 3 English, 3 Service-Learning
Service: Work with young people in organizations supporting Peace and Reconciliation, or possibly assist in physical construction and upkeep efforts at a large Peace and Reconciliation organization
Housing: Hotels, Nice Hostels, and a Retreat Center
Travel Highlights: Program includes visits to numerous historically and contemporarily important sites in Belfast, the city variously referred to as Derry or Londonderry, the beautiful North Coast, the Giant’s Causeway, and Carrick-a-Rede

Program Description

Peace, Reconciliation, and Identity: Literature and Politics in Northern Ireland reviews major works of Irish Literature with an eye toward the role of literature in creating national identity - and consideration of that role in the context of Northern Ireland.

Your travel experience will begin in Dublin, Ireland, where you’ll visit the Dublin Writer’s Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, and the House of National Parliament for Ireland. After a brief time in Dublin, you’ll travel north along the coast toward Belfast. In Belfast you’ll begin your experience learning from Amizade community partner organizations, and you’ll have opportunity to work with local youth. Days in Belfast will be full, as you’ll also have the opportunity to walk along Falls Road, view historic and contemporary political murals, and meet with ex-combatants ad ex-prisoners.

From Belfast you’ll depart for Derry/Londonderry where you’ll learn about the historic event known as Bloody Sunday and hear from community members there. The beautiful North Coast town of Ballycastle will be the next stop in your program, where you will visit with and learn from the Peace and Reconciliation organization Corrymeela. Operating from Corrymeela’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre, you’ll have opportunities to visit the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede. Through service with local youth and youth organizations, you’ll gain insight into how identity is central to past conflict and current efforts at Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

Program Fee: $5,900

Apply Now to Ensure Your Spot (pdf)

Final Application Deadline: May 10

Program Tuition Includes:

• Course delivery and instruction accredited through West Virginia University
• Accommodations
• Three meals per day
• Multiple field trips and scheduled educational, cultural and service activities
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Additional Program Related Expenses:

• Airfare to Dublin, as well as other travel related expenses
• Applicable passport or visa fees
• Course textbooks, course packet and materials
• Supplemental meals or snacks
• Personal spending money