ENGL 387/REL 387: Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland

(4 credits)

4 weeks in Ireland

Prof. Marc Conner and Prof. Alexandra Brown

This program will immerse the student in the literature, religious traditions, history and culture of Ireland. The primary focus of the course is on Irish literary expressions and religious beliefs and traditions, from the pre-historic period to the modern day, with a particular emphasis on the modern (early 20th century) Irish world. Readings are coordinated with site visits, which range from prehistoric and Celtic sites to early and medieval Christian sites to modern Irish life. Major topics and authors will include Yeats and mysticism, St. Brendan’s pilgrimage, folklore and myth, Lady Gregory and visions, religion in Irish art, the Blasket Island storytellers, the Mystic Island, and others. Program satisfies the English department learning objectives and meets major requirements for a 300-level English course for late British distribution; or satisfies the Religion Department’s Religious Traditions: Christianity requirement, as well as the Religion and Literature cluster, and the FDR-HU requirements. 

All participating students must take INTR 301: The Irish World in Literature, Religion, and History in the winter 2017 term.

Program Fee (paid to W&L): $3,350. This fee includes accommodation, ground transportation, group meals, and activity fees.

Estimated Other Expenses: Airfare - $850; meals not included in the program fee - $550 (Note: full kitchen facilities in each house); miscellaneous individual expenses - $200.

For further information, please contact Prof. Conner at connerm@wlu.edu or Prof. Brown at browna@wlu.edu.