There may be no place better in the world to learn and write about the connection between sports, culture and identity than the West of Ireland. This writing intensive (CCC) course runs from May 24 through June 24 and is based at the University of Galway on the “Wild Atlantic” coast. The registration deadline is December 1.
Galway has been a giant in the Gaelic sports of hurling, camogie and Gaelic football, sports codified and grown to reflect traditional Irish culture and resist “colonial” sports like soccer, rugby and cricket. We will be there just as the Gaelic sports tournament schedule heats up.
But the course defines “sport” broadly and there are opportunities to experience and write about hiking, cycling, sailing, kayaking, ocean swimming and fly fishing all around Galway and the nearby Atlantic coast as part of the class.
The Galway region is also the largest part of the Gaeltacht – the area where Irish is spoken as part of everyday life, so hopefully you will pick up a few words (don’t worry, everyone speaks English too).
The 3-credit course fulfills the CCC Writing Intensive requirement at St. Joe’s and also counts as a major and concentration elective in the Department of Communication, Film and Journalism.
The course includes trips to the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and the Aran Islands. You will also have plenty of time to travel and explore on your own. Students will stay in suites on the University of Galway’s campus.
For more info on logistics like cost, housing or flights or to apply go to Saint Joseph University’s Center for Global Engagement or write them at studyabroad@sju.edu. Shoot me an email if you want to know more about the course – jlyons at sju.edu.
The course is run through SJU, but it is open to students form other universities as well. So if you have a friend from another school, they are welcome!