Irish Studies Program
Why pursue Irish Studies?
Irish Studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on the study of Ireland and its peoples, with particular emphasis on language, history and culture. Politically, the island offers a unique case study in colonialism, decolonization and the growth of the neoliberal nation-state. Students interested in issues of race, gender, class, transnationalism, diaspora and the nation state are given opportunities to travel to Ireland to study the Irish language and take courses at select Irish universities. Our goal is to promote intercultural learning, language proficiency and cultural sensitivity, whilst teaching academic literacy to a high standard.
The Saint Mary’s approach
This unique, interdisciplinary program will equip you with valuable research, interpersonal and communication skills. Studying a new language and culture will also enhance cultural sensitivity. There are many opportunities to earn awards in this program, including the Allister and Josephine Cannon Scholarship and the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF) Gaeltacht Scholarships.
Sample courses offered:
- Language Courses: Modern Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Old Irish
- Irish Folklore: A comprehensive study of folklore in Ireland. All aspects of folklore will be examined, with special emphasis on the storytelling, song, and folk drama traditions.
- Irish Drama in the 20th Century: This course studies Irish drama from the founding of the Irish National Theatre society in 1903 up to the present time, including the works of Yeats, Hyde, Lady Gregory, Synge, Shaw, O’Casey, and Beckett.
- Postcolonial Ireland - 1922-Present: Study Irish literature and culture as a case study in the pitfalls of postcolonial independence. Students examine issues arising from the legacy of English colonial domination as well as the pre-eminence of Irish life, before and after independence, of the Catholic Church.
Future career opportunities:
- Historian
- Language instructor
- Writer
- Genealogist
- Journalist
- Museum curator
What our students are saying
“Pádraig Ó Siadhail is a great prof and the reason I learned the language without much difficulty. I received the ICUF scholarship and spent a month in An Cheathrú Rua, a small town in the Connamara Gaeltacht attending summer school for Irish language students.”
- Dusty Keleher, Irish Studies