Northern Ireland: Democracy and Social Change
Spring Semester
In 1969, society in Northern Ireland was seized by violent conflict that erupted from issues relating to civic, social and political differences. Today, Northern Ireland offers an example of the vast dimensions of transition from conflict to a sustainable democracy. Students examine the historical, political and religious roots of the conflict in Northern Ireland, the prospects for peace and the progress being made. Through readings, lectures, discussions, internships, group study projects and field experiences this program invites interaction with people involved in social change. The program explores theoretical approaches to understanding conflict and its transformation as well as the processes underway in Northern Ireland to create a sustainable democracy.
Classes are held at the University of Ulster with field study in selected regions of Northern Ireland. The program is affiliated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Center for Education for Pluralism, Human Rights and Democracy.
Example Internship Placements
To view additional photos of Northern Ireland and to read reflections from students who participated in the Spring 2007 program, please take a few extra moments to visit the following blogs: Matt - http://thegreatsweeneyemmigration.blogspot.com |
Hands-On Experience
A seven-week internship, either in Belfast or London/Derry, allows students to be directly involved in efforts of social change toward a peaceful future. The diverse perspectives gained at the internship will help students explore how society is progressing and analyze the cultural traditions and resources available for building a sustainable and inclusive democracy. Internship sites ultimately provide an opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a difference. Some organizations are grassroots with a local focus while others are international in scope.
Field seminars focus on human rights, equality, conflict transformation and education for democracy and help you see in action the tools used to transform conflict. Included is an extended field excursion to visit Dublin City in the Republic of Ireland. Each student also carries out an independent study project on a topic of personal choice, which includes field research.
Courses
- Understanding the Politics of the Northern Ireland Conflict (1 course)
- Building a Sustainable Democracy (1 course)
- Internship Placement and Integration Seminar (equivalent to 2 courses)
The courses are taken as an integrated whole and provide the equivalent of a semester's worth of credit, i.e., 4 course credits, 16 semester hours, or 24 quarter credits.
Faculty
Extras
In Northern Ireland, students spend the first five weeks on the north coast in Coleraine while taking core seminars at the University of Ulster. All students will be provided with a private room. During the seven-week internship, students will live in a student village in Belfast or London/Derry and share living space with other students. Meals are provided through home stay or food stipend.
If you would like to know more about the program fee, dates or other specific application information please visit the General Program Information page.
| Program Documentation |
| Sample Syllabus |
| See a short (39 sec) Quicktime movie of a student's scrapbook pages from NI. |
| Learn More About Northern Ireland |
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