Program in Irish Studies
Program Director: Gregory Baker, bakerg@cua.edu
Faculty:
| Gregory Baker |
Associate Professor of English |
| Quinton Beck |
Lecturer and Coordinator of the Irish Language Program |
| Samuel K. Fisher |
Assistant Professor of History |
| Jennifer Paxton |
Clinical Associate Professor of History |
| Patrick Tuite |
Associate Professor of Drama |
| Christopher Wheatley |
Professor Emeritus of English |
From its founding in 1887, the Catholic University of America has cultivated a unique relationship with Ireland, its people and its legacy in the modern world. The faculty in Arts and Sciences has long encouraged the study of all aspects of Irish society, from the country’s languages, art, and literature to its rich religious, social, and political complexity. Irish culture has shaped, and continues to shape, the present in profound ways, not only in Ireland but on the European continent, in North America, and throughout the world.
The faculty at Catholic University remain committed to developing the passion for Irish Studies first articulated in the early years of the University’s history. We are dedicated to spreading greater knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the achievements which Ireland has brought to the world, both ancient and modern. To that end, our courses immerse students in all things Irish, bringing them into the history, art, language, and literature of Irish society. The Irish Studies program offers a minor in Irish Studies. Students may also fulfill the university’s language requirement by taking IRSH 101, IRSH 102, IRSH 103, and IRSH 104.
Minor in Irish Studies:
The requirements for the minor can be found at Irish Studies - Minor
The Irish Studies Minor is open to all enrolled undergraduate students at Catholic University who have declared a major. As students consider pursuing this course of study, the faculty in Irish Studies strongly encourage them to consult with the Director of Irish Studies as well as the academic adviser in their major area of concentration.
To successfully complete the Minor, a student must pass a total of 6 approved Irish Studies courses. No Irish Studies course is specifically designated as required. Students must instead take at least 1 approved Irish Studies class across 3 areas of study: English, History and Modern Languages.
This structure allows students with differing academic interests to tailor their Irish Studies Minor more effectively with their chosen major. For example, if a student were especially interested in taking a language intensive route to the Minor degree, he or she could complete 4 Irish language courses offered by Modern Languages while fulfilling the other distribution requirements with 1 class in History and 1 in English. Conversely, a student with an especially strong interest in Irish history or Irish literature could fulfill the 6 courses by taking only 1 Irish language class and fulfilling the 5 remaining courses with classes offered by History and English.
Classes for the Irish Studies Minor typically originate from these cooperating departments: English, History, Modern Languages and Politics. Sometimes these classes are cross-listed in Cardinal Station with the Irish Studies designation, IRSH. It should be noted, however, that not all approved courses carry this designation. Students are strongly encouraged therefore to contact the Director of Irish Studies to discuss course selection when they enroll for classes. All courses for the Minor must be taken for a letter grade.
Progress and Advising
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Director of Irish Studies each semester to discuss course selection as well as their progress towards fulfilling the requirements of the Minor. Here linked are current courses approved for the Irish Studies Minor.
Study Abroad and Internships
The faculty in Irish Studies strongly encourage students enrolled in the Minor to study abroad in Ireland. Students may consult with the Director of Irish Studies in planning this aspect of their study. Students may also seek course credit for completing an internship with a distinctively Irish focus, either in the US or elsewhere abroad. Students who complete a study abroad program or an internship should meet with the Director of Irish Studies to plan to have these approved for credit as elective courses in the Minor.