Creative Writing - Irish Studies Track
This course offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their short story writing skills. Students will attend a daily series of lectures and workshops on topics such as ‘strategies for creating effective characters’, ‘approaches to writing dialogue’, and ‘considering structure and plot in short fiction’. Through an analysis of the work of established short story writers, students will identify and explore strategies for effective short story writing. With regular writing activities and ongoing feedback on their writing, students will work collectively and individually to complete their own piece of short fiction. Students will also benefit from a unique opportunity to work with Professor Joseph O’Connor, a world rewnowned writer of short and long fiction, and the University of Limerick writer-in-residence, Donal Ryan, who’s debut novel ‘The Spinning Heart’ was short-listed for the 2013 Man Booker Prize in Literature.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Moving from Idea to Outline
- Planning, Plotting and Structure
- Choosing a Narrative Viewpoint
- Setting the Scene
- Creating effective characters
- Writing realistic dialogue
- Descriptive writing techniques
- Effective uses of Symbols, Motifs and Metaphors
Historical Perspectives of Justice in Ireland: Folk Devils, Fornicators, and Families - Irish Studies Track
This course will take students on a fascinating journey exploring the historical development of three selected pillars/themes of justice in Ireland: punishment, sexuality, and families. Students will investigate the historical development of punishment in Ireland (‘folk-devils’), the historical regulation of sexual behavior and offending (‘fornicators’) and the historical evolution of family justice in Ireland (‘families’). Ireland’s historically low crime rates will be juxtaposed with the historically high levels of control exerted over other members of society, such as unmarried mothers, those suffering mental illness, debtors, and children. This course promises to deliver a distinctive learning experience for all students who will gain a deep insight into the historical context in which justice policy within these specific pillars/themes was not only constructed, but also developed and ultimately applied.
Topics Covered:
- Concepts and institutions of justice in Ireland
- Process of punishment
- Criminalization of homosexuality
- Definition and punishment of sexual offenses
- Meaning of ‘family’ & ‘family justice’
Ireland's Myths and Legends - Irish Studies Track
reland is famous for its myths and legends, stories of mythical creatures (including leprechauns and banshees) and ancient tales of heroes and warriors. The earliest Irish literatures describe legendary figures on heroic quests and adventures. The Tuatha Dé Dananna (the peoples of the Goddess Danu), balor of the Evil Eye, the Táin Bó Cúailinge (Cattle Raid of Cooley), the warrior Queen Meabh, Finn Mac Cumhaill and the Fianna are among the characters and events populating the ancient landscapes of Irish myth and legend. These tales were drawn upon to establish the foundations and influence the evolutions of Irish identity, and they continue to shape Ireland’s cultural, political and literary movements today. Using a range of well-known stories, children’s literature, films and media, the class will consider the enduring importance of Irish myth and legend and the persistence of these themes in contemporary society. Students will gain a knowledge of the importance of mythology and will learn to appreciate Ireland’s literary and cultural history more fully.
Topics Covered:
- Myth, legend and Irish identity
- Ireland’s medieval manuscripts
- Ireland’s cultural revolution
- Myth, legend and military upheaval
- Retelling Irish myth and legend
- Irish myth and legend in film
- How myth and legend influence international and domestic understanding of Irish identity
Law in Ireland - Irish Studies Track
The Law in Ireland Summer School at the University of Limerick provides a concise but comprehensive overview of the Irish legal system and examines Ireland in the wider context of the European Union. The course introduces the discipline of law through an examination of the functioning of the Irish legal system, sources of law and legal methodology. The course will beginning with a brief historical discussion of the common law in Ireland. It will then proceed to examine the events leading up to the 1922 Constitution and its subsequent dismantling resulting in the 1937 Constitution. The organs of the state and development of fundamental rights will be the focus of this part of the course. The course will examine the European Union and its impact on Irish law. Students will be introduced to the main private law subjects including contract law and company law. The course will then examine criminal law in Ireland. Depending on the current research interests of the instructors, there will be an opportunity for students to engage in discussions on diverse areas, for example, sex offenders, women prisoners, the law and its application to sport, and the protection of minorities under the European Convention of Human Rights. This course will be of particular interest to Irish studies, politics, and pre-law students. No legal background is necessary.
TOPICS COVERED
- Introduction to the Irish Legal System
- The legal profession (Judges, Solicitors, Barristers, Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney General)
- The Court system in Ireland
- The Irish Constitution and Fundamental Rights
- Introduction to the Law of Contract, the Law of Torts, Equity and Company Law
- Introduction to the Law of the European Union
- Introduction to Criminal Law
View Syllabus
Modern Irish Theater - Irish Studies Track
This course presents a survey of Irish theater from the beginning of the Irish Literary Theatre in 1899 to 1999. Playwrights examined will include Yeats, Lady Gregory, Synge, O’Casey, Behan, Beckett, Friel, McPherson, Carr, and McDonagh. This course will provide an introduction to Irish drama in the 2oth Century as well as explore the relationship of Irish nationalism and Irish theater. Students will attend professional theater productions in Dublin and Galway as well as visit historical literary sites.
TOPICS COVERED:
- The Irish Literary Revival and The Abbey Theater
- Irish theater’s influence on and reflection of Irish politics and history
- Irish drama and Irish identity
- International influence of modern Irish drama
Screening Ireland: Ireland in Film and Television - Irish Studies Track
This course will offer an introduction to Irish cinematic and television culture. In particular, it will focus on how the notions of Ireland and Irishness have been represented by Irish and Irish-based directors in domestic TV and cinema production. Though no specialized knowledge of film or TV is required as a prerequisite, the course should be of particular interest to students of Irish Studies, sociology, history, media, literature and cultural studies.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Film techniques and the grammar of cinema
- Stereotypes and conventions
- Cinema and Irish society
- The history of Irish cinema (including the history of Ireland)
- Depictions of “The Troubles” in cinema
- Text to screen
View Syllabus
Sociological Perspectives on Irish Society - Irish Studies Track
Over the last two decades Irish society has been experiencing a period of rapid social, cultural, economic and ideological change. From 1994 to 2007, Ireland experienced an economic boom, commonly known as the Celtic Tiger. During this fourteen-year period, prosperity, affluence and optimism were at unprecedented levels. As a result, Irish society became more secular, globalised, consumerist and multicultural. Now, Irish society stands at a perplexing crossroads where national and international recession, rising unemployment, political and social uncertainty and change can all be found. This summer school illustrates to students how a sociological lens can help us increase our understanding of the challenges and contradictions faced by contemporary Irish society.
TOPICS COVERED:
The course investigates social change in Irish society through the particular themes of: social exclusion, inequalities, and representations. These theoretical concepts and themes will be applied to particular examples of social change in contemporary Irish society, including:
- Economic boom and bust
- Educational inequality in Ireland
- The Irish Traveller community
- Migration
- Globalization
- Media
- Class, gender and sexuality
- Citizenship
- Urban regeneration and gentrification
Terrorism, Crime, and Justice - Irish Studies Track
Terrorism undoubtedly represents one of the most challenging international crimes in contemporary times. The exponential growth of terror cells and sophisticated international criminal networks is recognized as one of the defining features of the twenty-first century thus far. In light of these developments, this course will introduce students to the criminal justice system and theories relating to crime and terrorism. Students will learn about the practical operation of the criminal justice system, as well as being introduced to theoretical perspectives on criminal justice, including criminological and penological theories. In particular, drawing on the Irish experience, students will be provided with an insight into trends and theories on terrorism.
Topics Covered:
- Theories of crime and justice
- Structure of the criminal justice system
- Terrorism and terrorist activity
- Due process rights of criminal defendants
- Definitions of crime
Business Tools for Social Projects - Business Track
This module is suitable for both business and non-business majors. This module looks at how technologies, tools and theories used in the business world can be applied to affect positive social change. The module introduces students to questions of business responsibility and ethical practice and is designed to engage students for the wider social good.
Topics Covered:
- Innovative and creative use of communication and collaboration tools
- Social and ethical aspects of information and information management
- The use of social media and other tools for effective stakeholder engagement
- Project management approaches to driving social change
- Assessing the sustainable impact of projects
- Knowledge creation and retention
- Capacity building in the non-profit sector
Corporate Social Responsibility - Business Track
This module is suitable for both business and non-business majors. The module examines important concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and how these may be applied practically to the twenty-first century workplace. Over the course of three weeks, students will cover the evolution of CSR and develop an understanding of how ethical standards link to sustainability and best practice in business.
Topics Covered:
- History, origins and meaning of CSR and the forces driving it to prominence
- Frameworks for ethical decision making in a business context
- Business and moral cases for CSR
- CSR in the context of global issues such as climate change, corruption, taxation, globalization, stakeholder engagement, environmental crises, labor issues, global supply chain management, water, poverty, human rights, the circular economy, NGO-partnering, disaster-management, biodiversity and cultural differences
- Key international standards in CSR with a particular focus on UNGc, GRI, and ISO26000
- Best and worst practices in reporting and compliance
International Financial Markets and Trading - Business Track
This module introduces students to international financial markets and emphasizes the investment decision process as framed by behavioral finance. Students will experience active investment trading using the bespoke Kemmy Business School Trading Floor. Using the software on the Trading Floor, students will develop an appreciation of key financial and economic data. They will also have the opportunity to gain Bloomberg Certification, a qualification that is internationally recognized. Within the broad discussion of the psychology of investment decisions, students will be introduced to the notion of ethical investment choices and will reflect on the importance of individual and corporate responsibility. This module is delivered through workshops, lectures, and time on the Trading Floor. Students will gain experience and a commanding view of the global financial arena using real-time sophisticated trading and investment software. The practical investment aspects will be supported by an overview of the changing landscape of international financial markets and institutions with particular reference to behavioral finance, ethical finance, and responsible business.
Topics Covered:
- Behavioral finance and human judgment
- Ethical investment choices and market risk
- Financial deregulation
- Compliance and governance
Developing Self as a Healthcare Practitioner - Healthcare Track
This course provides a unique opportunity for students across a variety of disciplines to develop a greater awareness of the self in transforming practice. It will draw upon individual experiences and explore strategies for developing individual and collaborative approaches within contemporary healthcare practice. Developing emotional intelligence offers a foundation towards transforming self and caring practice. Incorporating a Celtic spiritual dimension to healthcare and gaining insights through reflection will create important opportunities for dialogue, debate, sharing knowledge, insights, and experiences.
This course aims to foster an engaged, connected learning environment in the spirit of creativity, dialogue, and diversity through a variety of learning and teaching strategies. It aims to foster knowledge and understanding of the importance of developing both personally and professionally, as a means of influencing quality care provision. Personal beliefs and values as a foundation for developing self and practice will be explored. Students will be supported to become responsible and articulate in working with evidence to support their practice.
Topics covered:
- Context to Celtic spirituality
- Beliefs and values underpinning contempoary healthcare delivery
- Human inquiry and flourishing
- Reflective practice and sense making in relation to practice visits
- Developing and leading the self
- Sources of evidence and knowledge informing caring practice
- Complementary therapies
- Emotional intelligence; mindfulness as a continuum; consciousness raising
- A journey towards enlightenment and empowerment
Learning outcomes:
- Describe Celtic spirituality as an influence in promoting well-being
- Clarify personal beliefs and values as a foundation for developing self and practice
- Identify insights through reflection in a journey towards personal and professional development
- Recognize the value of a Celtic spiritual dimension towards developing self and practice
- Demonstrate an awareness of the self in transforming practice
- Appreciate the potential of holistic therapies in practice
Active Body, Active Mind - Sports Science Track
It is well established that regular physical activity has enormous health benefits. Conversely, sedentary lifestyle leads to increased morbidity and mortality yet an astounding number of individuals remain sedentary. In this module, students will learn to examine the application of psychological strategies, concepts, and theories in exercise and physical activity settings.Additionally, students will identify and seek to address the underlying mechanisms for behavior change (i.e., increased physical activity) so that interventions that can be disseminated and make a real and lasting difference.
On completing this module, students will have developed an understanding of interventions and initiatives that increase and maintain physical activity involvement, and they will be able to conduct a needs assessment with respect to their own lifestyle behaviors using a variety of methods.
Learning outcomes for this course:
- Understand and identify the characteristics and trends that shape active lifestyle opportunities for themselves and others
- Identify behavior change models that explain physical activity levels and changing lifestyle behaviors
- Review active lifestyle choices and experiences with a view to engaging with a behavior change model to positively impact their future involvement in active lifestyle choices
- Engage in a range of group and individual physical activities that provide multiple opportunities to showcase active lifestyles
- Conduct a needs assessment with respect to their lifestyle behaviors using a variety of methods
- Engage in appropriate physical activity and self-regulation strategies to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity and in turn, enhance their health and well-being
Assessment will be based on the lab practical coursework and will comprise the students proposing a healthy lifestyle initiative. This proposal will be an aimed at different populations, be they 1st-year undergraduate students, 13-year-old teenagers or elderly adults. This assessment comprises 100% of the mark and is due final week. Lab work will comprise aerobic and anaerobic exercises and will take place outdoors on the beautiful UL campus. What better way to learn than by being outdoors in nature while studying!
