Politics & Literature
Tentative Summer 2027 Dates: May 14-28, 2027
Program Locations
Dublin and Sligo, Ireland; Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK
Program Highlights
- Conflict, Peace & Cultural Identity in Ireland — Examine the history of political violence and reconciliation since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement through immersive, on-site learning.
- Study in Two Capitals
- Dublin — Republic of Ireland
- Belfast — Northern Ireland
- Politics at the Source — Visit the Dáil Éireann and Stormont to explore contemporary governance on both sides of the Irish border.
- Literature & Cultural Revival — Engage Ireland’s literary heritage through the Abbey Theatre, the National Library of Ireland (Yeats exhibit), and the W. B. Yeats Centre.
- History Made Visible — Tour Kilmainham Gaol, Belfast’s Peace Walls, and the walled city of Derry to trace the physical imprint of conflict and memory.
- Meet Political & Cultural Leaders — Conversations with politicians, writers, academics, and community leaders across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Borderlands & Identity — Explore the complexities of the UK/EU border and its cultural, political, and economic implications.
- Spectacular Landscapes & Heritage Sites
- Giant's Causeway
- Dunluce Castle
- Wild Atlantic Way
- Ben Bulben
- Irish Language & Cultural Traditions — Engage with local students and experience Irish music, sport, and Gaeltacht culture.
- Integrated Academic Experience — Lectures, site visits, theatre performances, guided tours, and reflective journaling woven throughout the program.
Faculty Leaders
Associate Professor
Department Chair
McMurran Hall 361A
Course Information
ENGL 392 (Travel and Culture) or ENGL 313 (Literature and Social Issues) or POLS 301 (Politics and Travel)
Required Prerequisite for ENGL 392: ENGL 123 and ENGL 223 with a C- or higher.
Required Prerequisite for ENGL 313: ENGL 123 and ENGL 223 with a C- or higher.
Required Prerequisite for POLS 301: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor.
Course Description
A century after Ireland was partitioned and Northern Ireland created as part of the UK, we will explore the places and cultural artifacts that led to the creation of this partitioned island, the resolution of the 30-year civil war known as The Troubles, and the phenomenon of the EU’s only “soft border.” Visiting two capital cities – Dublin and Belfast – the border city of Derry/Londonderry, and stunning Irish coastlines and mountains, students will immerse themselves in the politics of Ireland and Northern Ireland and the always-political literary tradition that reflects a century of both revolution and peace.
Additional Information
- Accommodations
- Ground transportation
- International health insurance
- Group activities
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- Airfare
- Students are responsible for purchasing their international airfare to and from the program destination(s). Students should not purchase their flight until receiving specific instructions from the faculty leaders after December 1.
- Airfare
- Tuition (3 credits)
- In-state: $1,440
- Out-of-State: $3,171
- Travel insurance
- Most meals
- Personal expenses
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Student with a valid passport:
Students who have a current passport will need to upload an image of their passport by December 1, 2026, to their enrollment forms.
Student without a Valid Passport
Apply for or renew your passport immediately. After November 1, students must pay to expedite the application process. Do not delay beginning this process.
Passport Application and Renewal
The routine processing time is currently up to 6 weeks and expedited services is up to 3 weeks. These processing times are subject to change and can lengthen significantly. We highly recommend applying for or renewing your passport as soon as possible. Most countries require at least 6 months remaining time on your passport expiration from your intended date of departure. Example: If your passport expires on December 1, 2027, you would need to renew your passport to travel in the summer of 2027.
Each country has established entry requirements and travel restrictions set for foreign visitors and their citizens. Any country can change their regulations at any time. We encourage all students and their families to review details about the country or countries you plan to travel to and to continue monitoring the information leading up to your departure.
Travel & Entry Requirements from the U.S. State DepartmentApplication & Enrollment Forms Deadline
October 31*
*Program may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.