Dublin Semester Program
The core program is a semester of study with an FIE key course and access to up to 4 elective courses offered by DBS.
FIE Key Course
Irish Culture and Society
(required)
FIE students begin their semester abroad with a unique course in Irish Culture and Society. In addition to modules focusing on Irish literature, politics, history and society, students participate in a Peace and Conflict Resolution module unique to the FIE program. Irish Culture and Society is an interdisciplinary, team-taught course that examines Irish culture and society through readings, lectures and field experiences. Faculty from a variety of academic areas, including history, literature, science and the social sciences co-teach the course. Extensive use is made of the museums and historic sites in Dublin. The course is taught in the initial four weeks after arrival in Ireland and prior to mainstream courses offered by DBS.
In this course, students are encouraged to develop skills in independent research and critical analysis which will assist in their capabilities in the mainstream electives. The modules are interactive in terms of delivery by lecturers and participation by students. They are also linked to two four-day field trips and a series of site visits to theaters, museums, heritage centers and historical locations. These field trips and visits will take place outside of class time and are an integral and compulsory element of the program.
Field Trip One
The weekend field trip to Northern Ireland includes one night in Derry and two nights in Belfast. In addition to viewing the beautiful coastal landscape of Antrim, students also visit sites of historical and social importance.
Field Trip Two
The second field trip involves a three-night stay in the West of Ireland. Students will visit the medieval city of Galway, followed by a full day tour of Connemara. On the final day students will travel to Rossaveal to connect with the ferry service to the largest of the Aran Islands.
Electives
At the end of the key course, students elect up to 4 courses within the DBS academic courses offered. Options are discussed with the DBS Program Director and advisors. FIE students may choose from all courses offered by the school of arts and the business school, provided that pre-requisites are met.
Electives are available in the following areas:
- Cultural Studies
- Business
- Economics
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Film Studies
- Literature And Drama
- Philosophy
- Psychoanalysis
- Psychology