Irish Studies Minor

The Minor in Irish Studies at Sacred Heart University is unique among American colleges and universities in the scope of its program, designed to offer students an opportunity for an in-depth, multidisciplinary study of Irish and Celtic culture. The subjects include, but are not limited to, history, language, literature, music, politics, and economics, as well as marine biology, which provides a scientific study of the coastal environment. Other disciplines which have a comparative study of North America and Ireland, such as nursing, health sciences, exercise science, social work, and criminal justice, are also included in the program. A distinctive feature of our Irish Studies program is a balance of study and experience. In addition, Irish Studies at SHU promotes special lectures, musical events, and films, as well as encouraging student participation in activities such as The Claddagh Dancers (Irish dance ensemble) and the Celtic Club.

SHU in Dingle campus, County Kerry, Ireland

Sacred Heart University has a campus in Ireland through a partnership with the Díseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture, located in Dingle, in the heart of one of Ireland’s officially-designated Gaeltacht, or Irish-speaking, regions. Through this partnership, SHU in Dingle offers two-week sessions - one in January and two in May/June - and full semester Fall and Spring programs of study; many of the courses offered contribute to the Irish Studies minor. Students in Dingle are introduced to the Irish language, which is key to the culture and experience of Ireland. SHU has purchased the Christian Brothers school in Dingle, an historic neo-Gothic building constructed in 1846; currently being renovated to create a state-of-the-art facility for classrooms, science and nursing laboratories, computer labs, and offices. SHU in Dingle also has a partnership with the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium/ Mara Beo that offers students a hands-on experience of marine life and research.

Requirements

Students are required to take a minimum of 15 credits (5 courses) to complete the minor in Irish Studies. The 15 credits include two required foundation courses and a minimum of three designated Irish Studies electives. The required and elective course requirements are distributed as following:

The required and elective course requirements are distributed as follows:

HI 255	Celtic & Irish History	3
	An approved elective in Irish literature or religion	3
	Three electives in at least two disciplines	9

A minimum of 3 credits must be taken at the Dingle campus. HI 255 and approved Irish literature (ENG) or religion (TRS) electives are offered on the Fairfield campus on a regular basis.