Syllabus
Welcome to Ireland
This fifteen-module program is an innovative, interactive program for Texas Community College students who wish to enhance their cultural competency and become a global scholar. This program was designed by the Institute of Study Abroad in association with CCID and many faculty colleagues in our partner colleges in the USA. This program is supported by the Consulate of Ireland in Austin, Texas.
How the Global Perspectives Program works
The Global Perspectives program uses the history and culture of Ireland, past and present, as a platform for an intensive comparative study across the disciplines of history, literature, social justice, environment and sustainability, business, politics, social studies and leisure. The program consists of 15 modules, and anyone is welcome to participate. Group discounts are available for participating institutions.
Course Lecturer
Dr. Niamh Hamill is the primary lecturer for this series of classes. Niamh is the Director of the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland and a lecturer in comparative Irish studies. She has a PhD in History from Drew University NJ and an M.A. in American Studies from University College Dublin.
Niamh is head of the academic department at ISAI and drafts the syllabi and curricula for visiting student groups. The syllabus for the Global Perspectives program was selected in consultation with academic colleagues across the U.S.A to maximise the development of cultural competency and critical thinking.
CCID
Stephanie Kelly, PhD. is Executive Director for CCID where she advocates for international education at community colleges and works with member colleges to build capacity for study abroad, grow and support their international student population and internationalize campus curriculum.
Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) is thrilled to be collaborating with ISAI on this program to help expand access to global learning for community college students in Texas.
Guest Speakers
We have many interviews and chats with a range of experts, lecturers and guests who have first-hand knowledge and experience of our topics- this includes Dr. Paula Meehan, former Professor of Poetry Ireland (pictured), Professor Christine Kinealy, Quinnipiac University, Professor Liam Kennedy, Professor Diane Negra, UCD, Senator Eileen Flynn, Niall O'Dowd, Don Mullan, Úna-Minh Kavanagh, Femi Bankole, Ailbhe Smyth, Captain Bartley McFadden, John O'Connell, Rory Fallon, Conor Donnan, Syliva Rios& more. We also have site visits to many places of interest in Dublin, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim & surrounds.
Learn about our shared narratives
Ireland's multifaceted history includes narratives of colonization, displacement, emigration, civil rights movements, conflict resolution, peace building and the challenge of building better in the 21st century. All of these events provide us with excellent material for comparative and critical thinking about ourselves, our community, and our past, present and future
Empathy, Cultural Competency and Knowledge
Each of the modules in this course are based on core values of empathy, cultural awareness, social justice and environmental responsibility. Students engage with each of the classes through creative assignments that will develop intercultural skills and global experiences. These are invaluable tools to take with on your future or current career path, but more importantly, make you a more informed and educated world citizen.
Global Learning - a small step to the world
You may not yet have had the opportunity to travel or study abroad, but we hope that this program will encourage you to consider it. The world is full of exciting and interesting places and people. Ireland is a tiny example of all that happens outside of your country, and it will provide you with a friendly introduction into things we have in common, and the differences in our cultures. This is the beginning of a beautiful adventure!