Welcome to Ireland
This sixteen-module program is an innovative, interactive program for Lone Star students wishing to improve cultural competency and global awareness. This program was designed by the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland for Lonestar and it is for students who recognize that experience of other cultures, and knowledge of international perspectives is a very valuable skillset for career advancement.
How the Global Perspectives Program works
The Lone Star College Global Perspectives Professional Development (Ireland) 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, with a class lecture, a related assignment, and a resource list relevant to each topic. The final module includes a class on professional development and resumé preparation, to maximise the benefit of taking this course.
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!
Syllabus
This course is administered by the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland in partnership with Lone Star College, Texas, USA .
Dr. Niamh Hamill
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.
Dr. Dana Van De Walker
Dr. Dana Van De Walker is the director of the Global Scholars program at Lone Star College, Houston North and North Harris campuses. She has worked in international education for more than 15 years. She currently teaches education and international studies courses and in the past has taught English, political science, and gender studies courses. She earned her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Sam Houston State University, and her M.A. and B.A., both in Political Science, from Illinois State University.
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.