society, conflict + peace in northern ireland

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Spring 2015
• Academic year 2014-2015

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Program Overview

Come explore for yourself the transformation of Northern Ireland.

Through cultural activities, excursions, and challenging and stimulating coursework at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University Belfast, you’ll explore the social, political, and cultural realities of a community and country once marked by intense conflict and sectarian violence.

Study abroad in Belfast and you will:

• Look at key contemporary issues in Northern Irish society and develop a broad understanding of the history and politics of the state
• Examine how contemporary political communities use the past to construct traditions, ideologies, and identities
• Demonstrate multi-cultural leadership skills through participating in various group projects with British/Irish peers
• Analyze the complexities of contemporary life in Belfast

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

In addition to a course on the politics and sociology of Northern Ireland, you’ll have access to a full curriculum of Irish Studies-themed and liberal arts courses at Queen’s University. Choose from classes ranging from anthropology, business, and engineering to English, mathematics, and international relations. There are also opportunities for independent research.

Excursions

Explore local and regional sites through a series of day-long and extended excursions. Visit castles, ancient burial grounds, 400 year old battle sites, and the Titanic Quarter. Take day-long historical, cultural and political tours through Belfast city, and a two-day excursion to the South of Ireland. You’ll also visit the ancient fortified city of Derry during a day-long excursion where you’ll visit the first purpose built Protestant cathedral in the world.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$18,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$14,898

Housing

$3,550

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,600

International Airfare *

$1,050

Local Transportation

$150

Books & Supplies

$250

Personal expenses

$2,750

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014 (19 wks)

11/01/2013

01/29/2014

06/08/2014

$18,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$14,898

Housing

$3,550

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$2,600

International Airfare *

$1,050

Local Transportation

$150

Books & Supplies

$250

Personal expenses

$2,750

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2015

11/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$35,800

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$28,298

Housing

$7,100

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$5,200

International Airfare *

$1,050

Local Transportation

$300

Books & Supplies

$500

Visa Fees

$450

Personal expenses

$5,500

Expenses during break **

$1,500

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** academic year students are responsible for housing and meals during the semester break

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Minimum sophomore standing.

Recommended Credit

Recommended credit for the semester program is 16 semester/24 quarter hours, and 32 semester/48 quarter hours for the academic year.

Contact hours for the CIEE course are 50–60 hours and recommended credit is 4 semester/6 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated.

Contact hours for regular university content courses are 4 semester/6 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

Students are required to take four courses during the semester. The CIEE course, Politics and Sociology of Northern Ireland, is strongly recommended.

About The City

Belfast is the capital of, and the largest city in, Northern Ireland. It is the seat of devolved government and location of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Today, Belfast remains a center for industry, the arts, higher education, and business law, and is the economic engine of Northern Ireland. The city endured a period of disruption, conflict, and destruction known as the “Troubles,” but has undergone a sustained period of calm, free from the intense political violence of former years, and substantial economic and commercial growth.

Meet The Staff

Ray Casserly

Dr Ray Casserly holds a Bachelor's in Cultural Anthropology and a Graduate Diploma and Ph.D in Ethnomusicology from The Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University. Aside from his teaching role at Queen's University’s School of History and Anthropology, he is involved in the organization and delivery of numerous cross-community and cross-border initiatives with various music groups in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Ray has continued to incorporate his musical background into his research on the highly sensitive political issue of parades in the North of Ireland. His academic interests include traditional music and ethno-social identity in Ireland. Having participated in a study abroad program to the U.S. in 2005, Ray is readily available to offer assistance and support based on his own personal experiences for American students fitting into a foreign culture.

Read More

Belfast’s greatest, and most unique, attraction is its people, whose enduring warmth and friendliness remain a welcoming truth—their distinct character and culture evolving with the new city as it merges with the old. Today, Belfast it is a vibrant European capital with a truly international flavor. Like most cities of old, Belfast grew around its cottage industries in locales or quarters, from the old French term quarter. Weavers gathered together with other weavers, tanners with tanners, and butchers gathered with butchers and most had a local church which often became the trade guild church. In Belfast the remnants of certain quarters still exist today.

Close to the Cathedral Quarter is Queen’s Quarter and its heart is the university from which it takes its name. It is an energetic, lively area of character and charm that fuses academia, entertainment, culture, and commerce to create a uniquely sophisticated and spirited neighborhood where intellectual wit merges with the vibrant humor of the streets. Relatively new in name though not in spirit, the Titanic Quarter is located in the old shipbuilding yards of Harland and Wolff. This is the area that helped create Belfast in reputation and fortune and it was here that so many great liners rose from the dry docks to cut the oceans of the world. Life will soon return to the old yards as a £7billion waterfront is in development, twice the size of London’s Canary Wharf.

— Dr. Ray Casserly, Resident Director

“”

Where You'll Study

Founded in 1845, Queen’s University Belfast has a record of academic achievement that stretches back more than 150 years. With a student body of 24,000, Queen’s University is a broad-based, research-driven university with world-class research and international connections. The Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University Belfast was established in 1965 and is one of the leading centers for research-led teaching in Irish Studies. The Institute’s focus is on interdisciplinary studies in a wide range of fields, but especially in the social sciences.

Housing & Meals

Study abroad students are placed in University housing, located a short five minute walk from campus. CIEE students are placed in either residence hall suites with bathroom facilities or in standard rooms with shared restrooms. Shared kitchen facilities equipped with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, and cupboards are available. Community Youth Workers and Residential Assistants work to build community across all of the residence halls, and organize social programs to create opportunities for integration with local students. Meals are not included and are the responsibility of the student.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Belfast even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

A mandatory orientation session conducted at the beginning of the program introduces you to the country, culture, and academic program, and provides practical information about living in Belfast. You'll be introduced to the academic requirements of the University and shown how to make the best use of campus facilities and services. Each semester begins with a mandatory orientation session organized by CIEE in Belfast and continues into the first month. The orientation includes an introduction to Belfast, British and Irish society and culture, and excursions in and around the city. Queen’s University Belfast also provides an orientation for international students at the start of each term in which you'll participate. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. The on-campus student residences have Internet access in student rooms via an Ethernet connection and/or wireless connection, and the Queens' campus is wireless. Several on-campus computer labs are also available for your use.

Culture

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

The CIEE core course includes co-curricular field trips, including an overnight excursion to Dublin, a day excursion to Derry city, and a series of exclusive seminars with local community and political representatives. These are an integral part of the course and are linked to classroom material. Other cultural activities and site visits include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The Apprentice Boys of Derry
• Carrickfergus Castle
• Northern Ireland Assembly
• The Orange Order
• Political Tours of the Bogside District of Derry and Londonderry
• Political Tours of West and East Belfast
• The Titanic Quarter
• Transport Outdoor Museum

Weekend Homestay with a Belfast Family

CIEE offers students an optional weekend homestay program as part of the program. Weekend homestays are subject to availability.

Academics

Academic Program

This study abroad program provides a unique opportunity for students interested in the political, social, cultural, and ethno-religious diversity of Ireland to engage with these issues in an exciting and ever-evolving environment at the Institute of Irish Studies at the Queen’s University Belfast. CIEE students choose four courses among Queen’s University courses and one CIEE course—Politics and Sociology of Northern Ireland.

Academic Culture

Queen’s University has a vibrant academic environment which supports its world-class innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration between research and education. Queen’s University combines the best of tradition with a progressive outlook. It is an institution with a world-class academic reputation as reflected in the award of its fourth Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2006. Queens is on the three-term system. Actual classes in the fall term end in mid-December but exams don’t take place until mid- to late January. Alternative assessment in mid-December is already a university-wide policy for study abroad students. The spring term takes place from early February through early June.

European lecture styles differ significantly from that in the U.S., and some U.S. students may find this to be an issue in terms of adjusting to a new educational environment. CIEE teaching staff and professors in other courses at Queen’s University are conscious of this and prepare students during orientation and throughout the semester. Class size is under 30 students for most classes. However, large lecture courses could contain up to 200.

Nature of Classes

CIEE classes are with other CIEE study abroad students only. Queens University courses are with CIEE, international, and Irish students.

CIEE Community Language Commitment

Grading System

Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance, including essays and coursework and final examination papers.

Language of Instruction

English

Faculty

Courses are taught by faculty at Queen’s University Belfast.

Course Description

Program Blog

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