Minor in Irish Studies

Gain an in-depth understanding of Irish and Celtic culture through a multidisciplinary curriculum that offers a global experience unparalleled in both scope and balance of study and experience.

Why Earn Your Minor in Irish Studies at Sacred Heart?

Irish studies is for everyone! If you are interested in exploring a culture rich in literature and art, a history that powerfully engages with questions of religion, race and politics as well as a landscape that embodies both tradition and forward-thinking ideas about ecology, citizenship and culture, then Irish studies is for you. The Irish studies minor at Sacred Heart provides an opportunity to study Ireland’s history, literature, music, politics, language, economics and natural world. Irish studies at SHU also offers the unique opportunity to earn credits through study abroad at the SHU Dingle campus in Ireland for intensive two-week sessions or full-semester study, as well as the opportunity for study online with our SHU faculty based in Ireland. We invite you to get to know our Irish studies faculty.

How Can a Minor in Irish Studies Complement Your Academic Major?

Irish studies enriches the experience of students studying nursing, biology, health sciences, exercise science, social work and criminal justice. Taking courses in these subjects at our Ireland campus provides a unique lens on Irish culture, as well as a valuable global experience that is unique to Sacred Heart. For students studying marine biology, the campus in Dingle provides an opportunity for scientific study of the coastal environment, including a partnership with the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium/Mara Beo that offers students a hands-on experience of marine life and research. The Irish studies minor is also a natural companion for majors in English, history, theatre arts and other humanities disciplines.

Both on our Fairfield campus and in Dingle, Ireland, students benefit from special guest lectures, readings, conferences, musical events and films that will take you beyond the classroom, as with the The Claddagh Dancers (Irish dance ensemble) and the Irish Studies Club. Our Dingle-based Irish faculty also offer online courses so that all SHU students can engage in global coursework in Irish studies. These courses are offered every semester, so that all of our  students can experience Irish studies with faculty at our Ireland campus, even during semesters based in Fairfield.

SHU Dingle campus, County Kerry, Ireland

Sacred Heart University’s campus in Ireland is located in Dingle, in the heart of one of Ireland’s officially-designated Gaeltachtaí, or Irish-speaking, regions. SHU Dingle offers two-week sessions—one in January and two in May/June—and full-semester fall and spring programs of study, including many courses that 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. 

Using Dingle as the campus classroom, students live the Irish experience through hands-on seminars and field trips led by accomplished scholars and local experts. All courses feature active engagement and immersion—both in and out of the classroom. SHU has purchased the Christian Brothers school in Dingle, a 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’s campus in Dingle is made possible through a partnership with the Díseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture.

Requirements | 15 credits

The required and elective course requirements are distributed as follows:

• HI 255 Celtic and Irish History (3 credits)
• ENG 276 Modern Irish Writing (3 credits) or ENG 277 Irish Drama (3 credits)
• Three electives in at least two disciplines (9 credits)

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. Students in the minor also have access to in-person and virtual guest speakers, colloquia, and special events. We encourage students to take at least 3 credits at the Dingle, Ireland, campus, or online with our Dingle-based faculty.

Approved Courses

All courses listed below that are only taught in Dingle have an IR next to the course number. Courses with an O are online.

See which Irish Studies courses fulfill requirements for LAEs.

Many Irish Studies Courses fulfill Sacred Heart’s requirement for LAE courses.