This module allows you to be educated very comprehensively on a very relevant topic for everyone today.
DMA Rollins College, Florida, USA.
The module provided an excellent overview of the Irish Troubles. It addressed multiple perspectives and provided different approaches. I think, I have never had such a balanced module on a difficult topic before.
TR, Germany.
This was definitely the most interesting and interactive module I took during my two semesters here! I liked how it connected the abstract theory of conflict with the actual history of Ireland. It was also very interesting to learn about how events in the revolutionary years led to the Troubles from 1969-1998. The class was a good mixture of lecture, discussions, group work, and a field trip to Belfast (which gave us the opportunity to see with our own eyes what we had been learning about in class).
- LL-Maximilians-Universität Munich. Germany.
This module gave me an insight into the Irish culture and experience that I wouldn't have otherwise acquired. I've probably bored most of my friends with my relentless stream of historical facts and tidbits, when we've walked around Dublin and I've spotted such places as Bachelor's Walk or the General Post Office. I would definitely recommend this course, if you want to learn about the events that have shaped the society you're visiting. -
Katja, University of Helsinki., Finland.
I have always loved Ireland so being able to learn about the conflict was very interesting. It being a small lecture, we were able to voice our thoughts and opinions which I really enjoyed. We were also able to work together which helped with understanding what we were learning about at the time. I enjoyed this lecture a lot!
SF Germany.
Really interesting to understand the conflict in Northern Ireland but also to have a general overview about what are conflicts and how to solve them. The way of teaching very interactive and informal, really nice ! It makes the course more interesting to follow.
A.M. Lyon 2, France
This course was a great learning experience. I met new people, used new learning techniques such as writing on the drawing boards, enjoyed field trips, and got to see what a political negotiation looks like by doing a mock one in class. Before entering, I did not know much about the Irish conflicts and history, but now I can walk away with knowledge on the events that shaped Ireland. I would recommend this class to anyone who wants an interactive learning experience that makes learning fun!
SP, AIFS, USA
This module is very interactive, and quite enjoyable, but the best approach is to do pre-readings before every class. We go through the material at a fairly quick pace, and it can be embarrassing to be uninformed during group work and presentations. So, the best course of action is to spend an hour or two before class reviewing the upcoming material to avoid any embarrassment.
BOD, University of Alberta, Canada
This course went above and beyond my expectations. I learned very interesting things about the history of the Irish conflict and learned concepts regarding how the conflict came to fruition and how the conflict was resolved. We then learned how to apply these concepts to other conflicts, both on an international scale and on a personal level.
BR, University of Alberta, Canada
Coming into this class I didn't know what to expect. I understood that it would surround the idea of conflict, but I wasn't entirely sure what that entailed. However, this course was a very educational course that I found to be interesting and engaging. I would recommend taking this course because you learn a great amount of information regarding the Irish Conflict that you may never know otherwise.
MM, Kansas State University, USA
This module is one of the more interesting classes that Maynooth Summer Schools has to offer. The professor has plenty of knowledge behind conflict theory and the Troubles of Northern Ireland, and the interactive feel of the class helps students better understand perspectives of conflict. Although there is a decent amount of work, it is pretty manageable and shouldn't be too much pressure to do.
AP, University of Arizona, USA
This course will develop an enhanced ability and understanding of the influences of conflict and how those situations can be resolved. The depth of the course allows for true learning while at the same time, the course spurs interest. The classes are fun and allow for great interaction with students. I would highly recommend this course.
SB, ISA, USA
I really enjoyed this class. The professor made it very interactive with other students which helped my learning experience by helping me grasp the concepts easier.
RP, AIFS, USA
This module was a fantastic experience. the atmosphere was ideal for addressing and discussing extremely complex issues. The interactive nature of the course was a major plus because it puts you on ground level with the issues and those involved with the issues. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn about the complex nature of Northern Ireland.
BH, AIFS USA
Overall, I thought the module was very well put together and I enjoyed it! The professor did a wonderful job of breaking the class up so it was not just solely based on lectures. The field trip to Belfast was enlightening and definitely worth attending. I am happy that I attended this class and do not regret it one bit! For me personally, this was the best course offered at summer school in Maynooth this year.
SC, University of Alberta, Canada
This module provided an in-depth look at conflict and conflict resolution by using Belfast, Northern Ireland as a case study. In a very short amount of time, we effectively learned about conflict and how understanding it can help us understand the nature of humans and human interaction. We also gained knowledge about Northern Ireland and its history of ethno-political conflict. By studying the Troubles, this module allows students to view how conflict arises, escalates, and how to work to resolve it. The field trip to Belfast solidified our understanding of the reconciliation process, and to see the on-going work being done to repair community relationships. Overall, this module provides an important perspective on conflict, human relations, and reconciliation.
AI, University of Arizona, USA
This class was great because I not only learned about Irish history but I was able to approach the history through a theoretical lens. I think the topics I learned in class about conflict and conflict resolution will help me greatly in the rest of my career.
RA, University of Arizona, USA
This module was very enjoyable and interesting. Each of the classes was well organized and well taught. In this module I was able to learn a lot about the history of the Irish conflict, along with the background psychology and conflict theory that related to it. The projects and assignments that we completed were interesting, so they were actually kind of enjoyable to complete. We took a trip to Belfast to meet with both Loyalists and Nationalists who have lived through the troubles and the conflict. This trip was very eye opening, because it helped to put everything that we have been learning about into context. We were able to see how this conflict had affected and continue to affect citizens on both parties. This class was well worth it.
E,S. Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, USA.
The module was an interesting focus on the Irish conflict and troubles. It looked at many different sides to these conflicts and gave students the opportunity to explore different characters and their points of view on the troubles. It provides opportunities for group work and allowed students to work together.
A.T, Canada.
This module really engaged me in the subject material, and gave me an active learning experience in class. I feel very lucky to say that I have a much better understanding of the Irish Conflict after taking this module, which I will be able to take back home with me. I feel as though that I also have a better understanding of conflict in general, which will help me in my future studies. It has also been very easy to make friends with other international students in this module, since it is very engaging and students have a great sense of community in this class! It has been a great experience!
JT. Arcadia University USA
This module begins as an analysis of conflict and then applies the concept to the Troubles that Northern Ireland is still recovering from. It is not a history course, but there is something of an exploration of past events involved.
EJM, Salem College USA,
Summer School Format
I firmly feel that his course has changed my outlook on life. I will view history and human interactions in a whole new way. Knowing the many facets of conflict and how human nature facilitates them, it feels like my eyes have been opened to how I can manage conflict in my own life. This Module provides a conflict resolution lens not just on history and the new ways we can interpret it, but on daily interactions as conflict in inevitable in some shape or form. The information is presented in interactive and meaningful ways that make the course stand out as top-notch. feel forever changed and super grateful for this course!!
JC SVC
Understanding Conflict: the Irish Experience, was an excellent module to bring together not only the history of Ireland's twentieth century conflicts but the elements of how they developed and psychology behind all conflict. The course explained how conflicts begin, how to deal with them, how to negotiate to solve them, and reconcile any differences or animosity to move forward in a general sense and then applied it to life and the Irish conflicts. Throughout the module, we were given plenty of opportunities to work in groups and class discussion was welcomed, providing for an open and fluid classroom setting. I was able to learn the names of every student in the class and get to know them personally through these group discussions. The workload was not strenuous, but the material was definitely a challenge at times as well. I wouldn't hesitate to take a full-semester version of this class if given the chance--it was fantastic.
AJC ODU
Not only was the class a great way to learn about the complex nature of conflict in regards to "the troubles," but the class also taught me valuable lessons about how conflict affects my day to day life.
SMF USF
My experience of participating in this module is one of appreciation. I went into this class believing it would be a history class I could easily complete, but I instead learned something else. I learned that it would be a sociology style class that I would have to do reflections on. Reflections on myself, on history, and on the future were all done throughout this course. This is definitely a worthwhile class to take for any kind of student, because you will take life lessons out of it.
AGJ Udit
This module was very interactive and interesting. Topics were covered about the Irish conflict and also different conflicts around the world. The class was focused more on the psychological aspects of political conflict.
MJ BGSU
This module on conflict was pleasantly surprising. It was not just a stagnant history class. Instead it allowed me to grow by understanding the mindset of disagreeing parties as well as expand my perspective when analyzing situations. This course has given me skills to help my personal development and the tactics learned can easily be applied to conflicts of any size and complexity. This form of versatile learning was interactive and fun.
HNK JCU
This course isn't a history class; it's a Peace Studies class. That means: be prepared for group discussions, group projects, essays and in-class presentations. You'll be doing a lot of talking and I highly recommend it for those people who are very introverted. This class will expand your horizons and make you understand the world as it was and as it should be, rather than how it is portrayed to us in the media; as a depressing black hole that we will never escape. It will expose you to the Irish Troubles and teach you a thing or two about Bill Clinton that will make you do a double-take when you are reading articles about him online. Most importantly, it will make you question your own opinions and challenge you to stretch beyond your own assumptions that you know everything about problem-solving. One thing about Peace Studies classes in general, but especially this class? You'll find you don't really know anything until you get through it (in the best way possible!)
MEL Gougher
It was insightful to see the process of conflict resolution that doesn't involve decimating the other side. Just about all major conflicts involving America ends with one side killing the other. Seeing and understanding how this conflict ended relatively peacefully through negotiation (even though the conflict itself was not peaceful) was eye-opening.
VTM duq
This class will help you analyze conflicts. This class combines practical aspects of conflict resolution with history of the Irish Troubles.
KFM UA
This class is not what I expected but it was definitely a learning experience. I was expecting a history class about Irish conflict but it was more of an interactive class where we were forced to examine conflict head on. I would say to never be afraid to share your opinions with the class even if they differ from someone else. Never be afraid to bring a new idea or perspective to the table either, a new insight is never a bad thing. Try to really think about the lessons the course is giving you, even if you can't retain all the information that was given to you.
COO WCU
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this class. I am not sure if the reason for this is because I am an American and everything, I learned in this class was new information or if it is because of how recent this issue was. I also loved how this class used the Irish conflict to further express conflict in general. I feel like I am leaving this class knowing more about why conflicts happen, how to fix the conflict, and how to move forward from it.
MBR
Endicott
This was a very interesting and informative class. It was very interactive and required in-class involvement, but I think that it was very worthwhile, and I gained a great deal of knowledge and insight that I will be able to carry with me and use throughout the rest of my life.
SLS bgsu
I liked the module a lot. I got to interact with my peers and discuss highly polarizing topics. It teaches you the motivations behind conflict, and it opens your eyes up to how emotional a conflict can get.
LMC ASA
