Ireland Global Business Course Overview
Isenberg Students at Free DerryThis 3-credit semester long course entitled Business Development and Conflict Resolution provides Isenberg business students with the knowledge of and personal experience to understand the business, historical, political and cultural environments in Northern Ireland (NI) and, to a lesser degree, the Republic of Ireland. Students examine the past and current situations and conditions in Northern Ireland through the completion of course assignments during the spring semester and then during their stay at Inch House Irish Studies Centre [www.inchhouse.com; Mr. Tony Johnston, Director] Co. Donegal and in their travels to Northern Ireland in late May/June. At the end of the course, our business students reflect on their experiences and describe their thoughts on Business Development and Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland.
Objectives - This course is taught yearly with the purpose of expanding our students' understanding about global business especially as it relates to Northern Ireland.
In particular, we:
- establish university-business relationships;
- provide our students with opportunities to learn first-hand about Business Development in Northern Ireland;
- promote Northern Ireland to our students, future US business professionals;
- develop partnerships between NI business(es) and the Isenberg School of Management
Topics of Study - Historical, Economical, and Political Environments:
- Irish music as a reflection of Ireland's history and culture;
- Clansmen, Invaders, and Conquerors: Pillage, Plunder and the History of Ireland to 1700;
- Rebels, Emigrants, and Martyrs: The Rise of Irish Nationalism from 1700 to 1916;
- Soldiers, Politicians, and The Troubles: Ireland from 1916 to Present;
- Derry/Londonderry: History, Economy, and Business; Northern Ireland and The Troubles;
- Protests, Bombings, Hunger Strikes, and Reform;
- Northern Ireland Murals;
- Northern Ireland Viewpoints-Unionists and Nationalists;
- The Peace Process;
- 2007 Elections, Stormont, and Devolution
Highlights of Our Stay at Inch House Irish Studies Centre and Northern Ireland:
- Meeting of John Hume, former NI politician and Nobel Peace Prize Winner;
- Our visits to the walled city of London/Derry, our main area of study with commentary by people who were involved in the Troubles;
- Speaker Professor Jim Bell, University of Ulster, discussing "Ireland in the Global Economy";
- NI attractions such as Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge as well as tour of Inishowen peninsula and County Donegal;
- Visit to the LondonDerry Chamber of Commerce;
- Speaker Mr. Joe McHugh, Director, IDA (Industrial Development Authority) Ireland;
- Speakers from political parties, police, and businesses;
- Visit to Dublin to enjoy the cultural sites of this dynamic city
YouTube video by SOM Ireland 2008 Student
2008 Spring Seminar and Trip to Ireland pictures
Course syllabus in pdf format (130 KB)
Course Introduction in pdf format (2686 KB)
Ireland Course Overview in pdf format (2734 KB)
Course application (pdf)
Application Deadline: December 3, 2009
A nonrefundable $800 deposit is required by February 3, 2010 and airfare will be purchased shortly after that. Total airfare is estimated at $700 and the program fee will be roughly $2,200 (based on 25 students). Total cost estimated at $2,900. Subject to change.
