Irish Archaeology

International students have the option to come to UCC 4 weeks prior to the fall semester and take part in the Early Start Program. (And actually, its not all internation students, just Americans. Still not sure why there aren’t other international students taking these classes..). In the Early Start program you have the option to choose from Irish History, Irish Literature, Irish Folklore, Irish Archaelogy, Irish Music, or Marketing and Managing. We complete the class in 4 weeks and have one class taken care of before the rest of the students arrive. I am taking Irish Archealogy, and I am so excited about it. I’ve already had 2 lectures, and I already  am really enjoying it…partly because I get to listen to my professor speak for 3 hours with his accent. J The class meets Monday through Firday from 9:30-12:30 with 2 breaks in between. The Irish are really big on their tea and coffee and are always wanting breaks to drink some. So our 2^nd break is for about 25 mins so we can do just that. But besides the lectures, we also go on field trips. My first field trip is this Friday, and I’m so excited to get out of the city!

Field trip #1: Day trip to West Cork to see various sites.

Field trip #2: 2 day trip to different sites in Meath, Louth, and Dublin.

Field trip #3: Day trip to North Cork/Rock of Cashel

Field trip #4:  2 day trip to the Burren   (This is the one  I am most looking forward to because it includes the Cliffs of Moher!

The assessment for this class includes one essay, one quiz, and one final exam. You have to do lots of reading on your own, but a 70% or above is considered “highest honors”  Don’t you wish this was the grading scale back home?