Join us in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in a country divided by a history of political, social, religious, educational, & economic conflict. Explore the traumatic impact that conflict, The Troubles, has had on Irish communities, culture, & citizens as they work to balance the competing demands of justice, peace, and security on a daily basis.

Talk with citizens, politicians, religious, military, educational, community leaders, and internationally respected professors.

Examine theories and practices of conflict transformation from local and global perspectives(No. Ireland, Balkans, So. Asia, So. America, Middle East)and trauma informed, transformational social justice initiatives.

Discuss balancing victims’ issues and their rights with the rights of perpetuators of injustice.

Study research methods and ethics related to human rightsrequired for the restoration of social justice.

Learn the importance of security, transitional justice, and the role of restorative justice in democracy building.

Identify best practices in developing shared narratives and shared spaces in communities.

Experience Irish dance, music, food culture firsthand.

For More Information:

Debra Gohagan, MSW, Ph.D.

MSU, Mankato

Department of Social Work

Mankato, MN

;

507-389-1699

4 weeks of seminars& field trips across Northern Ireland at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB)

  • Attend the Orange Parade(largest political parade in Northern Ireland) and learn about the traditions of flags and parades that honor the political, religious, & paramilitary activities for both sides of the conflict.
  • Tour Crumlin Road Gaol.
  • Spend a day with the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  • Tour Stormont (No Ireland’s Whitehouse). Talk with local politicians.
  • Tour historical, political, & culturally significant sites --Londonderry & Bloody Sunday Museum, Ulster Folk History Museum; the Giant’s Causeway (a world heritage site) the Titanic Museum.
  • Tour the political murals of Belfast. Visit the Peace Wall.

Costs:

Institute for Conflict Transformation Summer School: $2600*

  • Tuitionfor the Institute of Irish Studies 43 week program with multiple field trips to political, historical and cultural sites.
  • Transportation/entrance fees for program related field trips & activities
  • Lodging breakfastfor 4 weeks in Belfast at Elms Village, Queens University Belfast.

Airfare: $1800*

Add on Activities: $500*

  • 4-6 dinners/lunches;group transportation
  • Weekend in Dublin, Donegal, or Rathlin Island (to be determined)

MSU, M Tuition-- $900 (undergraduate)

Students must register for MSU, M course credit for at least 3 undergraduate ($ 272 per credit) or graduate credits for SOWK 485/585-03. Arrangements can be made for students from other disciplines or universities who want to register.Graduate student tuition varies by program of study. IPO fees also included. *Departure dates and total program costs are tentative depending on US$ to British Pound rate.

Not a Social Work program student? Still want to participate but not sure about conflict transformation seminars? Want to learn more about Northern Ireland history, culture, heritage?No problem! Participants may choose to attend QUB’s Irish Studies History & Culture Summer School track and even select into a history, language and literature,or heritage option in the Irish Studies Summer School track. AND, participants from both summer schools have seminars, program activities, and field tripstogether several days each week. For moreinformation on this option, contact Dr. Gohagan (see contact info inside).

These summer schools attract 60-70 students, as well as professionals, from around the world with ages ranging from 18 to 60