Questions?
Are you fascinated by the history of Western civilizations and the rich spiritual heritage of Celtic Christianity? Join us for an enriching study abroad experience in Ireland, where you'll delve into the foundations of Western culture through the lens of Irish history, religion, and art. Explore the profound influence of Celtic Christianity on medieval Europe, visit ancient monastic sites, and experience the breathtaking landscapes that inspired centuries of spiritual tradition. This course offers a deep dive into the interplay of religion, history, and culture, while allowing you to earn academic credit. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Ireland and uncover the legacy of one of Europe’s most fascinating spiritual movements. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity!
At a Glance
| Courses | RELG 2501: Celtic Christianity HIST 1113: Transformative Developments in Western Civilization (1500-present) |
| Faculty | Dr. Tim Lytle (tlytle@piedmont.edu) Dr. Ryan Franklin (rfranklin@piedmont.edu) |
| Dates | May 19-June 2, 2025 |
| Course category | RELG 2501 is a GenEd course HIST 1113 is a GenEd course |
| Class eligibility | Completed at least one semester at a university 18 years old or older |
| Language pre-requisite | None |
| Course pre-requisite | ENGL 2226 requires ENGL 1102. ENVS 2070 requires ENGL 1101. |
| Cost | $5,880 |
| Included in cost | Tuition for 6 hours of credit Flights Accommodations Excursions 1-2 meals/day |
| Accommodations | Double rooms anticipated |
| Activity level | Moderate, anticipate a lot of walking |
| Program capacity | 20 students |
| Deadlines | 12/31: Initial interest form 12/31: Deposit due ($500) 3/31: Remaining fee due ($5,380) |
Course Descriptions
RELG 2501: Celtic Christianity (Dr. Lytle)
This course provides an introduction to Celtic Christianity. It may be repeated for credit if the course content changes significantly.
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the following outcome-based learning skills:
1. The following themes in Celtic Christianity:
a. The goodness of creation.
b. The goodness of humankind.
c. The theological and religious implications of incarnation theology.
d. The importance of imagination in spiritual life.
e. The reality of unseen things.
f. The Celtic understanding and appreciation of cycles in daily life, life in general, and the natural world.
2. Something of the historical impact of Celtic Christianity on the Church, as a whole and our culture, in general.
3. Celtic Christian religious practice through opportunities to observe and/or participate in religious services.
HIST 1113: Transformative Developments in Western Civilization – 1500-present (Dr. Franklin)
Content course which exposes students to the important discoveries and major political, social, economic, religious, and intellectual activities that have changed Europe and the Middle East from the time of the Protestant Reformation to the present.
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the following outcome-based learning skills:
1. Increased knowledge of the main currents of political, social, religious, and intellectual activities from the Age of Discovery to the present.
2. Increased awareness of the interaction of historical events and personalities.
3. Improved ability in written and oral expression.
4. Improved reading ability.
5. Improved ability to demonstrate a commitment of critical thinking defined as the ability to analyze and evaluate information, to synthesize information into coherent forms, and to apply and extend knowledge.
Itinerary
We anticipate that travel will include time in the following locations:
– Dublin
– Belfast
– Other locations TBD
Next Steps
- AUGUST
- Talk to your Piedmont Advisors about your circumstances
- Your Academic Advisor can make sure you are taking classes that keep you on track to graduate.
- Career Services will give you advice about how to make the most of your experience. Travel study is a great way to build employable skills and begin to fill up your resume. Having a plan before you leave is the best way to get the most out of the experience.
- Financial Aid can verify whether your financial aid package can be applied to the faculty-led courses.
- Apply for a passport
- At times it can take 6-8 months for your passport application to be processed, so apply early.
- If you already have a passport, check to make sure that it does not expire within 6 months of your RETURN date. You may not be allowed into the host country by immigration officials if it expires in less than 6 months.
- Talk to your Piedmont Advisors about your circumstances
- OCTOBER
- Complete an initial interest form
- The sooner you let us know your interest, the better. Deadline for initial interest form is December 31st. Completing this form does not obligate you to participate.
- Complete an initial interest form
- DECEMBER
- Pay deposit ($500)
- Deadline for the deposit is December 31st. This deposit is non-refundable, unless the trip is cancelled or there are extenuating circumstances preventing a student from participating.
- Pay deposit ($500)
- FEBRUARY
- Pay remaining travel study fee
- Deadline for fee is March 1st. The fee is non-refundable, unless the trip is cancelled or there are extenuating circumstances preventing a student from participating.
- Attend required orientation seminar (dates TBA)
- An orientation seminar for all students traveling abroad will be offered during February. The seminar will cover logistical concerns (university paperwork, passports, travel health insurance, etc.), safety while traveling and will prepare you to get the most out of your travel study experience.
- Pay remaining travel study fee