News

Field Study in Communication & Journalism: Sligo & West Coast of Ireland

This year's Field Study in Communication & Journalism course is headed to the stunningly beautiful West Coast of Ireland, July 6 - 20, 2008. Led by Karen List, director of the UMass Amherst Journalism Program and Steve Klein, coordinator of the Electronic Journalism Program and the Journalism concentration in the Communication Department at George Mason University, this two week, 3-credit course will explore various aspects of intercultural communication and international journalism.

This program is open to George Mason University and UMass Amherst students, other students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public. The experience will introduce students to approaches and practices that can guide and provide journalistic success in the 21st century. Subjects include reporting in a foreign environment, 24/7 and hyper-local coverage, and the opportunity to produce multimedia journalism across platforms. The program is based in Sligo, the heart of traditional Irish music and the second-largest city in Connacht in the western Republic of Ireland. Much of the focus will be on students doing local reporting for the Sligo Champion and other area broadcast and web media outlets. Students also will travel to Dublin, the historical and cosmopolitan capital of Ireland, and Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, to meet with communication professionals as well as visit historical and cultural sites of interest and experience marching season in the North.

Program Fee: $3,493. This fee includes tuition, accommodations on Lough Gill at the Innisfree International College & Convention Centre, transfers, some meals, ground transportation, guided tours and field excursions, pre-departure orientation, International Student Identity Card, emergency evacuation insurance and travel guidebooks. PLEASE NOTE THAT INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED.

Financial Aid may apply. Deadline for applications is April 4, 2008. Space is limited! For more information, click here or contact Sarah Mournighan. UMass Amherst students should send a short letter of application, noting year and major, to Professor List.

February 25, 2008