• Independently researching a historical topic and preparing it to inform fellow students
• Learning about the historical roots of the Northern Irish conflict, the secession of the Republic of Ireland from the UK, and the division of the island into British and Irish territory
• Understanding the implications of Northern Irish history for British and European politics today
• Exploring the effects of conflict and division in modern day Belfast (peace wall, murals, memorials, city architecture etc.)
• Experiencing Northern Irish culture and history by visiting historic sites in the city, interacting with residents, exploring the area around Belfast

AWP goes on the road! As part of this study trip we will travel to the Northern Irish capital of Belfast for 5 days at the end of the semester in order to explore the history and culture of the region. Many people born before 1990 still associate Belfast with regular news of violence and conflict, while younger generations are often less aware of this significant era in British and European history. Through the assessment of the course – each student will prepare a presentation on a particular topic during the semester, so we all have some background knowledge on Belfast before we leave – we will learn about the conflict known sometimes as “the troubles”, which raged in the area for almost 40 years and still affects everyday life. On our trip, we will investigate how present the division is in the city today, how the area has been affected by Brexit, and what the future may hold for this part of the UK.

Also, we will visit the place where the Titanic was built and learn about the impact of the shipbuilding trade on the city, explore Northern Irish landscape, language, architecture, music, and cuisine.

We will meet sporadically in the semester, first to plan the trip and decide on the topics for our preparatory presentations. We will then get together nearer to the trip and listen to everybody’s presentation, which your grade will be based on.

As a participant you will cover the cost of the trip yourself (more information in the first meeting).