Past offerings for Seminars in a Discipline (HNRS 283, 284, 285, and 286)

Seminar in History with Professor Ian Delahanty
“Ireland & the World”

This seminar examines the history of Ireland’s global connections. Students will study Ireland’s evolving role within the British Empire, as well as the conditions that led to the migration of 10 million Irish people around the world since 1700. With attention to Irish culture, politics, and society, students will investigate how modern Ireland itself has been shaped by its global past. (Spring 2021)

Seminar in Philosophy with Professor Robert Gruber
"The Good Life"

What is the good life? This course explores different answers to this question as offered and defended by philosophers over thousands of years. Do you have to be wise, or morally good to live a good life? Are family, friends, health, and/or wealth necessary for a good life? Can happiness be achieved, or does it simply happen to us (if we're lucky)? The course tests answers to these questions in two ways: by examining philosophical arguments for them and by living them out at various points throughout the semester. (Spring 2023, Spring 2021)

Seminar in a Discipline/Religion with Professor Kate Dugan
“Religion in Ireland”

This course is an introduction to religions in Ireland. We will study the history and contemporary life of a range of religions in Ireland. This course examines religious conflict and the impact of immigration on religions in Ireland, and it considers the intersections of religion and culture in Ireland. (Fall 2021)