Kinesiology In Ireland

Summer 2012: June 11 to July 6 (tentative dates)

Program Location

The University College of Dublin is located 2.5 miles outside of the city of Dublin with easy bus access from UCD’s campus.  One can reach any part of Ireland from Dublin whether it be the mountains or the sea on the west and east or the many counties of Ireland.

     “ Within a 40 km (25 miles) radius, you will find superb national treasures

      such as the 5,000 year- old passage tomb at Newgrange and the ancient

      Irish monastic settlement of Glendalough, with it’s beautifully preserved

      Medieval “round tower.”

  - UCD Summer at University College Dublin

The campus is 325 acres with 6 colleges comprising the University. There are many physical activity areas across campus from a walking/running path around the campus to an international stadium; from many pitches to a new Olympic sized pool; and from tennis courts to a football stadium.

Academic Program

The Kinesiology program in Ireland will be geared toward the psychology of fitness/wellness via KIN 426 Physical Activity Behaviors and towards the socialization process on sport/fitness of both American and Irish women via KIN 490. 

Within KIN 426, not only will we exam physical activity behaviors of each individual in the class but exam the physical activity behaviors of some of the citizens of Ireland.  With Obesity incidence in the US approximately 1in 3 and the Irish obesity incidence 1in 5 as of 2003 we will have the opportunity to examine similarities and differences among the 2 cultures.  Will the Irish girls and women respond to the same psycho-behavioral changes that American girls and women do?

KIN 490, special studies, we will examine the socialization process of the Irish girls and women into sport and physical activity.  With the Olympics only one month away from our time spent in Ireland we will travel to different sites where the women train and get their input into the socialization process. 

Instructional methods include a combination of lecture/discussion and application.  Written exams, project, presentations, and participation for KIN 426.  Research paper and presentation, and participation for KIN 490.

Tentative course offerings:
KIN 426: Physical Activity Behaviors (3)
KIN 490: Special Studies in Kinesiology (3)

Exercise Science students: Please check with program director for course pre-requisites.

Accommodations

Students will reside in residence halls/dormitories in Dublin, Ireland. Dorm facilities with each student having own room (includes bathroom) and 1 common room to eat and to cook.  Towels, sheets, and bedcovering will be provided.

It is highly recommended to have a cell phone whether brought from home or purchased in Ireland. Bring laptop and textbooks.
Weather: prepare for cool and wet weather although we may have some warm days.  The weather does change very quickly as Ireland is an island.
Medical: Insurance is provided, however everyone should obtain a physical before going abroad.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit an essay and faculty recommendation. A personal interview will also be required. Applicants must have a 2.25 minimum GPA and rising junior or senior standing.

For More Information

For additional information about the Kinesiology In Ireland: Exercise Psychology And Sociology Of Women In Sport program, please contact the program director:

Dr. Marge Slattery
Assistant Professor
Department of Kinesiology
Tel: 540-568-3949
E-mail: slattemm@jmu.edu