English at WIT English is available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. Arts students can choose to Major in English. Students on both Arts and Psychology can take English as a Minor (second or third) subject. The English course at WIT is comparable to English degrees across Irish universities and colleges. It involves an introduction to the major writers, particularly Irish writers, and to major themes and concerns in literature across the ages. Students of English study novels, short stories, poems and plays in English from Ireland and across the world. English students get to discuss the greatest of questions through the study of Literature: What does it mean to be human? What is truth? Of what value is beauty? What is love? The course is also different in many respects from courses offered elsewhere. The course has an applied dimension to it that is different from other courses. Students can study creative writing, for instance, in second year. At the core of both Arts and Psychology degrees are generic modules that encourage the development of students’ writing, presentation and thinking skills, as well as—in the later years—research skills. The flexibility and creativity graduates who have undertaken this sort of training display is highly valuable to employers. Both the Arts and Psychology degrees expose students to a variety of subjects and the courses promote dialogue between students taking diverse options like Languages, Religious Studies, Sociology and English. This strong emphasis on the mix of subjects and disciplines is unique in courses of this type in Ireland. In taking the English course also in the South‐east, students study Literature in a context that is very different to that of their peers in other cities in Ireland. The strong literary and dramatic traditions of Waterford and the surrounding region that have produced writers like Molly Keane, John Banville and Eoin Colfer are reflected on in the course. The maritime tradition of the region is considered in some modules also, for instance. For more information contact humanities@wit.ie.
Theatre Studies at WIT From September 2013, Theatre Studies will be available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. This is the first course of this kind in the South‐East and is unique to WIT. The course will introduce students to the practice and performance of theatre as well as to the academic study of the area. Students will study major plays from Ireland and abroad but also will have the opportunity to participate in workshops where they can act, direct, and produce their own work as well as the work of major playwrights. The emphasis in the course is on practical application and the course will offer to students the opportunity to work within a “studio” environment. The course builds on strong partnerships with local and regional theatre groups who have all lent their support to the development. Theatre Studies is available as both a Major and Minor options on the BA (Hons) programme. Major students specialise in Theatre Studies; students taking the subject as a Minor specialise in another subject area but take Theatre Studies as a second subject. There is a strong emphasis in the Major programme on theatre in performance and on practical theatre workshops. The Major programme is founded on the study of two major plays, The Cherry Orchard and The Playboy of the Western World, with the emphasis on developing a critical understanding of both plays and examining the performance challenges. The modules will be entirely delivered in a studio environment. First year students also study the Irish national theatre and a selection of important plays from around the world. In second and third year students continue to be exposed to performance‐related questions through a consideration of performance aspects of selected plays by Shakespeare and of site‐specific theatre and, in the final year, by develop a text for performance and producing that play. There will also be modules on theatre theory, history and on the theatre as an industry. A module on the theatre of the South‐East is also offered in the final year. The emphasis throughout is on exposing students to the widest possible range of current and recent work in performance; site visits to theatres and productions will be a vital part of the programme. Students of Theatre Studies also take other subjects as part of their degree. This exposes students to other disciplines and ways of thinking and there is a strong emphasis in WIT on encouraging dialogue between subject areas. Students also take a number of important modules in critical and creative thinking and research skills. The kinds of skills developed through these types of modules in particular form the foundation for future years and are highly valued by employers. Facebook address: Theatre‐Studies‐at‐WIT For more information email humanities@wit.ie.
Law at WIT From 2013, Law is available as a subject on the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163] courses. Law regulates all aspects our lives; there are legal dimensions to how we conduct business, how we engage with the State, to our working conditions and to our societal and familial relationships. Therefore, Law has always formed an important and interesting field of study within the Liberal Arts. The Law course available on the BA (Hons) and BA (Hons) in Psychology involves the study of the fundamentals of Law, from contract and commercial law to criminal law, constitutional law, and laws governing the family. The course will involve making students familiar with the Irish and European legal systems, better to understand the legislative and policy frameworks within which the state functions. The study of Law will assist in developing a student’s ability to argue a point, to think clearly and critically and to analyse ideas and complex issues. The study of Law in parallel with other subjects on the Arts and Psychology degrees opens up exciting domains of interdisciplinary study that are encouraged as part of both degree through the provision of an interdisciplinary workshop running weekly. The study of Law illuminates many other areas within the Arts. The study of law provides students with an education that is relevant to a wide range of employment opportunities. Legal studies are not just for students who want to become solicitors or barristers. WIT also offers other qualifications in Law: the LL.B (Bachelor of Law) [WD140], the BA (H) in Criminal Justice [WD150], and the Higher Certificate in Legal Studies [WD013]. See www.wit.ie for more information. For more information, contact humanities@wit.ie.
Sociology at WIT Sociology is available at WIT as a subject on the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. Arts students can choose to Major in Sociology. Students on both Arts and Psychology can take Sociology as a Minor subject. Sociology is the study of the society around us; it recognises that there are patterns and regularities to society, that common beliefs and attitudes shape our sense of who we are, and that therefore, we must look beyond individual choices and circumstances to understand the world. Sociologists can study almost anything, from capitalism to celebrity culture, national identity to the internet. The truth about our world is not simply a matter of opinion; sociologists formulate a hypothesis about society and investigate it rigorously. They can use statistics or surveys to measure widespread changes. They use in‐depth interviews and focus groups to analyse people’s beliefs. Through participant observation they document actual behaviour. Sociologists study documents from history, the media and popular culture to understand the world around them. How modern society is governed and organised is strongly influenced by sociology and related disciplines. For example, the CSO and the ESRI use sociological methods. Sociological theories are used by political parties, managers and even advertisers! Graduates in Sociology are highly valued in all sorts of areas, from journalism, the civil service and companies which value clear thinking and a hands‐on research approach. Sociology at WIT is made up of core sociological modules on theory and method – which provide the students with a theoretical grounding and a familiarity with applied research skills – and detailed study on topics such as Media, Crime, Sport, Ethnicity and so forth which broaden students’ horizons and introduce them to new perspectives. In their final year, students design their own research project on a topic of their own choosing, in close collaboration with a supervisor. This independent study is deeply enriching for students and no longer available in Sociology degrees at most Irish universities. Our students have also worked alongside staff in collaborative research projects on unemployment and festivals, which makes Sociology at WIT a unique opportunity to get involved in real applied research. For more information, contact humanities@wit.ie.
Economics at WIT From 2013, Economics is available as a subject on the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163] courses. Economics is concerned with the production, distribution and consumption of resources in society. It examines how goods and services are bought and sold and the consequences of decisions about buying and selling. It looks at the ways in which we think about and use money. It is therefore a discipline concerned with how and why humans make certain decisions. For these reasons, the study of Economics gives students an understanding of how the modern world works. Economic advancement is key to future growth and development. Studying Economics allows you to understand better a world that is changing at a great pace, with many changes economically determined—from how states function to how families live. Economics provides many skills and the knowledge that can be applied to jobs and personal life. Learning about interest rates, exchange rates, economic indicators and equity markets can help students make better decisions about investing and obtaining mortgages. There exists enormous potential to use statistical skills in many varying settings. Economics gives students an understanding of the secondary effects of decisions and the sometimes unintended consequences that often arise. This skill can be applied to other areas. Students of economics can make better decisions about their personal life and students with economics as part of their educational background are more valuable to business and industry. Students acquire a wide variety of skills including, among others, being able to understand the impact that decisions have on the firm, on industry and at a national level. Also, students will learn about the important impact of international trade and the effect of government policies on economies and employment. For more information, contact humanities@wit.ie.
Religious Studies at WIT ‘Beware of the man whose god is in the skies’—George Bernard Shaw While Bernard Shaw warns against placing all our hope in a distant figure in the clouds, the study of Religion and Theology focuses very much on how we deal with life in the present, changing world. Religious Studies is open to all students on the BA (Hons) [WD200] and BA (Hons) in Psychology [WD163] degrees. BA (Hons) students may take Religious Studies as a major subject while both BA and BA Psychology students can take the subject as one of their three minor subjects. Religious Studies/Theology covers the major questions of existence and our responses. It deals with a broad range of topics from World Religions, the Judaeo‐Christian tradition, and Philosophy to the changing religious landscape of Ireland, the relationship between religion and popular culture, and what it means to live in a secular world. Alongside introducing students to the study of Religion, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, the course deals with contemporary issues such as religion in art, film, and new media; the relationship between religion and politics; bioethics; religion and gender; the science/faith debate and interreligious dialogue. The changing cultural and social landscape of Ireland requires graduates with a broad focus, capable of recognizing and engaging with diversity. Accredited by both the Teaching Council of Ireland and the Catholic Healthcare Chaplaincy Board, Religious Studies at WIT equips graduates with the skills and insights to pursue postgraduate research across the Humanities, enter a variety of professions, and contribute to a rapidly changing Ireland. For more information, contact humanities@wit.ie.
Italian at WIT Italian is available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163. Italian is taught at ab‐ initio/beginners level as a Minor (second or third) subject. According to a recent study there has been an increase in the number of people studying Italian outside Italy. In the last five years the number of foreign students studying Italian at cultural institutes has increased by 40%. Although Italian ranks nineteenth in the world for the number of people who speak it, data suggests that Italian occupies roughly fourth or fifth position in the number of courses attended by foreign students. The Italian programme at WIT includes a combination of pure language modules and modules that reflect the aesthetics of culture including literature, cinema and history. The language modules parallel the standard adopted by many third level institutions across Europe. The non‐language modules are designed to offer a fresh image of Italy and Italians through the patriotic voice and indeed, the observations of non‐nationals living in Italy. Additionally, they will facilitate learners’ understanding of aspects of Italian culture through the study of modules such as Post‐War Italy and Modern Italian Cinema. Students will have an opportunity to discuss local and global realities and popular topics such as ‘identity’. The scope of the programme supports a more realistic and functional approach to Italian language studies through interactive methodologies which reflect the latest research into teaching and learning. The flexibility of teaching approaches attempts to nurture a variety of intelligences and skills in the learner and encourage creativity. For more information, contact humanities@wit.ie.
German at WIT German is available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. German can be studied at Post‐ Leaving Certificate (minimum requirement HC3) or ab‐initio (absolute beginner) levels. Students of both Arts and Psychology can take German as a Minor (second or third) subject. German is the most widely spoken language in Europe with 100 million native speakers, which is about 20% of the 455 million European citizens. After English, it is the second most popular language to learn in the EU and ranks among the top 10 most frequently spoken languages in the world. German is the most commonly used language on the Internet after English. Germany is an extremely important cultural, economic and diplomatic partner for Ireland. Germany consistently ranks as Ireland’s third most important trading partner after the UK and the USA. To continue to trade with Germany, Irish people need to speak German. There are currently over 1 000 vacancies in Ireland for German speakers. The EU and Google, to name but two large employers, can’t find enough native English‐speakers with good German skills. Studying German is likely to make you highly employable. Knowledge of German gives learners access to the great traditions of literature, music, film, art, science and philosophy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Einstein, Nietzche, amongst many others. The German course at WIT is comparable to German as a minor subject on degrees across Irish universities and colleges. In first year students take a 3 hour language module at level B1.3 (PLC) or A1 (ab initio). In second and third years students take two three hour modules, a follow‐on language module and a cultural module (Semester 1)/ Literature module (Semester 2). While studying German at WIT you will have the opportunity to acquire competence and fluency in the German language and to explore the culture, history, literature and society of the German‐speaking countries. You will learn in small class groups using the most up‐to‐date teaching approaches and materials. A range of learning opportunities in a multilingual and multicultural environment will be available to you. These include learning German with native speakers through tandem partnerships and the use of the Computer‐Aided Language Laboratory and the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment to support your studies. You will be facilitated to acquire the skills of successful language learners. The opportunity to take part of your course at a partner college in Germany or Austria in the context of an ERASMUS Exchange will also be open to you. For more information contact humanities@wit.ie.
French at WIT French is available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. Arts students can choose to Major in French. Students on both Arts and Psychology can take French as a Minor (second or third) subject. French as a foreign language is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English. French is the only language other than English spoken on five continents and therefore French and English are the only two global languages. French, along with English, is the official working language of the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the European Community, amongst many other international bodies. The French course at WIT involves the study of the language and the study of French culture and literature. Students therefore take modules in French fiction, poetry and theatre as well as modules relating to contemporary French experience, modules on French history, French politics, and French cinema. Students will graduate having achieved a very high standard of proficiency in the language, will be able to understand a wide range of demanding written French, will be able to express ideas fluently and spontaneously, will be flexible in using the language in a wide range of situations, and will be able to produce clear, well‐structured, and detailed written text. This level of proficiency will make a graduate of French very employable in a number of businesses and industries as well as equipping the graduate with the necessary skills for further study. Opportunities to work in careers as diverse as tourism, customer support, sales, marketing, translation as well as in teaching are opened up by a degree that includes French. The French Major option has been approved for secondary‐school teaching purposes by the Teaching Council of Ireland. Language classes are small at WIT and this makes for an interesting and effective language‐ learning experience. Students also have the opportunity to take part of their course at a partner college in France as part of an ERASMUS Exchange. For more information contact humanities@wit.ie.
Spanish at WIT Speaking Spanish opens up a world rich in art, culture, literature, music, sports, film and much more. Spoken in Spain, most of Latin America and increasingly in the USA, Spanish is a global language with over 400 million speakers worldwide and is fast becoming a major language in the world of business. Spanish is available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. Arts students can choose to Major in Spanish. Students on both Arts and Psychology can take Irish as a Minor (second or third) subject. In WIT, we currently offer ab initio or beginner’s Spanish, therefore no previous study of the language is necessary. At the end of 1st Year, all students, Major and Minor, will have a basic knowledge of Spanish, allowing you to confidently “get by” in any of the over 20 countries worldwide that speak Spanish. As a Spanish Major, you will have more contact with the language, as well as two introductory courses related to Hispanic history, literature and society. If you choose to continue Spanish throughout your degree, as either a Major or Minor, you will explore the diversity of the Spanish‐speaking world by further developing your language skills and familiarising yourself with the literature and culture of Hispanic societies through a range of media. As a Major student, you will take an intensive language programme that allows you reach the criteria set out under the Teaching Council guidelines comparable to other Spanish degrees across the country. Spanish is a living language and a language to live; we engage with real world experiences and develop skills that encourage communication. Language graduates are recognised as having a creative and flexible approach to problem‐solving; such attributes are increasingly in demand by employers. In WIT, you can link with our international students to practice speaking Spanish and ideally, travel to one of our partner colleges by opting in to the BA (Hons) International after your second year. This extends your degree by one year and allows you the opportunity to study as an ERASMUS student in Spain; immersing yourself in Spanish, enriching your studies and further enhancing your employability. For more information contact Erin McNamara Cullen (emcnamara@wit.ie) or humanities@wit.ie.
Gaelige/Irish at WIT Irish is available at WIT as a subject on both the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) [WD200] and the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology [WD163]. Arts students can choose to Major in Irish. Students on both Arts and Psychology can take Irish as a Minor (second or third) subject. When you study Irish at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) you will receive lots of opportunities to speak the language and to use it in lots of different contexts. During your time here at WIT you will develop your Irish language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in order to gain fluency in the language. As part of the BA Arts course you will study aspects of the Irish language including its traditions and customs, place names, Irish language media, Irish language literature, and the Irish language in the USA. You will also learn the skills to be able to operate effectively in an Irish speaking work environment. Gaeltacht na nDéise is located in County Waterford and there is a huge emphasis in the Irish course on Gaeilge na nDéise. Má dhéanann tú staidéar ar an nGaeilge anseo in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Phort Láirge (ITPL) gheobhaidh tú an deis an teanga a labhairt agus úsáid a bhaint aisti i gcomthéacsanna éagsúla. Le linn do chuid ama anseo tabharfar gach deis duit líofacht a bhaint amach sa Ghaeilge. Mar chuid den chúrsa déanfaidh tú staidéar ar ábhar mar nósanna agus traidisúin na nGael, na meáin Ghaeilge, lámhscríbhinní na Gaeilge, an Ghaeilge i Meiriceá, litríocht na Gaeilge agus go leor eile. Chomh maith leis sin beidh tú ábalta forbairt agus buanú a dhéanamh ar na scileanna teanaga atá agat, idir labhairt, éisteacht, léitheoireacht agus scríbhneoireacht. Ag deireadh an chúrsa beidh sé ar do chumas feidhmiú go héifeachtach i suíomh oibre trí mheán na Gaeilge. Tá Gaeltacht na nDéise gar don Institiúid agus is mór an acmhainn í seo. Tá béim mhór ar Ghaeilge na nDéise I múineadh na teanga anseo in ITPL. Bainfidh tú an‐sult as staidéar a dhéanamh ar an nGaeilge anseo in ITPL. Baintear úsáid as modhanna teagaisc nua‐aimseartha agus tá béim mhór ar labhairt na teanga. Roghnaigh an Ghaeilge mar ábhar staidéir anseo agus ní bheidh aiféala ort! Bain céim sa Ghaeilge amach! Staidéar Iarchéime/ Postgraduate Study: The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) will give you a very strong foundation to continue on to postgraduate study in the language. Deiseanna Fostaíochta le Gaeilge/ Employment Opportunities with Gaeilge: media, teaching, translator, interpreter, research, journalism, public sector, technology and business among many others. Contact/Tuilleadh Eolais: An Dr Séamus Ó Diollúin‐ sodiolluin@wit.ie nó humanities@wit.ie.