Mater Dei to broaden its base with new combination degree

Religious subjects are complemented with subjects such as English, history music and now Irish studies. Olivia Kelly reports

The history of Christianity and writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John converge quite happily with the Irish diaspora and sectarianism studies in a new interdisciplinary degree from Mater Dei Institute of Education.

The college is to broaden its portfolio of religious education degrees, combined with English, history or music, with the introduction of the new BA in religious studies and Irish studies beginning this September. One of the main strengths of the degree is its interdisciplinary nature or the "dialogue" between the the two elements of the course, lecturer Leeanne Lane says.

"We feel we've developed a programme in which courses in social and political history, literature and the dual-language tradition "speak" to each and inform each other, thus providing the student with a rich interdisciplinary arena for rewarding and integrated intellectual inquiry."

Mater Dei has a well-established tradition of teaching and research in both religion on humanities, Lane says, and the combination of religious studies and Irish studies is particularly appropriate.

"In few countries has the influence of religion been so pervasive as in Ireland, both for good and for ill," she says. "Religious consciousness has permeated the minds of Irish people at home and abroad."

The degree, she says, will give graduates insights into the relationship of religion and society as it has and continues to exist in Ireland. "The Irish course has modules on sectarianism in Ireland and on the Good Friday Agreement, so it is quite contemporary. Yet it also has modules on 19th century Irish literature, drama and poetry, emigration - right through to 20th-century Irish fiction and forgotten women's literature."

The course also has an Irish language element, however, applicants need only hold an ordinary level D3 to qualify for entry and the usual exceptions for Irish are applicable. "Fluency in the language isn't necessary - we're equipped to deal with a complete range of speakers and students can do Irish at a basic or at a higher level."

In introducing an Irish studies degree Mater Dei is proving itself an innovator in the Irish third-level market, Lane says. "This is the first Irish studies BA in the State. Irish studies is a long established discipline in many universities in the US and Britain, where an integrated approach is taken to the study of Irish culture. However, it has failed to emerge as an independent discipline in the Irish third-level sector so until now there were few opportunities to study it at undergraduate level in Ireland."

The religious studies element "draws on the strengths of the institute", she says. Students will study writings from the Bible and the history of Christianity and "the mystery of God". They will also explore issues of ethics and philosophy and have the opportunity to explore Celtic spirituality, feminist theology and new religious movements. The connections between church and State and faith and culture in the Irish context will also form important elements of the curriculum.

Applicants don't necessarily have to be particularly religious to join the course or to reap benefits from it, Lane says. "Religious studies is about the exploration of religion, its about opening up ideas of religion and looking at the influence of religion. You don't need to be very religious to do that."

The course will be offered from September on a full-time basis over three years and will appear as an addition to this year's CAO form. It will also be offered in modular form which students can take up to six years to complete. Applications for the modular BA are made directly to the college and interview will be held on May 10th and June 21st. "We are targeting mature and access as well as conventional students," says Lane.