MUS 238 – The Music, Folklore, and Literature of Ireland

Image of the Irish coast.

Washington and Lee University Center for International Education Spring Term Abroad Spring Term Abroad 2026 MUS 238 – The Music, Folklore, and Literature of Ireland
Center for International Education
Four credits; EXP; FDR - HA
Four weeks in Ireland
Professor Chris Dobbins
Ireland
This course will engage the music, folklore, and literature of Ireland and ways that the creation of these art forms is related to the places in which the art was created. The music, folklore, and literature studied will cover a wide variety of the history of Irish art, and will focus on the importance of place in the written, oral, and aural traditions of the island. Students will study a range of musical compositions, styles, and traditions, alongside the rich body of Irish folklore and folk customs that underlie these musical creations, as well as the rich literature that informs all of these artistic efforts. This course takes place primarily in Dingle, Ireland with field trips to surrounding areas. The course will count towards the music major and will satisfy the HA distribution.

Program fee (paid to W&L): $5,687
Includes programming, room, some meals ( ~16 dinners), most in-country transportation.

Additional costs: airfare, books, most meals, cell phone, spending money, passport, and visa fees (if applicable).

For further details, please reach out to Professor Dobbins.

The information session for this course will take place on October 7, 2025, at 7 pm in Leyburn Library, room 119.

Center for International Education

Mark Rush

Director

Hunter Swanson

International Student Advisor

Cindy Irby

Associate Director and Study Abroad Advisor

Jillian Murphy

Senior Assistant Director of International Education and Study Abroad Coordinator

Kristy Reed

Center for International Education Office Manager

Center for International Education

  • Campus Address
    Ruscio Center for Global Learning
    Room 145
    Mailing Address
    Center for International Education
    204 W. Washington St.
    Washington and Lee University
    Lexington, Virginia 24450