Classtime

With what seems like a very late start, classes have officially started this week at UCC. I'll be taking a total of 5 courses for the semester. A class called "Irish Film History," which seems like it should be quite interesting; a psychology course called "Perception and Memory," a biology course entitled "Aquatic Biology," an introductory Irish language course, and a class just for international students that talks about a little of everything regarding to Ireland (history, customs, culture, language, people, etc.). I was going to take an Archaeology course instead of the Irish language course, but after my first class on Wednesday, I decided it just wasn't worth taking a class I didn't need if I'd be bored to tears in it! So overall, I'm happy with my classes now (although I haven't been to the biology course yet, as it is only for the second half of the semester).

I think classes in general in Ireland (or at least UCC) seem pretty similar to those in the states thus far. Perhaps a bit less organized, as seems to be the Irish way, but lectures seem just about the same. Contrary to universites in the states however, Irish classes are much more "go at your own pace." There are very few assignments throughout the semester for most courses (or "modules" as they are referred to here), and the end grade is almost entirely based on an end-of-the-year exam or essay. I'm actually glad to not be staying the entire year, as final exams for all courses (whether they were taken first semester or second) are taken over 4 weeks in May.

They had some fun activites going on this week though as it's the first week back ("Freshers Week"). On Sunday night, my flatmates and I went to an Irish dancing lesson with live music. Very fun, very tiring, and a bit more difficult than it looks! I was especially humbled when I paired up with an Irish student for one dance who has been doing Irish dances most of his life. On Wednesday and Thursday they had clubs and societies fairs going on, where you could visit all of the different booths and sign up for some activites. I plan on joining the Sciences Society, The Equestrian Club, The Badminton Club, and maybe the Photography Society if I have time. Last night we also went to see "Little Miss Sunshine," which was being shown in one of the lecture halls by the Film Society.

I'm not sure what the plans are for this weekend. I just got my hair cut quite short this morning (long hair was NOT suiting me well with all of this rain and humidity). I'll try to edit and add a picture in a bit here. I think that pretty much brings people up to speed though. Make sure to check out the link I added a couple of days ago to see some pictures. I've been having a horrible time trying to get pictures to upload here for some reason, so I have a lot more that I need to try to get up at some point as well.

Cheers!