Brock professor prepares for class voyage to the Isle of Man

The St. Catharines GM plant’s short-lived strike is just a taste of the union dealings unfolding over the past months. 

Professor Andrew McDonald and the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies are holding an information session for this summer’s trip to the Isle of Man. 

The full-year course MARS/HIST 3F51 provides students with the opportunity to experience the unique history of the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea. 

“I’ve been fascinated by the Island’s history, and particularly its history in the Middle Ages, for a long time now,” McDonald said.  

Study abroad trips provide students with what can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the world. Hands-on study is also a great way for students to learn about places they previously may not have had a chance to visit. 

“I’ve spent over 20 years studying the medieval Isle of Man,” McDonald said, “[but] it’s exciting to plan to bring students because they obtain a much better understanding of why history unfolded the way that it did.”  

For McDonald, immersing one’s self within historical sites is imperative to learning.  

While somewhat remote, the Isle of Man is rich in history. MARS/HIST 3F51 will explore the island’s in-depth Viking and Medieval-era heritage, starting with intensive course work at the university in May before travelling to the Isle of Man for ten days full of hands-on learning. 

The class will visit a multitude of heritage sites including Peel Castle, Castle Rushen, Rushen Abbey, Tynwald Hill and Maughold. There will also be hands-on sessions with Viking and medieval artifacts at the Manx Museum.  

In addition to studying the history of the Viking and Medieval periods, students will have the opportunity to study other parts of the Island’s history. For example, students will have the chance to visit a traditional Manx village, illustrating what life was like on the Island during the Victorian era.  

The trip will end around the time of the famous Isle of Man TT motorcycle race, allowing students to get a chance to experience the infamous event.  

Professor McDonald is holding two information sessions for this trip, one on Oct. 17^th and the other on Oct. 26^th. Both will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m in room 214 of Rankin Family Plaza. 

More information regarding the information sessions can be found here.