25TRA503 New Short Course in Junior Cycle: “Irish Culture through Traditional Storytelling, Dance and Music

Date:     Thursday 22nd May 2025
Time:     7 - 8 pm
Venue:  Online via Zoom

Target Audience:  Post Primary Principals & Junior Cycle Teachers

This webinar will introduce second level Principals and teachers to a new short course at Junior Cycle titled “Irish Culture through Storytelling, Dance and Music”. Today, students live in an interconnected world, which supports cultural understanding and cultural exchange. However, in certain cases, this has led to an erosion of identity. During this course, the students learn to appreciate their native culture through traditional storytelling, music, and dance. The course is practical as well as academic; while students explore the works of past storytellers, dancers, and musicians, they also experiment, improvise, and create their own unique works. The course is completely inclusive. The skills and techniques are basic, and all students can participate, using their own types and styles of expression.

Presenter: Dr. Sharon Phelan

Dr. Sharon Phelan lectures in dance and Cultural Studies in the MTU. She is also a PE teacher and has worked as an education officer with the NCCA on the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme. Her interest in Irish culture and traditional arts started in Siamsa Tíre, National Folk Theatre of Ireland, where she performed for twenty-five years.