From the home of the Vikings in the middle of the Irish Sea to the breathtaking coast of Biscay Bay and picturesque shores of Pantelleria island, Humanities field courses took Brock students across the globe over the past year to experience the stories of people across the ages.<\/p>\n
Medieval and Renaissance Studies (MARS) and History students travelled across the Atlantic and back in time during a recent visit to the Isle of Man, a small island in the middle of the Irish Sea steeped in rich history and heritage.<\/p>\n
History graduate and master\u2019s student Jessica Leite (BA \u201923) will never forget being able to immerse herself in the medieval sites studied in class and in the vibrant current-day culture of the island.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only did this journey enrich my understanding of medieval history and the Isle of Man, but it reminded me that history occurs not only in time but in places <\/em>affecting real people, a perspective strongly reinforced through this experiential learning journey,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Guided by Professor Andrew McDonald, a Viking expert and historian of the medieval British Isles, students traversed the island from seashore to mountain top in an action-packed nine days, exploring medieval castles, cathedrals and abbeys, and historic Tynwald Hill.<\/p>\n \u201cAlong the way, we learned about the growth of Douglas and Castletown, the island\u2019s unique constitutional position, the story of internment in the Second World War, Victorian tourism, railways and waterwheels, native animal species \u2014 and even experienced the beginning of the annual TT motorcycle races,\u201d McDonald said.<\/p>\n