Research Profile

Claire O'Reilly

Biography

                          Claire's undergraduate years were spent at the University of Limerick (BA Law and European Studies) and the University of Education, Karlsruhe. Postgraduate studies were completed at the Centre for Irish-German Studies, University of Limerick, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena and the University of Regensburg, where she also undertook postdoctoral research funded by the RIA and DAAD under Prof. Thomas, Professor of Social- and Cross-Cultural Psychology. She came to University College Cork in 2005 from Chemnitz University of Technology where she had completed three of the six years as Junior Professor of Intercultural Training and International Relations.
Claire has acted as a referee for peer-reviewed journals such as Study Abroad Research (SAR), Info DaF, the Journal of Virtual Exchange and for monographs (Manchester University Press; Peter Lang, Oxford and others). She was co-chair of the German Studies Association of Ireland (2014-2016), and is currently
 External Examiner for German in SETU, Waterford. She has been Academic Coordinator of the BComm International (German) since 2005. Drawing on her experience and contacts in Germany, she has set up new university collaborations with the Universities of Jena, Regensburg, Passau and recently in Würzburg and Hildesheim.  Claire is also the Departmental GILBA (Organisation of German-Irish Lawyers and Business Association) coordinator for German, and organised the annual GILBA meeting/Third-level Prize-Giving ceremony for excellence in German awards in UCC, December, 2022.

Research Interests



- German-Irish Relations 

My research in the field of Irish-German relations has traversed different thematic strands over a period of 25 years, from student exchange and study abroad, to contrasting Irish-German business and management approaches, spanning migration histories of Ireland and Germany and including images of Self and Other in contemporary literature. Research on biographies in the field of Irish-German relations (such as Daniel Binchy, Christabel Bielenberg, Charlotte von der Schulenburg and others) has been my most recent preoccupation which includes archival work and translation of letters into English. In 2020 I organised an international symposium on the theme, entitled Lives and Legacies: Lesser-Known Biographies in Irish-German Relations” in UCC (March 12). 
 
- Exchange Research / Study Abroad Research and Intercultural Communication
Understanding the experiences of Irish students in Germany, and seeking to maximise their learning while abroad, has been one of my guiding research questions for which I have secured grants from three funding bodies locally and nationally while working at UL (with Dr G. Holfter) and UCC. This research has sought to understand the experiences of students qualitatively, and chart their socio-cultural learning journeys as a departure from the predominant emphasis in research for years on language progression and linguistic outcomes. 
Insights from this research, together with the body of literature on Study Abroad, informs and shapes my teaching and the preparation of students to go abroad.  The role of Intercultural Communication, and the inclusion of formal education measures to teach culture and culture awareness, is informed primarily, but not only, by German academic discourse and some of my publications in the field of Intercultural Communication.
A review of a monograph published in 2005 (C.O'Reilly with M. Arnold), which examines developments in Germany in the teaching of Intercultural Communication "Interkulturelles Training in Deutschland: Theoretische Grundlagen, Zukunftsperspektiven und eine annotierte Literaturauswahl", (Verlag für Interkulturelle Kommunikation, Frankfurt am Main, 274 pp.) states:
"While there is much literature on the subject "Intercultural Training", it is very often of Anglo-American origin. The book in question concentrates as the title indicates on Germany and is an excellent introduction and resource book for anyone researching Intercultural Training within the field in Germany (Tichy, E., Philologist at the University of Prague, Info DaF, 2007: p. 279).
 
In recent years my interest in teaching pre-departure courses for the year abroad has been married with the concept of virtual exchange, with evidence of transformational learning in students' learning outcomes.

- The Role of (Women) Professors of German in Academic History
 “Understanding the history of education is vital in establishing an appreciation of human development and the advances that have been made in discourse and pedagogy” (McCorristine, 2010: 1)
Acknowledging the role that history plays in shaping current academic discourse, this project is examining the lives of a number of remarkable women in the early 20th century in Irish universities and the contribution they made to German as an academic field of study, but also to the advancement of universities and communities due to their lives and legacies. Indirectly, by examining archival materials, it notes the incredible changes that have taken place within Higher Education in Ireland and in society as a whole in the last 100 years.

Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
Cross-Border Business Transactions: Considerations of Culture, Business Communication and Training with particular reference to Ireland and GermanyIrish-American Partnership01-SEP-9601-SEP-98€5,500.00
Mapping Learning Milestones: During and After the Study Abroad PeriodHigher Education Authority via NAIRTL08-FEB-1630-NOV-16€5,000.00
"Digital Champion UCC"The National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education18-JAN-1601-JUL-16€1,500.00
The Importance of Intercultural Studies for German-Irish Business TransactionsUL Foundation Research Seed Fund01-MAR-9730-JUN-98€5,500.00
The Expatriate Life: A Study of German ExpatriatesWürth GmbH01-OCT-9931-AUG-01€17,000.00
Intercultural Competence for Exchange StudentsRoyal Irish Academy01-FEB-0231-JUL-02€2,348.00

Publications

Edited Books

 YearPublication
(2014)Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception
O'Reilly, Claire and O'Regan, Veronica (Ed.). (2014) Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception. Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlag. [Details]
(2009)Societies in Transition: Ireland, Germany and Irish-German Relations in Business and Society since 1989
O'Mahony, Niamh and Claire O'Reilly (Ed.). (2009) Societies in Transition: Ireland, Germany and Irish-German Relations in Business and Society since 1989 Societies in Transition: Ireland, Germany and Irish-German Relations in Business and Society since 1989. Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlag. [Details]

Books

 YearPublication
(2005)Interkulturelles Training in Deutschland. Theoretische Grundlagen, Zukunftsperspektiven und eine annotierte Literaturauswahl.
O'Reilly, Claire/Maik Arnold; (2005) Interkulturelles Training in Deutschland. Theoretische Grundlagen, Zukunftsperspektiven und eine annotierte Literaturauswahl. : IKO Verlag. [Details]
(2003)The Expatriate Life: A Study of German Expatriates and their Spouses in Ireland - Issues of Adjustment and Training (Cross Cultural Communication, vol. 11).
O'Reilly, Claire (2003) The Expatriate Life: A Study of German Expatriates and their Spouses in Ireland - Issues of Adjustment and Training (Cross Cultural Communication, vol. 11). Frankfurt, Berlin, Bern: Peter Lang [Europäischer Verlag der Wissenschaften]. [Details]

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2014)'Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception: Context and Background'
O'Reilly, Claire and Veronica O'Regan (2014) 'Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception: Context and Background' In: Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception. Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlag. [Details]
(2014)'As Time Goes By: Some Thoughts on the Year Abroad as a Vehicle of Kulturkontakt'
O'Reilly, Claire (2014) 'As Time Goes By: Some Thoughts on the Year Abroad as a Vehicle of Kulturkontakt' In: Frauke Hofmeister and Dietmar Böhnke (eds). Kulturkontakte - Cultures in Contact. Essays for Joachim Schwend. Leipzig: Edition Hamouda. [Details]
(2012)'German-Irish Economic Ties and their Interdependence with the Cultural Sphere'
O'Reilly, Claire; (2012) 'German-Irish Economic Ties and their Interdependence with the Cultural Sphere' In: Contemporary German-Irish Cultural Relations in a European Perspective: Exploring Issues in Cultural Policy and Practice. Trier: Wissenschaftlicher Verlag Trier. [Details]
(2010)'Austauschforschung'
Ehrenreich, Susanne; O'Reilly, Claire; (2010) 'Austauschforschung' In: Grenzen überschreiten: sprachlich-fachlich-kulturell. Dokumentation zum 23. Kongress für Fremdsprachendidaktik der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Fremdsprachenforschung (Beiträge zur Fremdsprachenforschung, Bd. 11). Baltmannsweiler: Schneider Verlag Hohengehren. [Details]
(2009)'The Question of Identity in Ireland since 1989'
O'Reilly, C. ; (2009) 'The Question of Identity in Ireland since 1989' In: Societies in Transition: Ireland, Germany and Irish-German Relations since 1989. Baden-Baden: Nomos. [Details]
(2009)'Changes and Developments in German-Irish Relations since 1989 with special regard to media, literary and diplomatic aspects: Best of Friends or Rocky Relationship?'
O'Reilly, Claire and Gisela Holfter (2009) 'Changes and Developments in German-Irish Relations since 1989 with special regard to media, literary and diplomatic aspects: Best of Friends or Rocky Relationship?' In: Societies in Transition: Ireland, Germany and Irish-German Relations since 1989. Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlag. [Details]
(2008)'Happenstance Steps towards Demanding Red Cross and UN Peacekeeping Operations and the Important Role of the Home Front: Response to the case of Peter'
O'Reilly, Claire & Julia Bürger (2008) 'Happenstance Steps towards Demanding Red Cross and UN Peacekeeping Operations and the Important Role of the Home Front: Response to the case of Peter' In: Case Incidents in Counselling for International Transitions. USA: American Counseling Association. [Details]
(2005)'Interkulturelles Training in Deutschland: Theoretische Grundlagen und Zukunftsperspektiven'
O'Reilly, Claire (2005) 'Interkulturelles Training in Deutschland: Theoretische Grundlagen und Zukunftsperspektiven' In: Claire O'Reilly / Maik Arnold (eds). Interkulturelles Training in Deutschland. Theoretische Grundlagen, Zukunftsperspektiven und eine annotierte Literaturauswahl. Frankfurt am Main, London: Verlag für Interkulturelle Kommunikation IKO. [Details]
(1999)'Some thoughts on cross-cultural training for Irish-German business'
O'Reilly, Claire (1999) 'Some thoughts on cross-cultural training for Irish-German business' In: Yearbook of the Centre for Irish-German Studies. Germany: Wissenschaftlicher Verlag Trier. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2023)'Virtual Exchange and the Development of Transferable Skills across Disciplines (forthcoming)'
Florence Le Baron-Earle and Claire O'Reilly (Guest Editors) (2023) 'Virtual Exchange and the Development of Transferable Skills across Disciplines (forthcoming)'. Journal of Virtual Exchange, (Special Issue 2023) [Details]
(2022)'Teaching Life Writing in a Virtual Exchange Project: Evaluating the Impact on Students’ Learning (forthcoming)'
O'Reilly, Claire and Maik Arnold (2022) 'Teaching Life Writing in a Virtual Exchange Project: Evaluating the Impact on Students’ Learning (forthcoming)'. Perspektiven auf Lehre. A Journal for Higher Education and Academic Development, [Details]
(2022)'Life-writing and virtual exchange: An exploration of the impact on students’ learning experiences'
O'Reilly, Claire; Arnold, Maik (2022) 'Life-writing and virtual exchange: An exploration of the impact on students’ learning experiences'. Teanga, 29 :13-38 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2021)'Reflection on practice: An exploration of a virtual online collaboration as preparation for the year abroad'
O'Reilly, Claire (2021) 'Reflection on practice: An exploration of a virtual online collaboration as preparation for the year abroad'. Journal of Virtual Exchange, 4 :50-65 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2015)'Author, activist and anglo-Irish émigré: The life and work of Christabel Bielenberg'
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) 'Author, activist and anglo-Irish émigré: The life and work of Christabel Bielenberg'. Year Book of The Centre of Irish-German Studies, :53-69 [Full Text] [Details]
(2014)'Teaching for understanding the year abroad: Thoughts on fostering the reflective learner'
O'Reilly, Claire (2014) 'Teaching for understanding the year abroad: Thoughts on fostering the reflective learner'. Mountain Rise: The International Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 8 (2):1-23 [Full Text] [Details]
(2006)'Film, Media and Intercultural Learning: An evolving picture'
O'Reilly, Claire (2006) 'Film, Media and Intercultural Learning: An evolving picture'. Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research, 12 :35-38 [Details]
(2004)'Expatriate Training and Support: Experiences of German Expatriates on Assignment in Ireland'
O'Reilly, C.; (2004) 'Expatriate Training and Support: Experiences of German Expatriates on Assignment in Ireland'. Managing Cross-Cultural Business Relations: The Irish German Case, :257-292 [Details]
(2009)'Reflecting on 'Intercultural Anchored Inquiry' (IAI) as a Method for Third-Level Teachers of German in Ireland'
O'Reilly, Claire (2009) 'Reflecting on 'Intercultural Anchored Inquiry' (IAI) as a Method for Third-Level Teachers of German in Ireland'. Germanistik In Ireland, :75-86 [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(2023)'German language learners in Ireland: a collaborative Life Writing project within a virtual exchange'
O’Reilly, Claire (2023) 'German language learners in Ireland: a collaborative Life Writing project within a virtual exchange' UNIC handbook on physical and virtual mobility. Teaching and learning in intercultural settings, . [DOI] [Details]
(1995)'Irlands Shannon Free Zone - Attraktiver Europäischer Investitionsstandort'
O'Reilly, C. ; (1995) 'Irlands Shannon Free Zone - Attraktiver Europäischer Investitionsstandort' EuroManagement, 1 :6-7. [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2012)The Business German in Ireland Working Group: Actively engaging with Education and Business.
O'Reilly, Claire (2012) The Business German in Ireland Working Group: Actively engaging with Education and Business. German-Irish Chamber of Commerce Yearbook 2012, Dublin. [Details]
(2011)Business German in Ireland Symposium - March 11, 2011.
O'Reilly, Claire; (2011) Business German in Ireland Symposium - March 11, 2011. Hartung-Gorre Verlag Konstanz, Germanistik in Ireland. Yearbook of the Association of Third-Level Teachers of German in Ireland. [Details]

Book Reviews

 YearPublication
(2010)Auslandsaufenthalte in Schule und Studium: Bestandsaufnahmen aus Forschung und Praxis, Susanne Ehrenreich, Gill Woodman and Marion Perrefort (Eds.) Waxmann, Münster/New York/München (2008).
O'Reilly, Claire; (2010) Auslandsaufenthalte in Schule und Studium: Bestandsaufnahmen aus Forschung und Praxis, Susanne Ehrenreich, Gill Woodman and Marion Perrefort (Eds.) Waxmann, Münster/New York/München (2008). Book Reviews [Details]

Unpublished Reports

 YearPublication
(2014)Research Quality Review: The Department of German.
O'Reilly, Claire (2014) Research Quality Review: The Department of German. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2012)The BComm (International) Degree Programmes: A Unique Approach to Undergraduate International Business Education, University College Cork.
Finnegan, Nuala and Claire O'Reilly (2012) The BComm (International) Degree Programmes: A Unique Approach to Undergraduate International Business Education, University College Cork. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2012)Graduate Studies Overview, Department of German, University College Cork.
O'Reilly, Claire (2012) Graduate Studies Overview, Department of German, University College Cork. Unpublished Reports [Details]
(2002)Intercultural guide for students going to Germany.
O'Reilly C. ; Holfter, G. (2002) Intercultural guide for students going to Germany. Unpublished Reports [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2023Strategic Enhancement of Teaching and Learning Enhancement of Seminar Awards (€1,000) National Forum in partnership with the Higher Education Authority
2022Cork Conference Ambassador Award, Cork Convention Bureau and the Lord Mayor of Cork and Mayor of the County of Cork Cork Convention Bureau and the Lord Mayor of Cork and Mayor of the County of Cork
2022Award for Symposium “Understanding the Past to (re-)Inform the Future: The role of NS-Resistance yesterday and its Relevance today” (€500) CASiLaC Funding Proposal
2021Conference Funding "Virtual Exchange in Higher Education: Charting the Irish Experience" (organised with Dr Florence Le Baron-Earle, UL) (€500) College of Arts, Celtics Studies and Social Sciences (UCC)
2016UCC (€1,500) Digital Champion VP Office of Teaching and Learning
2014NUI Publication Award for publication of "Ireland and the Irish in Germany: Reception and Perception" (€1,500) National University of Ireland
2009CACSSS Publication Award for publication of "Societies in Transition: Ireland, Germany and Irish-German Relations in Business and Society since 1989" (€1,100) CACSSS Publication Award
2007Quality Improvement Award (Fund proposal and production of promotional DVD for German) (€5,000) University College Cork
2006Overseas Mobility Grant (OMS) for Teaching Visits to Germany University College Cork
2002Intercultural competence for Irish exchange students in Germany 2002- 2003 (with Dr Gisela Holfter and Prof A. Thomas, Regensburg) Royal Irish Academy / DAAD postdoctorate award
1998PhD Scholarship, Würth GmbH (€17,000) Würth GmbH (1998-2001)
1996Research Scholarship "Irish-American Partnership" (€5,500] American Foundation Ireland
1998University of Limerick Research "Seed Foundation" Scholarship (€5,500) University of Limerick
1995Foreign Language Teaching Scholarship to Vienna Department of Education, Dublin

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2023)‘Understanding the Past to (re-)Inform the Future: The role of NS-Resistance yesterday and its Relevance today,
O'Reilly, Claire (2023) Resistance activist Fritz-Dietlof von der Schulenburg: Letters, Legacies and Lessons. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], ‘Understanding the Past to (re-)Inform the Future: The role of NS-Resistance yesterday and its Relevance today, Dora Allman, UCC . [Details]
(2023)Understanding the Past to (re-)Inform the Future: The role of NS-Resistance yesterday and its Relevance today,
O'Reilly, Claire (2023) Organiser / Opening Words. [Other], Understanding the Past to (re-)Inform the Future: The role of NS-Resistance yesterday and its Relevance today, UCC , 23-FEB-23 - 23-FEB-23. [Details]
(2023)Business German in Ireland Working Group,
O'Reilly, Claire (2023) Intercultural Virtual Collaboration in the Classroom: From Student to Staff Perspective. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Business German in Ireland Working Group, Goethe Institute Ireland, Dublin , 25-MAY-23 - 25-MAY-23. [Details]
(2022)GeNeMe (Gemeinschaft in neuen Medien) – Digitalität und Diversität,
Arnold, M. and C. O’Reilly (2022) Lehr-Lern-Innovationen in Pandemiezeiten – Kritische interkulturelle Reflexion studentischer Lernprozesse im Rahmen eines irisch-deutschen virtuellen Austauschs. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], GeNeMe (Gemeinschaft in neuen Medien) – Digitalität und Diversität, University of Technical Sciences Dresden, online , 05-OCT-22 - 07-OCT-22. [Details]
(2021)'Blending' in interkulturellen Kontexten. German Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference,
O'Reilly, Claire and Maik Arnold (2021) Biography through Technology: Teaching (re)Design and Self-Development in the Pandemic 2020-21. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 'Blending' in interkulturellen Kontexten. German Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, Maynooth University (held online) , 26-NOV-21 - 27-NOV-21. [Details]
(2021)Annual International Virtual Exchange Conference East Carolina and Drexel Universities (held virtually),
O'Reilly, Claire and Maik Arnold (2021) Virtual Exchange close-up: Critical Reflection of a Virtual Project-based German-Irish Module. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Annual International Virtual Exchange Conference East Carolina and Drexel Universities (held virtually), Online , 27-OCT-21 - 29-OCT-21. [Details]
(2021)Virtual Exchange in Higher Education: Charting the Irish Experience (Conference Organiser and Opening Words) (with Dr Flo Le Baron-Earle),
O'Reilly, Claire (2021) International Conference on Virtual Exchange. See website for details: https://sites.google.com/view/ve-charting-irish-experience/home. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Virtual Exchange in Higher Education: Charting the Irish Experience (Conference Organiser and Opening Words) (with Dr Flo Le Baron-Earle), UCC and UL (held virtually) , 17-SEP-21 - 17-SEP-21. [Details]
(2021)Kultur und aktuelle globale Krisen,
O'Reilly, Claire (2021) Covid-19 und Irland 2020-21: In und aus der Krise. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Kultur und aktuelle globale Krisen,  Intcom e.V. (an alumni association of the study program Internationale Handlungskompetenz, University of Regensburg , 20-FEB-21 - 20-FEB-21. [Details]
(2021)Researching Intercultural Communication 50 years on: A Reflection of Theory and Practice,
O'Reilly, Claire (2021) This paper seeks to marry developments in theories of Intercultural Communication with observations and experience of doing research in three areas pertaining to ICC. It reflects on developments and qualitative methodologies seeking to gather data and information in ICC and looks back over developments in the last 50-60 years. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Researching Intercultural Communication 50 years on: A Reflection of Theory and Practice, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences,University of Limerick , 25-FEB-21 - 25-FEB-21. [Details]
(2020)Lives and Legacies: Lesser-Known Figures in Irish-German Relations,
O'Reilly, Claire (2020) Organisation of Symposium and Opening Address. [Oral Presentation], Lives and Legacies: Lesser-Known Figures in Irish-German Relations, UCC, Dora Allman Lecture Hall , 12-MAR-20 - 12-MAR-20. [Details]
(2019)Department of German Research Day, UCC,
O'Reilly, Claire (2019) Letter-Writing as a Form of Narrative Inquiry Research: Charlotte von der Schulenburg and her Literary Estate. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Department of German Research Day, UCC, UCC , 20-SEP-19 - 20-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019)The 5th International Irish Narrative Inquiry Conference: Exploring Creativity in Narrative Inquiry, Trinity College Dublin,
Claire O'Reilly (2019) Creating meaning from Carlow to Munich: Charlotte von der Schulenburg, daughter of NS–Resistance Activist, and her letters home. [Oral Presentation], The 5th International Irish Narrative Inquiry Conference: Exploring Creativity in Narrative Inquiry, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin , 02-MAY-19 - 03-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019)Preparing Students for Study Abroad,
O'Reilly, Claire (2019) The Virtual Irish-German Classroom: An Exploration of a Digital Online Collaboration in Preparation for the Year Abroad. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Preparing Students for Study Abroad, UCC , 21-JUN-19 - 21-JUN-19. [Details]
(2018)IRAAL Conference, Dublin City University,
Claire O'Reilly (2018) Pedagogical Reflections: Contrasting Disciplinary Perspectives in Preparation for the Year Abroad. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], IRAAL Conference, Dublin City University, Dublin City University , 23-NOV-18 - 24-NOV-18. [Details]
(2016)The Virtual Irish-German Classroom: Launch,
O'Reilly, Claire (2016) Intercultural learning through digital skills: The virtual Irish-German classroom: A Reflection on Learning. [Oral Presentation], The Virtual Irish-German Classroom: Launch, UCC , 12-FEB-16 - 12-FEB-16. [Details]
(2016)Organisation and Opening of Launch Project: Cork-Cologne Classroom Twinning Project, funded by Cork City Council, 2015,
O'Reilly, Claire (2016) Intercultural Learning Through Digital Skills: The Virtual Irish-German Classroom. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Organisation and Opening of Launch Project: Cork-Cologne Classroom Twinning Project, funded by Cork City Council, 2015, Aula Maxima, UCC , 12-FEB-16 - 12-FEB-16. [Details]
(2016)IRISH NARRATIVE INQUIRY CONFERENCE, National University of Ireland, Galway,
O'Reilly, Claire (2016) “Doing” Narrative Inquiry – Challenges and Considerations: A Letters Translation Project. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], IRISH NARRATIVE INQUIRY CONFERENCE, National University of Ireland, Galway, NUIG, Galway , 10-MAR-16 - 11-MAR-16. [Details]
(2015)Inaugural European Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning,
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) TEACHING AND LEARNING INTERCULTURALISM IN THE THIRD LEVEL CLASSROOM:. [Poster Presentation], Inaugural European Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning, University College Cork , 08-JUN-15 - 09-JUN-15. [Details]
(2015)‘The Language Experience Abroad’,
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) From Myth to Reality: Year Abroad Experiences of Past Students and Implications for Teaching and Learning Initiatives. [Invited Oral Presentation], ‘The Language Experience Abroad’, Funded by The National Forum for Teaching & Learning Disciplinary Network and jointly organized by IoTs Languages Network & One Voice for Languages , 06-JUN-15 - 06-JUN-15. [Details]
(2015)Remembering Dan Binchy: Professor of Early Irish Law and Linguistics and First Irish Minister to Germany, 1929-1932, Charleville Heritage Society,
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) Irish Minister in Germany Daniel Binchy - A Man Ahead of his Time?. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Remembering Dan Binchy: Professor of Early Irish Law and Linguistics and First Irish Minister to Germany, 1929-1932, Charleville Heritage Society, Charleville , 30-OCT-15 - 01-NOV-15. [Details]
(2015)Business German in Ireland Working Group (BuGi) Annual Symposium, Erfahrungen mit dem Auslandsjahr: Praxis und Forschung,
Dr Claire O'Reilly and Siobhan Mortell (2015) Hosted by the Goethe Insitut, Dublin. [Oral Presentation], Business German in Ireland Working Group (BuGi) Annual Symposium, Erfahrungen mit dem Auslandsjahr: Praxis und Forschung, Goethe Insitut, Dublin , 06-MAR-15 - 06-MAR-15. [Details]
(2015)Bath Spa University Life Writing Research Conference- Writing Women's Lives,
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) Writing Women's Lives: Christabel Bielenberg (1909-2003) - Author, Activist and Anglo-Irish Emigré to Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Bath Spa University Life Writing Research Conference- Writing Women's Lives, Bath Spa University, Bath , 24-APR-15 - 26-APR-15. [Details]
(2015)German Studies Association of Ireland, Annual Conference, NUIG,
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) German Studies in Ireland Survey Results. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], German Studies Association of Ireland, Annual Conference, NUIG, NUIG , 06-NOV-15 - 07-NOV-15. [Details]
(2015)German Studies Association of Ireland, Annual Conference, NUIG,
O'Reilly, Claire (2015) GSAI Overview of German Studies in Ireland, 2015-2015 (survey results). [Invited Lectures (Conference)], German Studies Association of Ireland, Annual Conference, NUIG, NUIG , 20-NOV-15 - 21-NOV-15. [Details]
(2014)Internationalisation: Myths, Realities, Challenges and Opportunities,
O'Reilly, Claire (2014) Teaching and Learning Considerations for the Year Abroad: Research-Led Suggestions for the Classroom at 3rd Level. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Internationalisation: Myths, Realities, Challenges and Opportunities, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin , 29-SEP-14 - 30-SEP-14. [Details]
(2012)Gesellschaft der Deutschlehrer Irlands, Teacher Training Day,
O'Reilly, Claire (2012) Konzeptionelle und praktische Ansätze für den Deutschunterricht: Schwerpunkt Interkulturelle Kommunikation. [Plenary Lecture], Gesellschaft der Deutschlehrer Irlands, Teacher Training Day, University College Cork , 10-MAR-12 - 10-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012)‘Change by Exchange?’ An Analysis of the Learning Experience of Irish Students,
O'Reilly, Claire (2012) Conference on Learning Mobility, Language Acquisition and Employability, Higher Education Authority. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], ‘Change by Exchange?’ An Analysis of the Learning Experience of Irish Students, Ballsbridge, Dublin , 06-DEC-12 - 06-DEC-12. [Details]
(2011)Changing Auto- and Hetero-images of Ireland and the Irish: At Home and Abroad,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2011) Institut für Anglistik / Amerikanistik. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Changing Auto- and Hetero-images of Ireland and the Irish: At Home and Abroad, University of Rostock , 27-JUN-11 - 28-JUN-11. [Details]
(2011)12th Conference in Irish-German Studies - Contemporary German-Irish Cultural Relations in a European Perspective: Exploring Issues in Cultural Policy and Practice,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2011) German-Irish Economic Ties and Their Interdependence with the Cultural Sphere. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 12th Conference in Irish-German Studies - Contemporary German-Irish Cultural Relations in a European Perspective: Exploring Issues in Cultural Policy and Practice, Goethe Institut, Dublin , 06-MAY-11 - 07-MAY-11. [Details]
(2011)Research Seminar Series, Department of Anglistik, University of Rostock,
O'Reilly, Claire (2011) Irish English, Irish in English and an Introduction to the Irish Language. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Research Seminar Series, Department of Anglistik, University of Rostock, University of Rostock , 29-JUN-11 - 29-JUN-11. [Details]
(2010)FP7 EU Preparatory Workshop,
Claire O'Reilly; (2010) European Mobility: Students as Cultural Carriers of European Integration?. [Invited Oral Presentation], FP7 EU Preparatory Workshop, UCC , 17-SEP-10 - 18-SEP-10. [Details]
(2010)Multilingual Individuals and Multilingual Societies Conference,
O'Reilly, Claire & Laura Noonan (2010) Multilingual Individuals in a Multilingual Ireland? The Question of Learning Transfer from Germany's Immigration Experience. [Peer Reviewed Abstract], Multilingual Individuals and Multilingual Societies Conference, University of Hamburg , 05-OCT-10 - 08-OCT-10. [Details]
(2010)Business German in Ireland Working Group - Annual Meeting and Colloquium,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2010) Year Abroad: Returning (un-)changed? Curricular thoughts for BComm students going abroad to maximize their learning experience. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Business German in Ireland Working Group - Annual Meeting and Colloquium, Goethe Institut, Dublin , 06-MAR-10 - 06-MAR-10. [Details]
(2009)UCC-Symposium: “Spotlight Germany: German-Irish Relations since 1989 Developing International Careers: Theory and Practice”,
O'Reilly, Claire (2009) Opening Address. [Other], UCC-Symposium: “Spotlight Germany: German-Irish Relations since 1989 Developing International Careers: Theory and Practice”, UCC , 20-NOV-09 - 20-NOV-09. [Details]
(2009)Conference Organising Committee Member], Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Fremdsprachenforschung (DGFF) Crossing Borders: Language - Content - Culture, University of Leipzig,,
O'Reilly, Claire (2009) Workshop Coordinator Austauschforschung with Prof. Dr. Susanne Ehrenreich. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Conference Organising Committee Member], Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Fremdsprachenforschung (DGFF) Crossing Borders: Language - Content - Culture, University of Leipzig,, Leipzig , 30-SEP-09 - 03-OCT-14. [Details]
(2009)Business German in Ireland at Third Level Working Group,
O'Reilly, Claire (2009) Verhandlungen im DaF Unterricht: Theorie und Praxis. [Oral Presentation], Business German in Ireland at Third Level Working Group, University of Limerick , 01-MAR-09 - 01-MAR-09. [Details]
(2009)“Spotlight Germany: German-Irish Relations since 1989 Developing International Careers: Theory and Practice”,
O'Reilly, Claire (2009) Organiser. [Conference Organising Committee Member], “Spotlight Germany: German-Irish Relations since 1989 Developing International Careers: Theory and Practice”, UCC , 20-NOV-09 - 20-NOV-09. [Details]
(2009)Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Fremdsprachenforschung (DGFF) Crossing Borders - Language - Content - Culture,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2009) Touching Lives: The Legacies of Individual Encounters in Irish-German Relations Research. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Fremdsprachenforschung (DGFF) Crossing Borders - Language - Content - Culture, University of Leipzig , 30-SEP-09 - 03-OCT-09. [Details]
(2008)AFS-Konferenz: Moving beyond Mobility, Berlin,
Holfter, Gisela (paper delivery) and Claire O'Reilly; (2008) Intercultural Competence for Exchange Students an Irish-German Project. [Oral Presentation], AFS-Konferenz: Moving beyond Mobility, Berlin, Berlin , 01-OCT-08 - 01-OCT-08. [Details]
(2008)Herder Institut, University of Leipzig,
O'Reilly, Claire (2008) German-Irish Relations in Literature and Media since the Fall of the Berlin Wall. [Oral Presentation], Herder Institut, University of Leipzig, University of Leipzig , 01-APR-08 - 01-APR-08. [Details]
(2007)Royal Irish Academy Conference: In/Difference. Current and Historical Perspectives on Cultures in Contact,
O'Reilly. Claire (2007) Germany's Immigration Past and Ireland's Immigration Present: the Multiculturalism Debate and Lessons to be learnt. [Oral Presentation], Royal Irish Academy Conference: In/Difference. Current and Historical Perspectives on Cultures in Contact, University of Limerick , 01-NOV-07 - 01-NOV-07. [Details]
(2006)Institut für Anglistik, University of Leipzig,
O'Reilly, Claire (2006) German-Irish Relations in the Past: Representations in the Present. [Oral Presentation], Institut für Anglistik, University of Leipzig, Germany , 01-NOV-06 - 01-NOV-06. [Details]
(2006)German Department Research Lectures, UCC,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2006) Theoretical Underpinnings of Intercultural learning: An Interdisciplinary Perspective. [Oral Presentation], German Department Research Lectures, UCC, University College Cork , 01-JUN-06 - 01-JUN-06. [Details]
(2006)Herder Insitut, University of Leipzig,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2006) Trading places: Perceptions of the Other in Irish-German Relations. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Herder Insitut, University of Leipzig, University of Leipzig , 21-NOV-06 - 30-DEC-99. [Details]
(2006)Association for Third Level Teachers of Business German,
O'Reilly, Claire (2006) Managementkompetenzen von internationalen Führungskräften: Theorie und Praxis für Deutschlernende an irischen Hochschulen. [Oral Presentation], Association for Third Level Teachers of Business German, University College Cork , 01-OCT-06 - 01-OCT-06. [Details]
(2005)Exhibition Opening (invitation by Prof. Dr. I. Hudabuinigg, Chemnitz University of Technology) of multi-media Irish exhibition,
O'Reilly, Claire (2005) Culture Capitals and Introductory Overview on German-Irish Relations and Cork-Chemnitz Excursion. [Oral Presentation], Exhibition Opening (invitation by Prof. Dr. I. Hudabuinigg, Chemnitz University of Technology) of multi-media Irish exhibition, Germany , 01-DEC-05 - 01-DEC-05. [Details]
(2004)Institute for Media Communication und Intercultural Communication: Forschungsseminar,
O'Reilly, Claire & A. Porila; (2004) Interkulturelles Kommunikationstraining für das Sozialamt Chemnitz - ein Erfahrungsbericht. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Institute for Media Communication und Intercultural Communication: Forschungsseminar, Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany , 17-NOV-04 - 17-NOV-04. [Details]
(2004)Forschungskolloquium, TU Chemnitz,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2004) Expatriates and their adjustment abroad: How training can help?. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Forschungskolloquium, TU Chemnitz, Institute for Media Communication und Intercultural Communication, Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany , 19-JAN-04 - 19-JAN-05. [Details]
(2003)Guest Lecture, University of Limerick,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2003) Die Entwicklung Interkultureller Kompetenz durch Interkulturelles Training. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Guest Lecture, University of Limerick, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Limerick , 11-MAR-03 - 11-MAR-03. [Details]
(2003)Gesellschaft für Angewandte Linguistik (GAL Konferenz), University of Tübingen,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2003) Intercultural Training for German expatriates in Ireland: Considerations of theory and practice. [Conference Organising Committee Chairperson], Gesellschaft für Angewandte Linguistik (GAL Konferenz), University of Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Germany , 25-SEP-03 - 27-SEP-03. [Details]
(2002)Invited Workshop, University of Applied Sciences, Aargau,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2002) A History of the Troubles of Northern Ireland: From the Past to the Present. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Invited Workshop, University of Applied Sciences, Aargau, University of Applied Sciences Aargau, Switzerland , 17-JUN-02 - 19-JUN-02. [Details]
(2000)Forschungskolloquium, Department for Social and Organisational Psychology, University of Regensburg,
O'Reilly, Claire; (2000) German Expatriates and their Spouses on Assignment in Ireland: The Development of Training and Relocation Support to aid Adjustment both in Work and Non-Work Environments. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Forschungskolloquium, Department for Social and Organisational Psychology, University of Regensburg, University of Regensburg, Department for Social and Organisational Psychology , 25-JUL-00 - 25-JUL-00. [Details]
(1998)ABC Conference of Languages in Business, Helsinki, Finland,
O'Reilly, Claire; (1998) A Study of German Expatriates in Ireland and their Training Preferences. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], ABC Conference of Languages in Business, Helsinki, Finland, Helsinki, Finland , 12-MAY-98 - 15-MAY-98. [Details]

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
Centre for Irish-German Studies, University of Limerick External Member02-OCT-06 /
Epistolatory Research Network Member01-JAN-22 /
IRAAL Member01-NOV-18 /
Business German in Ireland working group (since 2005) Member01-SEP-05 /
Conference of University Teachers of German in Great Britain and Ireland (CUTG) Member01-MAY-09 /
Society of Intercultural Education, Training and Research, Ireland and European Branch Member04-DEC-14 /
German Studies Association of Ireland Member04-DEC-14 /
British Sociological Association Study Group on Auto/Biography Member18-FEB-15 / 01-NOV-19

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
SLLC School Research Committee Member2019 /
Academic Council UCC (elected) Member2015 / 2018
Co-Chair, German Studies Association of Ireland Co-Chair2014 / 2016
Research Officer, Department of German Report of Research Quality Review for External Assessment2014 / 2015
Member, School Executive and Management Committee Member2014 / 2015
Member of SIETAR Ireland and SIETAR Europe Member2014 / 2015
Executive Committee, SIETAR Ireland (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research) (2011) Executive Committee/
MA Languages and Cultures Board of Studies Member2014 / 2015
Member School Income Generation Committee Member2014 / 2015
Academic Coordinator, BComm International (German) Board of Studies (since 2005) Department of German Academic Coordinator/
Chair, German Department Graduate Studies Committee (2010-2012) Chair and Committee Member/
SIETAR Ireland (2010-2011) Organising Committee Member2010 / 2011
Chair and Member, School Languages Literatures and Culture, Teaching and Learning Committee (2010-2011) Chair and Committee Member2010 / 2011
Member, CACSSS Research Committee (elected) (2010-2011) Committee Member/
Member, Languages and Cultures Studies (LCS) Board of Studies (2010-2011) Department of German LCS Representative/
Member, Business German in Ireland Third Level Working Group (BuGI, since 2006), overall Coordinator of national third level, Business German competition sponsored by the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce (2011) Placements Coordinator and Member of PR Committee/
Member, CACSSS Graduate Studies Committee (elected) (June 2006-2010, 2011-2012) Member/

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Department of German, UCC College Lecturer (Above the Bar)28-SEP-08 /
Department of German, UCC Senior Lecturer (2005-2008) and Acting Head of Department (2006)01-SEP-05 / 01-SEP-08
Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz Juniorprofessorin für Interkulturelles Training und internationale Beziehungen01-OCT-02 / 01-SEP-05
University of Limerick Lecturer in German01-SEP-01 / 01-FEB-02

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2011University College Cork Postgraduate Diploma Teaching & Learning in Higher EducationTeaching and Learning
2002Department of Social and Organisational Psychology, University of Regensburg Postdoctorate, subject field "Austauschforschung"
2001University of Limerick (in collaboration with the University of Regensburg) PhD-
1995University of Limerick BA (Hons)Law & European Studies

Languages

 LanguageReadingWritingSpeaking
German FluentFluentFluent
Spanish FunctionalBasicFunctional
French FunctionalBasicBasic

Outreach Activities

 Description

July 2014: Visit to the University of Regensburg and the University of Passau to establish new Erasmus + Partners

November 2013: CK101 Workshop "Language and (Inter)cultural Learning for students from  Colaiste Stiofan Naofa and The School of Commerce, November 6, 2013

December 2 2013: Guest of University of Leipzig Dies Academicus, and International DAAD Alumni Treffen, University of Leipzig

October 2013: DeutschMobil: Organisation and Coordination of PR Event at UCC's Open Day, in conjunction with the German Embassy

April 2011: BComm International (German): On-site visits to German and Austrian Companies in Germany and Austria, April 2011. Annual internship opportunities set up for BComm International (German) students (subject to company placement procedures) at Infineon, Klagenfurt and Jenoptik, Jena.

October 2011: Visit to Colaiste Choilm, Ballincollig (with Ms Siobhan Mortell). Talk to 200 transition and final year student on studying German at UCC and career opportunities with German at home and abroad

Foreign Language Assistantship Coordinator with Department of Education (2006-2011)

March 2010: MLSPI Modern Languages in Schools Programme visit to Scoil Bhride Crosshaven (with G. Hofmann)



Organisation of school visits (Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh Girls, Bishopstown, and Scoil Mhuire Lourdes Boys, Carrigaline) to German Department, UCC with their teacher Renata Plaice, December, 2009. Activities included music, presentations and discussions with the pupils in English and German on the theme of Christmas in Germany, Department of German.

Other Activities

 Description

Interviewed for documentary on Irish-German Relations, Magamedia, 31.10.2013

Radio Interview, "Multicultural Cork", Interview on multiculturalism and stereotyping, 93.1 Life FM, broadcast, May 3, 2012.

Interviewed by Enterprise Ireland for article "When in...Germany", published: Redmond, Lucille (Aug-Sept. 2011) The Market: Enterprise Ireland, Dublin, p.52.

Interviewed for publication on intercultural communication: "Ohne Ausrutscher aufs internationale Parkett. Das Erkennen der eigenen kulturellen Besonderheiten gehört zur Vorbereitung. 2/2004. In: Rhenus Magazin, pp. 18-19

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

All my teaching is research-led and connected to learning outside and beyond the classroom. 
The following areas summarise my current teaching interests:
- German-Irish Relations and German-Irish biographies.
Classes reflect the development of Irish-German relations from the 8th century including the middle ages, spanning the World Wars, and including recent diplomatic interaction. Notable travel writers are also featured. Students are encouraged to research and present on topics that will benefit them personally and professionally. In March 2020 students attending this course were invited to attend a Symposium I organised around this topic entitled “Lives and Legacies: Lesser-Known Figures in Irish-German Relations" (
keynote addresses were delivered by Prof Gisela Holfter (UL) and Clodagh Finn, author of "A Time to Risk All", a biography of Mary Elmes).
In 2020-2023, in another module GE2131 (and in collaboration with the Goethe Institute Dublin), BComm International (German) students had the opportunity to work with a German company and develop a new business idea. In 2021, students in GE2131 won first and second prizes for their Business German projects competing against students in other third level institutions across Ireland.

- Pre-departure Curriculum on Study Abroad. Since 2005 I have designed and delivered preparatory courses, integrating best practice in study abroad, for students before they embark on their studies in Year 3. Students are prepared for cultural, linguistic and academic adjustment of studying abroad and the many life-changes that the year entails. The aim is to empower students to become purposeful and intentional learners and develop a personal roadmap for their year abroad goals. This course draws on studies in intercultural communication, cross-cultural psychology, year abroad studies, language role-plays, reflective writing and goal setting strategies from educational psychology to achieve its overall aim.

- Newer technologies in the classroom: Designing a new module in 2020 for students unable to travel abroad, a new module aimed to bring authentic intercultural interaction scenarios into the classroom via newer technologies in the classroom, namely via the concept of Virtual Exchange. The module, currently in its fourth iteration, adopts a novel approach of integrating life writing and biography exchange 
with peers who are currently studying at universities in Germany. UNIC has recently included my practice in their 2023 report. See Tan, Astrid Edith; Schiffmann, Laura; Salden, Peter: UNIC handbook on physical and virtual mobility. Teaching and learning in intercultural settings, 2nd revised and supplemented edition
Bochum : Ruhr-Universität 2023, 98pps. 
A teaching project currently in development involves a collaboration with the 
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Professor Anja Ballis) the University of Nottingham (Dr Gary Wills) in the area of using emerging technologies to teach the Holocaust and reflecting on such difficult periods of history for addressing societal challenges today.

In the past I have also taught on 
- German Management and Human Resource Issues in German;
German Film (Final year Module);
- First year German Literature;
- Second and Final year Language (Discussion and Essay writing), and
- German-English Translation courses.

At postgraduate level I have taught Intercultural Communication, Academic Writing for Postgraduates, and Research Methods, coordinating the research module for the MA in German Studies from 2009-2012.

MA Thesis Supervision
 2014: Anouchka Eichmann, “Staying or leaving? A cross national study of the cultural and socio-economic factors influencing the mobility of repatriates in France, Ireland and Poland” (MITRA student, co-supervised with Dr Marcelina Zuber, University of University in Wrocław, Poland).
 2014: Dana Saltykova, “Intercultural Training and Cross-Cultural Adaptation: Lived Experiences of Expatriates” (MITRA student, co-supervised with Dr Marcelina Zuber, University of University in Wrocław, Poland).
 2010: Siobhan Horan, “How Valid is it to Speak of an Irish-German Palatine Identity?” MA in German Studies.
 2009: Jennifer Holt, “Evaluation MA Intercultural Communication Between the Military and NGHOs: An Approach to the use of culture standards for intercultural training”, MA in German Studies.

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Department of German

Gearmáinis

First Floor, O' Rahilly Building, UCC

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