Description

This two-week study abroad program focuses on various types of seafarers in ancient Greece, from pirates to sailors and colonizers. It explores their roles in mythical journeys, the colonization process and naval battles from the archaic to the Hellenistic age. Emphasis will be given to maritime religion, economy and landscape. The program will also take advantage of the location of Corfu incorporating trips to islands and locations of sea-battles, and inquiring about the role of ancient Corcyra in seafaring. Through a combination of in-class lectures and on-site teaching the students will be able to gain a deep understanding of the history of seafaring along with various aspects of the life of islanders in the ancient world. The students will also establish a good foundation in ancient Greek History, Art, and Religion.
A number of invited speakers will contribute to the program, while everyday visits to sites will give the opportunity to the participants to experience the remains of seafaring activities on the island. Although the program is open to undergraduates, MA students are also welcome to apply. The participants will be accommodated in the town of Corfu and they will have full access to the library resources and facilities at the Ionian University. The participants will have the option for extending the program by one week in order to attend intensive language classes, four-hours per day, which will be offered at all levels (introductory, intermediate and advanced). These classes will last from July 15-20. Students can also register for the language program alone. 

Fees

Fees will cover accommodation, two meals per day, transportations and tickets to museums and sites. They will also include transportation expenses for the daily trips. The participants are responsible for the airfare and personal expenses.
Two-week program: 1300 euro
One-week language program: 650 euro
Three-week program: 1900 euro

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program the students will be able to understand the significance of seafaring and to trace its development in various time periods and through different contacts. They will also have been immersed into the history of Corfu, which will serve as a case study for all types of seafaring. By studying a variety of sources the participants will cover important historical periods and they will investigate aspects of Greek life that relate to seafaring from maritime religion to economy. Such multifaceted knowledge will be implemented in other courses they will take in Classical Civilization at their home institution.

Assessment

• Participation: During class and visits (10%)
• Quizzes: There will be seven quizzes. The five highest scores will count. The quizzes will be on each day’s readings and they will include identifications and short-answer questions(20%)
• Tests: Two tests, each of which will be given at the end of every week and it will cover the material of all lectures. It will include essay questions (40%)
• Paper: An eight-page long research paper on a topic chosen with the aid of the instructor (30%)

For the language program there will be everyday quizzes along with one test on the final day.