Description

This exciting summer school 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 and to explore 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.

The program will consist of everyday lectures by invited scholars, experts in the field, and of visits to sites, which will give the opportunity to the participants to experience the remains of seafaring activities on the island. The program is open to undergraduates in any field of the humanities, but MA students are also welcome to apply. In the latter case the requirements of the course will be adjusted accordingly. The participants will have full access to the library resources and facilities at the Ionian University. The program will offer 3 ECTS= 1,5 US Credits.  The cost of the program varies depending on the package you choose.

Highlights

• One all-day guided excursion to the city of Ioannina (castle, museums, etc.), and the archaeological site of Dodona.
• Visits and tours with a professional tour guide in the old town of Corfu (designated UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Visits to the Archaeological Museum of Corfu and the Old Fortress
• Day cruise to Paxi and Antipaxi (optional)

 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 be emerged 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 commerce. Such multifaceted knowledge will be implemented in other courses in Classical Civilization which the students may take at their home institution.

Assessment (for students who take this course for credit)
Seafarers in Ancient Greece

• 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: A five-six page long research paper on a topic chosen with the aid of the instructor (30%)

Note: All students will have to give one oral presentation on a scholarly article or on a site in Corfu.