If you have questions about this program, email the program leader listed below.

Modern Odyssey to Ancient Greece

Program Details

The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be answered by the program leader listed below.

Program Type Departmental
Program Location Athens, Iraklio, Olympia, Delphi, Sparta, Nafplio, Greece
Course # SA 11003
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2025 05/11/25 to 05/30/25

Program Leader

Name Katherine Jarriel
Email kjarriel@purdue.edu
Click here to enroll in this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Program Description

Modern Odyssey to Ancient Greece - Maymester 2025

Dates: May 11-30, 2025

Led by: Dr. Katie Jarriel
Email: kjarriel@purdue.edu
Call outs: September 18 | 5:30-6:30 PM | HCRN 1145; October 14 | 5-6 PM | HCRN 1143
Est. cost: $6,100

Come explore ancient Greece! In this three-week Maymester course, you will climb the steps of the Parthenon, wander the labyrinth at Knossos, and visit the oracle of Delphi. By learning about the history and mythology of ancient place you will examine how we reconstruct the past and how heritage issues affect the present day. You will experiment will the digital reconstruction of ancient sites. You will also discuss the legacy of ancient Greece, questioning why people have tended to privilege certain aspects of history that ignore the identities of marginalized people, such as women, slaves, and foreigners. At the end of this course, you will understand why heritage is important in modern politics and cultural identity.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two steps to applying to this program:

1. Complete the application via Purdue's study abroad website.
2. Complete this Qualtrics form.

10/17/24 Update: Spots are still available! Admission to the program will be on a rolling basis.

ITINERARY

May 11-15     ATHENS - Day trip to Marathon
May 16-20   CRETE - Knossos, Chania
May 21-23   MAINLAND TOUR - Delphi, Olympia
May 24-28   NAFPLIO - Day trips to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Corinth
May 29-30   ATHENS - Day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio

***If you have questions or would like more information, don't hesitate to email Dr. Katie Jarriel (kjarriel@purdue.edu)!***

 


Academic Credit

 Students in this program will enroll in 6 academic credits, divided over two courses.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Across Differences: Whose Greece? Issues of Cultural Heritage – 3 CR

Who owns the past? In this course, students will evaluate tensions between national and global claims to Greek heritage and material culture. Students will visit archaeological sites and museums, and they will learn about learn about traditional Greek cultural practices through hands-on experiences, such as sustainable farming, Greek dancing lessons, theater performance, and pottery-making. Topics covered include the expatriation of archaeological artifacts and the threats of overtourism and environmental instability on heritage sites. At the end of this course, students will be able to compare Greek cultural practices and heritage concerns with their own personal experiences. This course fulfills the Human Cultures: Humanities requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

Envisioning Ancient Greece – 3 CR

Reconstructions of ancient sites offer a glimpse of life in the past. In this course, students will investigate methods for presenting heritage sites to the public using examples of Greek archaeology, from the short-sighted “reconstruction” of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans at the turn of the 20th century to the virtual recreation of classical Greece in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey. Students will visit a wide range of archaeological sites, conduct on-site experiments using different preservation tools, and process and discuss the results. At the end of this course, students will be able to compare the pros and cons of various heritage tools, consider ethical responsibilities toward public education, and critique the ways in which conservationists prioritize historical narratives.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this course, students must have a 3.3 cumulative GPA, or instructor approval.

Admission to this program will be based on an application (see Program Overview). Criteria include meeting the minimum GPA requirements and a brief personal statement describing your interest in this course and how it will benefit your long-term goals.

All students participating in a departmental program will complete a pre and post assessment as part of program completion.

Program Cost

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Currently, the estimated program cost is $6,100. 

This price is subject to change, and will vary depending on the number of students enrolled.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Options for financial assistance will be discussed at the program callout. There are some opportunities for JMHC financial assistance.

For a full list of university scholarships for Study Abroad, see the Purdue Study Abroad website.

Application Deadline

(See Program Overview for details on how to apply.) 10/17/24 Update: Spots are still available! Admission to the program will be on a rolling basis.



Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.