Greece History and Culture
Ancient to Modern
Overview
The programme is designed to give you a detailed overview of the major political, social,
economic and religious history of Greece from 3000 BC to the Present. It is located on the
Greek mainland and on Crete. We visit no fewer than five Bronze Age palaces, major
Archaic and Classical religious centres at Delphi, Eleusis, Epidauros and on the Akropolis,
the ancient capitals of Macedonia. Byzantine Greece is well represented in Chalkis,
Thessaloniki and the late site of Mystra. Venetian fortresses and a variety of other sites
(Nemea, Sparta, Thermopylae, Gortyna, etc) round out the programme. There are a host of
museums with iconic exhibits covering every period from the early Bronze Age to modern
times.
Dates
Wednesday 13th May to Monday 8th June 2024, ending just after breakfast.
Rest days
The programme is a busy and intense educational experience, but I have tried to give time to
rest, study and enjoy some free days strategically. The day of arrival, 13th May, is allocated
to rest except for the welcome dinner. There are free afternoons on 18th and 26th May and
free days on 19th May and 2nd June. Study days for the paper and finals are on 6th and 7th
June with a farewell dinner on 7th. Evenings are free throughout the courses and usually a
period in the middle of the day.
Overnight locations
Athens, Crete, the Peloponnese (Napflion and Mystra), Chalkis, Delphi and Thessaloniki.
Courses
Ancient Greece: Covering the History and Culture of the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic
Periods (3000-30 BC). Assessment by discussion grade, midterm essay, two final essays and
a site paper.
Greece from the Romans to the Present: Covering the History and Culture of Roman and
Byzantine Greece from 146 BC to the Present, including Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and the
modern independent Greek state. Assessment by midterm essay, two final essays and a travel
journal.
Cost
TBA
Deposit and Final Payment
A nonrefundable deposit of $500 or the equivalent rounded up to the nearest currency unit is
due on 10th January. The Final payment is due on 15th March. The early date is necessary to
secure the hotel rooms.
Housing
We stay in three and occasionally four-star hotels. Students will share a room with one
roommate.
Food
Breakfast is included in hotel stays and can be included at some dorms. The food allowance
for the rest of the day is €25. I usually provide a list of recommended bakeries, cafes and
restaurants in major locations, but you are free to eat where you choose. There are several
group meals which are included in the programme cost. I disburse food allowances weekly at
the beginning of the week. You will sign a form to acknowledge receipt at the time of
disbursement.
Conduct
I expect hard work and engagement with the academic work. This is first and foremost an
educational venture, not in any way a holiday. When difficulties arise or fatigue sets in
towards the end of the programme, let fortitude be your watchword. A harmonious, positive
attitude is vital for the successful completion of the academic work and for a good personal
and working environment for the group. You must be considerate and respectful of your
colleagues and of my assistant and myself. I will not tolerate bullying or disparagement in
any form. Disruptive or drunken students will be expelled from the course immediately and
without credit or recompense as will those who endanger the programme or bring it into
disrepute. There will be time for rest and leisure as well as work though. Greece is a
beautiful and friendly country with a fascinating history. Work hard, rest well and take home
memories for a life-time.
