Programs
Greek Studies on Site is a center for the study of Classical literature, philosophy, and culture. It offers 2- and 3-week intensive summer programs as well as shorter winter programs. All programs are open to students of Classics, Philosophy, History, and related disciplines, as well as adult learners with an interest in Ancient Greek culture. Summer programs meet for 3 hours of instruction, 6 days a week. Winter programs meet daily for 6 hours of instruction. Courses are taught by Ph.D.s in Classics and Philosophy. Field study includes visits to all the major archaeological sites and museums, as well as daytrips to Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi, or the island of Aegina. There are also optional activities, such as traditional dance classes and local hikes.
Summer Programs
Greek History: A Survey
June 8-24, 2020
This seminar surveys Greek history from the Persian Wars, through the prolonged crisis of the Peloponnesian War, all the way to the rise of Macedon and the transition to the Hellenistic era.
We will read Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenophon, visit battle sites such as Marathon, Thermopylae, and Plataea, and eventually move to Northern Greece. In Macedon, we will read essays on Alexander the Great, and visit major Macedonian sites.
View the complete syllabus.
Ancient Greek Mythology
June 28-July 19, 2020
Read some of the most important mythological narratives while immersed in their material and social context.
This class surveys the central stories, gods, and heroes of Greek myth. We will study a variety of ancient literary and mythographical sources and interpret them in their cultural context. Many of the readings relate directly to the sites that we will visit.
View the complete syllabus.
Ancient Greek Philosophy in Context
June 28-July 19, 2020
Walk in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics!
This course introduces students to the foundational texts of Western philosophy and to the socio-political contexts in which they were written. Through visits to archeological sites and museums, students will have the rare opportunity to take a contextual approach to the study of philosophy.
View the complete syllabus.
Illinois-in-Athens Program
Crisis and Transformation
May 17-31, 2020
This seminar is only open to students of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
How do Athenians deal with change? This is a question about how Athenians live their lives on a day to day basis and also a question about how Athenians create culture. This curated educational tour in lesser-known neighborhoods of Athens offers students a journey of exploration into stories about art and creativity at one of the world’s most culturally dynamic and diverse cities.
Custom Seminars
Custom Seminars
Are you a teacher interested in bringing your students to Greece? Are you a group of students interested in the Classical world?Greek Studies on Site offers custom seminars for groups of travelers, which may be organized year-round.
In the past, we have designed courses on Homer, Greek Drama, Athenian Democracy, Symposia, and Animals in Antiquity.
Contact us to design a seminar that meets your needs.