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- Athens, Greece
- Dates: May 19–June 1, 2010
- Open to any U of M or non U of M freshman and above
- Resident credit, Comm 3110
- Field study
- Hotels
- No language prerequisites
- Sponsored by the Department of Communications Studies
Description
The origins of the western rhetorical tradition can be traced to ancient Greece. The physical locations for the earliest instances of democratic assemblies, formal drama, jury trials and the culture represented in Homer are still extant.
This learning abroad program will consist of a May term trip to Athens and related sites in Corinth, Delphi, Sparta, Olympia and Mycenae.
How did people first start thinking about the power of language – and how it could be misused?
The class is organized as a series of encounters with ancient texts in their setting, both physical and cultural. We will learn about the site, read the text and discuss early rhetorical theory and practice.
In Athens we’ll visit the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysus, the Agora, Plato’s Academy and the National Museum. We’ll read Homer, Plato, Thucydides, Aristophanes and others.
Additionally we will examine the role of icons in Eastern Christianity as visual rhetoric when we visit a significant Byzantine church. We’ll study Paul’s rhetorical strategies for interpreting the Christian faith to Roman audiences while standing where Paul did in ancient Corinth.
Democracy depends on rhetoric as much as voting, and we’ll go the ancient assembly grounds where Athens debated to in order to discuss their democracy and ours. In the ancient cemetery grounds we’ll consider how Pericles reframed grief as pride in the city.
We’ll travel through some beautiful countryside to a well preserved ancient theater, the site of the first Olympic games, and the ancient site of Delphi.
And there will be time for shopping, some night life, and down time on an island beach.
Excursions
There will be several excursions including Corinth, Delphi and Mycenae and the island of Hydra. Excursions within Athens include the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysus, the Agora, the ancient Assembly, Plato’s Academy and the National Museum among others.
Academic Fit with a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
With good academic planning this program can fit well into
the degree plans for many majors. Search for courses that fulfill Liberal Education
Requirements or submit a course you want to take for review.
Study Abroad
in Your Major advising sheets explain why study abroad is important for a
major, indicate what the department wants students to consider when selecting
a program, and provide academic planning hints. This program may appear as a special
recommendation on an advising sheet. If your major is not listed, talk to an adviser—this
program may still fit your academic, career, and professional goals.
Estimated Costs
The tentative program fee is $5,050 which includes tuition and registration fees, orientation and international health insurance as well as transportation and housing.
Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.
Financial
Aid & Scholarships
Most financial
aid may be applied to study abroad. In addition, University of Minnesota students
are eligible for more than $500,000 in study
abroad scholarships. Visit the financial
resources web page for additional information on using financial aid and scholarships
for study abroad.
More Information
For more information contact the program leader, Dr. John Nordin.
Last modified on November 2, 2009 |