Summer Programs in Greece
Myth & The Art of Storytelling: Reading and Writing in Greece
- Read and discuss a diverse selection of contemporary fiction and poetry (written in English) alongside some of the Greek myths that inspired these modern authors.
- Visit ancient sites and modern landmarks in an itinerary drawn from the pages of the course readings.
- After reading, discussion, traveling, and journal writing, focus on your own writing craft in a week-long creative writing workshop on the beautiful island of Aegina. View complete syllabus.
Program
Enjoy a literary odyssey, reading literature inspired by Greek myth and history while traveling through those fabled landscapes. The first part of the course will focus on the different ways contemporary authors (in English) draw from Greek myths and epics—through seminar discussions and field trips in Athens as well scheduled excursions to Marathon, Mycenae, Sparta, Delphi, Thessaloniki, and more. Then take a week to focus on your own writing, in a creative writing workshop in residence at a beautiful 19th century villa on the island of Aegina.
The course is intended for enthusiastic readers, and the first three weeks focus on literature. For the workshop component of the last week, students will ideally have an interest in the craft of writing as well. Beginners are welcome (and encouraged), and experienced writers can expect a high level of critique and discourse.
Course Structure
The program will begin in Athens, where we'll immerse ourselves in myths and mythic figures - from the gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon to iconic historical figures such as Aeschylus, Aristotle and Alexander the Great - that continue to shape the way we think about love, war, family, sacrifice, politics, friendship, place, honor, even storytelling itself. Then we’ll start looking at the way those stories and those people (real or imagined) have been reconsidered in current literature. We’ll meet inside the classroom but also at points of interest around the city suggested by our reading (including museums, archaeological sites and monuments).
We'll also take longer journeys, through the terrains of the stories and novels we're reading, to the battleground of Marathon in Attica, the archaeological sites of Corinth, Mycenae, and Sparta in the Peloponnese, the home of the oracle at Delphi, and the vibrant city of Thessaloniki, among others.
Then we'll ferry to Aegina, an island in the Saronic Gulf, to take up residence in a beautiful 19th century villa for a week long writing retreat and workshop. Students will exchange work and discuss their pieces in a thoughtful and supportive environment, with short readings, conversations about craft, writing exercises, and time and space to create new work. The workshop will be designed to accommodate writers at all stages; experienced writers are invited to bring up to 15 pages of prose (or 3 poems) in advance, and beginners will have a chance to experiment after a few weeks in the birthplace of the muses!
Credits
You will earn 3 credits for this summer term.
Housing
You will stay in student apartments in Athens, shared hotel rooms while on the road and a beautiful 19th century villa on the island of Aegina for the writing workshop.
Dates
Summer term: Late-May to July
Admission Requirements
GPA Requirements: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
You must be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation. You need to submit a complete application including a transcript, letter of recommendation and an advisor's form before your application will be considered.
Application Deadline
Questions?
For more information about this summer program, please contact your Program Manager, Chris Callas, at callasc@arcadia.edu.