Introduction
This three-week, summer study-abroad capstone and experiential learning course has a twofold purpose: 1) give students the opportunity to visit and experience the “cradle of Western civilization;” and 2) challenge students to re-examine that “classical” perception of Greece and the Greeks in light of Greece’s other rich heritages: Greece of the Byzantine Empire, Greece during its 350-year occupation by the Ottoman Turks, and modern Greece, that is, Greece since 1821.

This course is experiential learning at its finest. A fulfilling international experience can no more be appreciated in a classroom abroad than a classroom in Iowa. Students will not be confined to a classroom in Athens and asked to imagine Greece's countless historical and natural treasures. Instead, students will travel across Greece and visit ancient archeological sites, explore Byzantine castles and monasteries, tour beautiful museums and galleries, visit the islands of Crete and Santorini, wander the streets of dozens of Greek cities, and converse with contemporary Greeks. Students will be asked to address such diverse issues as: the role of geography on Greek civilization; the impact of Islamic rule on Greek culture; the use of myth, religion, and modern political philosophy to legitimize thought and deed; the challenge of modern city planning and living amidst archeological treasures; the impact of tourism on Greek society; and how do Greeks view themselves and their past.

Prior to leaving for Greece, students will take a few hours of Modern Greek language classes. Familiarity with the Greek alphabet and basic Greek phrases is essential if one wishes to savor fully the Greek experience. While in Greece, students will attend lectures on various aspects of Greek civilization, participate in class visits to site locations, read assigned articles and books, and give two short presentations. Course evaluation will consist of 1) attendance at all lectures, 2) participation in discussions, 3) class presentations, and 4) a series of short essay exams.

Attention Non-UNI Students
If you are a student not attending UNI, or if you are not a student, please contact Professor Bruess at (319) 273-2752 or bruess@uni.edu

Required Pre-departure Course
All UNI students must register for the Greek Study Abroad Pre-Departure Course (960:186) offered during the second half of the Spring semester 2008 (Tuesdays at 3:20 p.m.)

Instructors
The instructors for the course are Gregory Bruess and Isabela Varela. Professor Bruess is an associate professor in the department of History. He is a specialist in Orthodox Christianity and Modern Greek history. Since 1982, he has traveled extensively in Greece and has studied and conducted research there. Isabela Varela, a licensed Greek tour guide, is an expert on Greek archeological sites and ancient Greek art and culture and brings twenty years of tour leading experience to this course. She holds undergraduate degrees from the College of Tour Guides, Athens, Greece, and the University of Minnesota and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. 

For more information you can e-mail or call: 
Gregory Bruess  (bruess@uni.edu); phone: 319-273-2752 
Isabela Varela (isabela.varela@uni.edu); phone: 319-273-6857