Program Description
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In Ancient Greece, the notion of excellence (arête) was tied with the notion of fulfillment of purpose or function, of living up to one's full potential, of “being the best it is possible to be." The Greeks pursued excellence in almost every aspect of their lives: in their art and architecture, in their role as citizens, in public speaking, in their physical and mental development, and in their moral education. This summer program will examine the ideals that the Greeks aimed at in their pursuit of excellence. Our readings will be drawn from the great classics -- poets such as Homer and Hesiod, tragedians such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, historians such as Herodotus and Thucydides, and philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle – as well as contemporary essays and commentaries. Daily visits during our 24 nights in Greece to museums and historic sites throughout Southern and Central Greece, as well as two Greek islands, will be used illustrate what we learn throughout the course.
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Completing the summer program will earn you 3 college credits.
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There are no college course prerequisites for enrollment.
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Some of the places we will visit
Nafplio, Palamidi fortress, Nemea, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Hydra island, Nestor's Palace, Voidokilia, Castle of Pylos, Castle of Methoni, Olympia, Zakynthos sea caves and Navagio beach, Osios Loukas, Delphi, Meteora monasteries, Thermopylae, Amphiareion of Oropos, Ramnous, Marathon, Sounion, Vravrona, Athens Agora, Acropolis of Athens
Who can apply?
ANY student is welcome to join us (credits are easily transferable to other institutions), as well as FIT alumni, though priority will be given to currently enrolled FIT/SUNY students.
If you are a non-FIT/SUNY student who would like to apply, please email me by clicking on CONTACT above.
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For FIT/SUNY students:
FIT students must fulfill General Education requirements in order to receive a bachelor’s degree. To complete these requirements, you must take 30 credits of General Education courses. This distribution is as follows:
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(3 courses) You must take one course in each of the following three areas (total 9 credits): Basic Communications (G1), Mathematics (G2), and Natural Science (G3).
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(4 courses) You must take four courses from four different areas (total 12 credits) in: Social Sciences (G4), Western Civilization (G5), The Arts (G6), Humanities (G7), Foreign Language (G8), Other World Civilizations (G9), and American History (G10).
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(3 courses) You must take three additional courses (total 9 credits) in any of the above ten areas.
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This summer study course can count toward fulfilling your Humanities (G7) requirement.
If you are graduating in spring 2018, you can still take the class for credit, and walk the floor with your class in May. You would receive your diploma in August.
Financial Aid may be available to students, but the most common form available is loans. Because each student's situation is unique, it's best to visit Financial Aid Services (A212-A) to discuss your options. The FIT Study Abroad Office also has a page funding opportunities: Scholarships & Financial Aid. They will be happy to address any questions you may have. Visit Rom B119.