Summer Program

Field Archaeology I

(July 2021) This course focuses on archaeological field and laboratory methods through readings, lectures, and mainly hands-on experiences (dig simulator) and the data these practices generate. The course will cover the essential field methods employed in archaeological survey (ground, aerial, geophysical), excavation, restoration/conservation. This will include the fundamentals of documentation including note taking, drawing, photography, and map-making.

Landscape Drawing & Painting (offered as actual and virtual course)

(July 2021) Landscape drawing and painting, integrating architectural and natural settings, aims to inspire students from the unique amalgam of culture and nature in Greece. The rich architectural history of Greece comprises a great variety of architectural orders, forms, styles, material and techniques from antiquity to modernity, from prehistoric times and the classical age, the later antiquity of the Roman and Byzantine periods to the medieval centuries of Venetian, Frankish, Ottoman conquest, and the recent Neoclassical Greek tradition.

Ancient Greek Art and Archaeology (offered as actual and virtual course)

(July 2021) This online course is a general introduction to the art and archaeology of ancient Greece from Prehistoric to Hellenistic times, including prehistoric Aegean civilizations (Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece), Early, Archaic and Classical Greece, and the Hellenistic world. We will survey Greek architecture (temple, secular, funerary), sculpture, vase painting, monumental painting, metalwork, and minor arts of these periods, both on mainland Greece and in the Greek colonies (Asia Minor, Pontus, Cyprus, Syria/Levant, Egypt, S. Italy and Sicily).

Ancient Greek Tragedy: Antigone by Sophocles - text, context, and performance (offered as actual and virtual course)

(July 2021) This course attempts an innovative, holistic and interdisciplinary approach to ancient Greek literature by integrating classics, archaeology, and theatrical studies. The students will be initiated to the dramatic plot of "Antigone", the famous dramatic play of Sophocles, through textual analysis (from translation), contextual synthesis of the particular historical/political circumstances and the archaeological/architectural setting of the play (ancient Greek theater, Dionysia festival), and ultimately through the unique experience of staging and performing (as actors or members

Introduction to Comparative Archaeology: Mycenae and the Shang Dynasty

(July 2021) This course explores the theories and approaches used in comparative archaeology since the 18th century until today. It looks at the origins of theory from early anthropologists and its harsh critics, the contributions of early antiquarians and geologists, as well as the works of modern comparison of Early Complex Societies and their impact on the field. The renewed interest in comparisons between Western societies and China remain mostly historical in tone. How has this influenced the field?

Legends and Archaeology of Early Complex Bronze Age Polities

(July 2021) This course explores the relationship between legends and myths and archaeological evidence through reviews of the core evidence and methods used in archaeological and historical studies used to link myths to archaeological data. It will cover the theoretical and methodological  from the 18th century and the influence of social context and cultural importance of archaeological discovery. The archaeological and historical evidence led to the conclusive identification of prehistoric archaeological cultures of China as the legendary Shang dynasty.

Information Science

(July 2021) This course examines the vast and varied field of information science through readings, lectures, and hands on activities, and introduces archaeologists to the application of its theories and methods using both U.S. and International Standards.  Students will be exposed to a variety of topics related to information and data.  Through hands on activities using real information and situations, they will develop skills which are highly valued in the professional world.

Intensive Modern Greek I

(July 2021) This is an accelerated, intensive, specialized and targeted course, aiming at preparing entering students for the semester abroad program at the American Center for Archaeology at Mycenae, Greece. The goals are to prepare students to communicate in Modern Greek at a basic level while living and studying in Greece and to enhance their experience with the local people and culture.

Archaeological Field Trips

(July 2021) This is a unique course taught on-site during faculty-led weekend field trips to various archaeological sites, historical landscapes and museums in Greece. This course aims to familiarize the students with key ancient cities, monuments, masterpieces of art, and the history of ancient Greece. Field trips may include Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Pylos, Corinth, Tiryns, Nafplio, Argos, Epidaurus, Sparta-Mystras, Monemvasia, Hydra-Spetses).