Pausanias' Tour of Greece

What is this travel course about?

This course is an exploration of the intersection of landscape, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves and others in maintaining or creating identities for ourselves, through the particular lens of the ancient Greek writer Pausanias. Pausanias lived in the second century AD (CE), when the entire Mediterranean world and much of Europe were under Roman rule, an era referred to as the Pax Romana. He traveled extensively throughout central and southern Greece, we believe for close to three decades, chronicling the sites and stories primarily from the era when Greek civilization was vibrant, expanding, but mostly free (both timeless myths of old and historical events dating mostly to the eighth through fourth centuries BCE). Though he never explicitly says so, his work reads as that of a man who felt an older order was passing away and wanted to record as much as he could while someone still could. As we read his accounts of the places we visit, we reflect on how he constructed one version of Greek history and identity, as well as how the modern nation and people of Greece interact with the ancient past so often visible in the midst of their daily lives.

Does this course fulfill any major/minor/concentration requirements?

This course fulfills a 200-level requirement for the HIST major (either as an “early” 200-level or elective) and satisfies a 200-level elective requirement for the HIST minor. It also satisfies one of the non-language elective requirements for the CAMW concentration.

Are there prerequisites for this travel course?

No.

Where will we go?

We will spend the entirety of the course in Greece. We arrive in Athens, but then after two days to begin our quest. The major sites of significance we visit outside of Athens (whose attractions are almost too numerous to list here) are as follows: Eleusis, Corinth, Nemea, Tiryns, Mycenae, Argos, Epidaurus, Tegea, Sparta, Megalopolis, Messene, Pylos, Olympia, Patras, Delphi and Thebes. There will be visits to other sites as well, but less well-known. Our overnight stays will be in Athens, Nafplio, Sparta, Pylos, Olympia, and Delphi.

What are the dates of the travel course?

May 13 - May 30, 2024

How much is the program fee?

$5,250

What costs are covered in my program fee?

Included in the course fees are:

·       Airfare to and from Greece from our US departure airport (likely to be Washington-Dulles, but students will be responsible for their own travel to and from the US airport)

·       All hotel accommodations

·       All in-country ground transportation

·       All breakfasts (included with hotel stays)

·       All site and museum entrance fees

·       Any programmed modern cultural events (folk dancing, cooking classes, etc.)

·       At least twelve of our sixteen dinners will be group dinners covered by the course fee

What other costs should I prepare for beyond my program fee?

Students should anticipate paying for all their lunches (these can usually be had at a fairly reasonable cost in most parts of Greece, less than 10€. Lunches in Athens (a total of three) may run closer to 20€. Any incidentals such as snacks, beverages, museum visits, or entertainment/educational experiences not programmed will be the financial responsibility of the student, as would any souvenirs they elect to purchase while there.

Are there scholarships available for this travel course?

Applicable scholarships are Measure of a Maroon, Fortnightly, Cobb, and, in the case of History majors, the History May Term Award.