Greece

May 2027

In Search of Tragic Meaning field school, a three-week experiential learning opportunity invites students to travel through Greece and explore the myths, landscapes and cultural traditions that shaped some of the world’s most influential works of theatre and literature.

Students will journey through ancient and contemporary Greek communities, visiting archaeological sites, museums, theatres and locations connected to the myths and stories explored in Greek tragedies by Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus. Through readings, discussions and site-based learning, students will engage with the enduring questions raised by Greek tragedy and examine their continued relevance in the modern world.

Cost
  • Up to $7500
Credits
  • 6 credits:
    • ENG 230 (3 credits) – Selected Topics in Literature: To Greece In Search Of Tragic Meaning
    • HIS 205 (3 credits) – Travels In Time: To Greece In Search Of Tragic Meaning
Application deadline
Information sessions
  • September and October
  • Stay tuned for dates and details
Description

This field school uses the landscapes and cultural heritage of Greece as a foundation for exploring some of humanity’s most enduring questions about identity, justice, responsibility, conflict, fate and meaning. Students will study nine fifth-century BCE tragedies by Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus while visiting archaeological sites, museums and locations connected to the myths and stories that inspired these works.

Through experiential learning, students will read and discuss Greek tragedies in the places where their mythological worlds were imagined, including theatres, temples, ancient cities and sacred landscapes. The program will explore how Greek drama emerged within specific historical, cultural and political contexts and how these ancient works continue to influence contemporary literature, theatre, philosophy and society.

Students will travel through Greece, exploring locations including Thebes, Delphi, Nafplio, Salamis and Athens while engaging with archaeological treasures such as Mycenae, Epidaurus, Ancient Corinth, Eleusis and the Acropolis. By connecting classical texts with the physical landscapes that shaped them, students will develop a deeper understanding of Greek culture and reflect on the continuing search for meaning in human experience.

Contact istudyabroad@nic.bc.ca for application details.