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Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Study Abroad, Turkey

2008-09 Study abroad program, Turkey

Turkey: Where East Meets West

Fall Semester 2008

Leader: Jim Block & Ted Thornton
Tentative Dates: November 2008

Program:
This seminar will explore one of the most ancient lands, Turkey, the crossroads of civilization, where East meets West. Since antiquity the land that is now Turkey has hosted merchants and marauders from Homer’s Greeks to Genghis Khan, the crusaders of Europe to the silk and spice traders of China and India. In our 2 ½-week sojourn, we’ll explore the wonders of ancient and modern Turkey, from Troy to Ephesus. We'll walk the paths walked on by St. Paul, Alexander the Great, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Ataturk. To these add the mosques of the great Sinan, the Aya Sophia of Justinian, the Harem of the Ottomans, the delights of the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Bazaar. All in all, an unbelievable experience!

Academic Program:
The literature used in this course will focus on the Middle East, from Homer’s Iliad to the works of Orhan Pamuk, and will include novels, short stories, and poetry. Writing assignments will include both critical analyses and personal narratives; students will be required to keep both a reading journal and a travel journal.

The Turkey Senior Seminar will be paired with the interdisciplinary Islamic Middle East (REL/HIS 2: ½ credit in religious studies and ½ credit in history). This course is an introduction to the Middle East that includes discussions of history, politics, culture, language, art and architecture, and literature in the context of the area’s chief religion, Islam. Emphasis on the region’s confrontation with the West in the modern period, including the Arab-Israeli conflict and Islamic revivalism. Emphasis will be on the role of Turkey in the modern period, including its relationship with Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Other major topics include the historic role of Turkey as an ancient crossroads, the role of Islam in contemporary Turkish life, and the role and influence of Ataturk on modern Turkey. Many see Turkey developing into a model Muslim nation, capable of accommodating both a traditional Islamic life and a modern secular one. Few, if any, nations can make that claim.
Students and their leaders will also engage in the formal study of the Turkish language using the Rosetta Stone language-learning software to prepare themselves for a richer experience in Turkey.

Credits:
Senior Seminar in Turkey will earn three credits: one credit in English, one credit for Islamic Middle East (REL/HIS2: ½ history, ½ religious studies), ½ credit for Turkish language study, and ½ credit of the student’s choice from a menu of options. Students may take this seminar instead of or in addition to any senior English course.

Application:
The application form is available in Student Announcements on SWIS*, or at the Center for International Education in Beveridge Hall, Room 030, or x3251. The completed application including all supporting materials and the $300 application fee is due in the Center for International Education on Monday, March 31, 2008. No late applications will be accepted.

*Student Announcements --> International Education --> Study Abroad ’08-‘09 --> Application

Fee:
In addition to the regular cost of tuition, room, and board, students pay a program fee of $1850.00 plus airfare and other major transportation costs. NMH partially subsidizes its study abroad programs in order to keep costs affordable for families. Very limited need-based financial aid may be available but is not guaranteed.

 

What former students have to say about NMH Study Abroad in Turkey:

Turkey is a fascinating place to see and explore..

In Turkey everyone is friendly and helpful.

It made me think about my place as a woman in the world... I view a Muslim nation in a different way... more benevolent and understanding people than I initially did.

What I learned in Turkey can’t be taught in the classroom.

See you in Istanbul!

 

 

NMH Study Abroad: TURKEY
Sample Itinerary*

*This itinerary is only a sample taken from previous NMH study abroad programs to Turkey, and is to be used for promotional purposes only. The actual itinerary for 2008-09 may vary significantly from this.

Day 1:
 Arrive Istanbul
Orientation

Days 2-5:
 Istanbul:
Blue Mosque
Aghia Sophia
Topkapi Palace& Harem
Whirling Dervish show
School visit

Day 6:
Bus to Gallipoli from Istanbul

Day 7:
Gallipoli World War I battle site tour

Day 8- 9
Homer’s Troy tour
Pergamum Hellenistic Greek city tour
bus to Kusadasi, seacoast resort

Day 10:
Ephesus, ancient Greek site tour

Day 11:
Dydima –Miletos and Priene tour
bus to Fethiye or Cappadocia

Day 12-13:
Boat tour or Cappadocia region tour

Day 14:
bus back to Istanbul

Day 15-16
Istanbul
Mosques & Museums
Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Day 17:
Return to NMH