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Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Turkey

2007-08 Study abroad program

Spring Semester (tentative schedule and curriculum)

Leaders: To be determined

Tentative Dates:  Approximately April 10 to May 1, 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 three-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 and Alexander the Great, by Anthony and Cleopatra. 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. We'll meet modern Turkish students and stay in their homes. All in all, an exciting way to top off a career at NMH.

The program will included a study of the history, literature, politics, art, architecture, and religion of Turkey.  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, the impact of World War I, the role and influence of Ataturk, Islamic art and architecture, and ethnic Turkey.

The literature used in this course will focus on the Middle East, beginning with Homer’s Iliad and the Tales from 1001 Arabian Nights, and including Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex, Louis deBerniere's Birds Without Wings, Orhan Pamuk’s Snow, contemporary 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.

Requirements/Credits: This Senior Seminar is open to seniors by application during the spring of their junior year. Students who successfully complete the Senior Seminar in Turkey will earn three credits. Most likely the credits will be as follows: one in English, one in history, and one credit for Islamic Middle East course (½ history, ½ religion). Students may take this seminar instead of or in addition to any senior English course. Part of the final assessment for this course is a public presentation to the NMH community.