Chiseling God: History, Culture and Divinity in Ancient Greece

This course is closed for the Winter 2013 term.

UMAIE Course Number:  T3904
SAU Course Equivalency:  +THEO 360, Advanced Topics in Theology (four credits)
Instructor: Dr. Micah Kiel, Assistant Professor of Theology, St. Ambrose University
Prerequisites:  One 100-level Theology course
Tentative Dates:  December 29, 2012 - January 19, 2013. SAU Spring semester begins January 16.
Location:  Greece (Athens, Crete, Delphi, Corinth, Meteora and Napflion)
Price:  $4,895-$5,195 (tentative)

Program description

Why do people believe what they do about God? How does culture and context influence how God is understood? Close contact with and examination of ancient sites and artifacts bring such questions info profile and press individuals for self-reflection on his or her own beliefs. 

Ancient Greece provides the perfect opportunity to explore such questions. The beauty and depth of their religion in all of its expressions - artistic, architectural, literary, and geographical - demonstrates concretely the connection between understanding of God and historical context. For example, the Acropolis and its temples demonstrate the nexus of politics, religion and power. One cannot fully appreciate these connections, however, until one stands in its shadow, in awe of its sheer size, understanding the ingenuity of its creators and the background of the religion it puts forward.

All of this will be wrapped in an experience of Modern Greece, with its spectacular scenery, great food, warm hospitality, along with a healthy dose of chaos. 

What is included

• Round-trip airfare from Moline, Chicago or Minneapolis
• Airport transfers
• Visas (if applicable)
• Transportation to most course activities while abroad
• Lodging
• Continental breakfast daily (exceptions may apply)
• Other meals (as indicated on course syllabus)
• Entrance fees for required course activities
• Planned excursions
• Administrative costs
• International health insurance
• When rail passes or entrance fees are included, they are based on the utilization of youth rates (25 years or younger) and a valid university ID will be required to be shown at the entrance. Any additional amount incurred will be the participant's responsibility

What is not included

• Passport fees
• Transportation to/from airport
• Fees for textbooks and materials
• Meals (when not included in program fees)
• Personal baggage fees

How to apply

Priority Deadline: April 13, 2012
Complete the online study abroad application and submit a $500 application deposit to the Center for International Education (300 Ambrose Hall).

Applications will be accepted until October 1.
Students that apply after the April 13 Priority Deadline may find that their desired program is full.

• Follow the application instructions carefully.
• Applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been received.
• Make checks payable to Seminars International.
• The $500 application deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
• If you are not accepted into the program, or if the program is cancelled, the application deposit is refundable.
• If you are accepted, the application deposit is non-refundable after September 17.

Payment deadlines

• November 5, 2012:  remaining balance due

Payment details

• Failure to meet payment deadlines may jeopardize your place in the program.
• Please submit your final payment to Student Account Services by November 5.
• The final payment is non-refundable after November 5.