Courses
The BCA Study Abroad program in Athens includes the following academic courses.
Required BCA Signature Courses
Democracy Then and Now: Perspectives from the Eastern Mediterranean. (3 credits)
This course examines the concept and practices of democracy from ancient times to the present, with a special focus on the Greek contribution to this critically important way of organizing human governance. The course also engages students in study of major issues related to the challenges of democracy, ranging from the European experiment with regional governance to contemporary issues of social justice, financial crises and local, national and transnational decision-making.
Deeply Divided Societies: The Cyprus Question (3 credits)
This course aims to engage students in some of the most difficult questions about peace and conflict. While students will be exposed through readings and lectures to related issues in other divided societies (e.g. Northern Ireland; Sri Lanka; and Spanish regionalism including the Basque Country) this course focuses particularly on Greek-Turkish relations with regard to the divide island of Cyprus. Students will learn of the contested history of the island and the efforts made toward building a lasting peace. Questions of territorial integrity, national identities, war and peace-making are included. As part of this course, BCA students undertake an educational excursion to the island of Cyprus to learn about the Cyprus Question from Cypriots themselves, both Greek and Turkish.
Electives
Greek Language (4 credits)
It is expected, and highly recommended, that BCA students take a 4-credit, 60-contact hour Greek language course. Exceptions can be made for students who have a demonstrated need to take two (rather than only one) elective courses and a credit-bearing independent study project.
Other Elective Courses
A range of electives are available to BCA students through our partnership with CYA. Most BCA students choose one or two electives, the successful completion of which yields 3 credits each. Courses can be chosen from a variety of disciplines and interdisciplinary themes, including: Ancient Greek Studies, European and East Mediterranean Studies, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, philosophy, political science, international relations, economics, and sociology.
Given the thematic focus of the BCA program, we highly recommend that students consider the following courses for electives:
1. Ancient Athenian Democracy
2. The European Union and European Integration
3. State, Citizen and Society: A Service Learning Approach
4. Society and Politics in Contemporary Greece
5. Contemporary International Politics: The Mediterranean Dimension
Review the full list of elective courses for fall and spring semesters here.
Independent Study
By special arrangement and only with the approval of BCA, students may undertake an independent study project (ISP). To do so, students must choose a study topic from a short-list of possibilities provided by BCA and CYA. To undertake an independent study project, students must include an essay in their application materials that outlines the project topic and the methodology envisioned. Please contact BCA well in advance for further information on this option.
Once on site in Athens, students approved for an ISP will meet with a project advisor for further assistance. As part of this educational component of the program, students are expected to present a paper that captures their learning and understanding and give an oral presentation to fellow students that summarizes what they have learned.