Academics
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Curriculum

College Year in Athens offers a substantial curriculum at the junior-year level augmented by study-travel to important historical sites. As much as possible all courses make use of the resources of the city of Athens and of what can be seen or experienced directly.

All courses are taught in English.


Academic Disciplines
The curriculum covers the following academic disciplines:

● Art & Archaeology   ● Environmental Studies  ● Ethnography   ● History
● Languages— Ancient Greek, Latin & Modern Greek   ● Literature
● Philosophy   ● Political Science & International Relations  ● Religion.

Levels
CYA courses are designed for upper-level undergraduates, and are organized into two levels -- those with three-hundred numbers, most of which can be taken by all students, and those with four-hundred numbers, which are more specialized and academically more demanding.

Though all our courses are rigorous and require serious academic work, we recognize that CYA students are drawn from a diversity of backgrounds and institutions with varying experiences in the subjects they will be studying. Accordingly, most three hundred-level courses are designed as a first exposure to the subject, and are of general interest and wide in scope. Some three-hundred-level classes, however, particularly in Ancient Greek Studies, are designed for students with some background in the subject, and are indicated as such in their description. Please read carefully the descriptions of all the courses offered by CYA before choosing your academic program to make sure what you select is appropriate for you. Qualified students can opt to take three-hundred-level courses at the four-hundred level by formally declaring their intention to do so and completing reading and writing assignments similar in size and scope to those expected in four-hundred-level courses.

Four-hundred-level courses are seminars on special topics and are reserved for those able to engage in advanced work.		  


Semesters

The semesters listed for each course indicate when each course is usually offered. However, due to unforseen circumstances, the schedule may be altered before the beginning of the semester. The final course offerings for fall and spring semesters are posted in May and November respectively.


Academic Areas

The curriculum represents three academic areas: Ancient Greek Studies, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, and European and East Mediterranean Studies. Students may take courses from all three areas.

Ancient Greek Studies offers courses in classics, archaeology, art history, and ancient history for students who wish to enrich their knowledge of ancient Greece, as well as to deepen their understanding of Greece’s fundamental contribution to the development of Western civilization.

Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies provides students with an opportunity to learn about Greek history and culture from the Byzantine period to the present day. The multi-disciplinary offerings include Ethnography, Environmental Studies, History and Politics, Language, Literature, and Religion.

European and East Mediterranean Studies offers courses on Europe, the East Mediterranean region, and the Middle East. This area, in which Europe merges with Asia and Africa, is of unusual geopolitical importance; its problems and complexities, rooted in the past, are of particular interest to students of history, politics, and international affairs.


Modern Greek Language

Modern Greek Language classes are not mandatory but are strongly encouraged.  The vast majority of CYA students enroll in first semester Modern Greek. For students who have taken Modern Greek before coming to Athens, CYA offers a range of language classes from Beginners II (second semester of first year) to Advanced II (second semester of third year).

For those who wish to take Modern Greek beyond the introductory level and whose needs are not met by the regular courses offered, CYA may provide additional classes if there is sufficient demand.  Please contact the Director of Academic Affairs for further information.