Study A broad Valdosta State University Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

1. Study Abroad Valdosta State UniversityDepartment of Philosophy and Religious Studies ITALY, GREECE & TURKEYMAY 15—June 3, 2009

2. ROME, ITALY Morning arrival in Rome. Afternoon tour including visit inside the Colosseum, visit the Roman Forum and the Mamertime Prison also Circus Maximus. Overnight Rome.

3. PATRAS – OLYMPIA - TOLO Approx. 8:00am arrive in the Greek port city of Patras. From here we shall drive to Ancient Olympia home of Olympic Games. The first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC. Thereafter they were held every 4 years. Afternoon visit to the archaeological site and museum. Continue to the seaside town of Tolo for dinner & overnight stay.

4. MYCENAE – EPIDAURUS Mycenae: visit to the remains of the prehistoric citadel fortified with the Cyclopean Walls, the Lionesses' Gate, the remains of the Mycenaean Palace and the Tomb of King Agamemnon in which we will actually enter. Epidaurus: the Sanctuary of Asclepeios, ancient god of healing. We see the best-preserved ancient theater in all of Greece, famous for the harmony of its design and the perfection of its remarkable acoustics, easily accommodating 12,000 people.

5. CORINTH Corinth: Tour of Greek and Roman sites: the Agora, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, the Bema, and Gallio’s Seat.

6. TOLO Five days will be spent at the Hotel Tolo. Days free for classes and enjoying the seaside resort of Tolo. Hotel is just a minute walk from the beautiful sandy beach.

7. DELPHI Delphi: the center of the Ancient world, the "omphalos" (navel) of the earth - whose prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassos, in a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty and majesty, lies the archaeological site of Delphi. We visit the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians and the Archaeological Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.

8. ATHENS Sightseeing tour of Athens: We climb up to the marble-capped Acropolis and visit the famous Parthenon and the Erechteion. Our tour continues with the highlights of modern Athens: we pass by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, Panathenian Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Academy, the University and the National Library.

9. Three-Day Cruise on the Aquamarine from port of Piraeus to the Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos and to Western Turkey

10. MYKONOS Mykonos: Stroll at leisure through the whitewashed, flower-decked alleyways of Mykonos., climbing to the sculpture church of Paraportiani or along the waterfront of «Little Venice» to the well-known windmills.

11. RHODES, GREECE Rhodes: in ancient times, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This stronghold was built by a Crusading Order, which originated from Palestine. Our shore excursion takes us to visit the Temple of Athena on the majestic rocky Acropolis of Lindos, with the blue Aegean Sea beneath it and the sophisticated whitewashed artists' colony at its foot. Stroll around the medieval walled city; enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere from one of the elegant cafes in the marina.

12. PATMOS, GREECE Patmos: a beautiful and almost mysterious rocky island where the apostle John was exiled and wrote the Book of Revelation. On our tour we drive up to the Monastery of St. John the Evangelist where we have a wonderful view of the island. We also visit the Grotto of the Revelation.

13. KUSADASI (EPHESUS), TURKEY Kusadasi, Turkey /Ephesus The Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians and lived here for three years. Walk through history along marble Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Theater. The Temple of Diana of the streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Ephesians, another of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was built in this city.

14. ISTANBUL A short visit to the Egyptian or Spice Market followed by a leisurely Bosphorus Boat tour viewing the beauty of the European and Asian sides, then visit the architectural marvel of Aghia Sophia,.

15. Courses of Study PHIL-4900 Special Topics In Ethics: Ethics of the Ancient Mediterranean                  3hrs No Prerequisites Dr. Ari Santas A study of some of the most famous and influence ethical writings of the ancient world.  From the Pre-Socratics, to  Athenians, to the Stoics and Hellenistic writers, we’ll be reading and discussing their cosmologies and theologies and they connected them to eudemonia—the good life.  Philosophers studied will include Heraclitus, Democritus, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. REL 3330 New Testament 3hrs No Prerequisites Dr. Fred Downing A study of the history, thought, and literature of the early Christian church. The study will be done against the historical and cultural background of the major archaeological sites which we will visit including Rome, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus.

16. Trip Package Includes Airfare from Atlanta to Rome and Istanbul to Atlanta HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WITH most meals included Ferryboat passage from Italy to Greece Three Day Cruise to Mykonos, Rhodes, Patmos, and Ephesus Comprehensive sightseeing tours with the services of professional local English-speaking government licensed guide English-speaking escorted Group Transfers between Airports and Hotels or Ports, transportation by private, fully air-conditioned, deluxe motor-coaches

17. Payment Schedule Application Fee $200 December 1 $500 February 1 $2,500 March 1 $2,469 For more information please contact Dr. Frederick Downing and/or Dr. Ari Santas Please call the Philosophy and Religious Studies Department at 229-333-5949. Email fldowning@valdosta.edu for Dr. Downing & asantas@valdosta.edu for Dr. Santas.