Lyceum Scholars Study Ancient Greek Philosophy at the American College of Greece

June 27, 2023June 21, 2023

In May, twelve Lyceum Fellows traveled to Athens, Greece, with two Lyceum professors to study ancient political philosophy and culture in the birthplace of democracy, the American College of Greece (ACG).

Founded in Smyrna, Asia Minor, in 1875 and moved to Athens in 1923, the American College of Greece is the oldest and largest U.S.-sponsored college in Europe. Its campus is located on the outskirts of the city of Athens, with easy access to all points of the city. Each summer, ACG welcomes more than 3,500 students from more than 62 countries as part of its extensive study abroad program.

At the ACG, Lyceum students participated in morning seminars on the theme of self-knowledge in fifth-century Athens, which included readings from Thucydides’ work. History of the Peloponnesian WarEuripides THE BacchantesAristophanes The Knightsand that of Plato Great Hippias. They also heard lectures from the ACG Faculty of Hellenic Studies, which covered topics ranging from ancient Greek theater to the beauty of Homer to the success of ancient Athens. The seminars and lectures provided the context for a series of excursions planned by the ACG to Delphi, Sounion, Napflion, Olympia, Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus.

In their free time, students and faculty can visit numerous museums and archaeological sites in Athens, as well as the neighboring islands of Hydra and Aegina. Notable sites in Athens included the Acropolis, the Benaki Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Agora, and Aristotle’s Lyceum, which inspired the name of the high school program. Researchers could also attend an opera performance by Giacomo Puccini. Madame Papillon in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, at the foot of the Acropolis.

Reflecting on the trip, Katelyn Vergakis (Class of 26) said, “The opportunity to participate in the Lyceum Abroad trip was one of the best parts of my experience at Clemson, and I am very grateful for the opportunity. It was incredible to participate in Thomas’ seminars and then see the places that marked history with their cultural, historical and philosophical significance. The friendships made and memories made with my classmates are ones that I know will last a lifetime.

About the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism

THE Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism (CISC) is America’s premier university education and research center dedicated to exploring the moral, political, and economic foundations of capitalism. Founded in 2005 and housed within the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University, the Institute educates a new generation of students about the moral requirements of a free society through the Lyceum program, an excellent literary approach to studying moral and political questions. and the economic foundations of a free society.