THE EXAMINED LIFE is an exciting journey to ancient and contemporary Greece through the eyes of world-class scholars. Literature, history, philosophy, art, culture, government, and politics are explored in The Iliad and The Odyssey; the tragedies of Euripides, Sophocles and Aeschylus; the comedies of Aristophanes; the writings of Herodotus, Thucydides, and Plato.
We explore themes including democracy and the obligations of citizenship, war and peace, anger and reconciliation, the meaning of life, the ideal of heroism.
Our virtual classroom convenes from January to May each year. Each seminar will explore a particular focus, a book and its author, culture, art, architecture and archaeology — all opportunities to widen our knowledge of Greek life — and another way to synthesize classroom discussion and exploration with travel to Greece.
From the crowning glory of the architecturally perfect Parthenon atop the Acropolis of Athens to the shining Aegean Sea, along the way we plan to visit the site of the first Olympic games, the Oracle at Delphi, the majestic fortress of Mycenae, and the ancient theater at Epidaurus.
Sponsored by Children’s Literature New England, each year a well-known artist, author or poet travels with the Study Tour. Past luminaries include Gareth Hinds, Suzanne Fisher Staples, Katherine Paterson, Linda Sue Park as well as Gregory Maguire, head of our Honorary Board.
There is a $300 administrative fee to join our academic program of seminars and professional development. All other costs are directly associated with the Study Tour of Greece.
We strive to keep the cost of the Study Tour affordable. Eligible educators may be qualified for a stipend from ExL. Various other funding sources are available.
Three graduate credits are available to ExL participants through Framingham State University. Professional development credits will also be awarded.
To join our academic program, complete the registration form. Upon submission, an acknowledgement letter with further instructions will be sent to you. Once registration is completed, each registrant will receive a letter of welcome to the program as a Greek Study Fellow with full details on everything needed for achieving graduate credits and joining the Study Tour.