Duke in Istanbul

  Turkey

Istanbul

Term: Spring 
Dates: Spring only

Description: The Duke in Istanbul program, directed by Professor Güven Güzeldere of the Philosophy Department, aims at introducing cultural, historical, social, political, and religious issues emerging at the intersection of Europe and the Middle East, with particular attention to the unique position of Turkey within the global context. The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to area and cultural studies, offering a coherent curriculum organized around four courses together with an integrated component of cultural activities and excursions during the semester.

Students are required to take one course with the program director, and three additional courses of their choice from a selection of courses in History, Philosophy, Sociology, Turkish Language and Literature, Fine Arts, Psychology, Economics, and Political Science, among others, offered by Bogazici University in Istanbul. All the courses are taught in English by select Bogazici University faculty.

The central course, offered by the director, is a Duke course cross-listed in Philosophy, Religion, Cultural Anthropology, International Comparative Studies, and Turkish, titled "Cognitive Science of Religion and Morality". One aspect of the course includes discussion of the similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as they relate to the questions discussed as part of the class, while intermittently visiting historical sites of worship in Istanbul and other selected areas of Turkey.

Highlights: To encourage students' exposition to the diverse cultural and religious heritage of Turkey, the program sponsors several day-long excursions within Istanbul and the nearby vicinities throughout the program, integrated into the academic curriculum. The program also offers two week-long excursions to the Cappadocia region of Central Anatolia, the ancient city of Antioch and environs, and several of the noted Greco-Roman sites along the Aegean Coast, such as Halicarnassus, Ephesus, Pergamum, Assos, and Troy.

The program sponsors guest lectures and discussion groups on issues relevant to the curriculum, and also organizes cultural activities, such as movie, theater, and concert outings, as well as museum visits in Istanbul.

Cost in US$: Please inquire

Experience Required: yes

All applicants must be university students in good academic standing (sophomore status or above at the time of program participation). There are no pre-requisite courses or language requirements for the program. Priority will be given to students with high academic standing (normally with a B-average or above).

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Turkey Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript