Description

The Duke in Istanbul program 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, one Turkish language course, and two 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. No prior knowledge of Turkish language is required.

The central course in the spring is a Duke course cross-listed in Philosophy, Religion, Cultural Anthropology, International Comparative Studies, and Turkish, titled "Cognitive Science of Religion and Morality". In the fall, students take a course which focuses on Ottoman history.

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 longer excursions to places such as 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.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please inquire for more information.

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.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment