Program Description

Explore the rich historical, cultural, and political complexity of the eastern Mediterranean on this UW-Madison faculty-led seminar to Nicosia, Cyprus. Located at the southeastern borders of Europe, less than 100 miles from the coast of Syria and Lebanon, and just forty miles south of Turkey, Cyprus is at the crossroads of east and west, north and south. Over its 9,000 year history, Cyprus has been occupied multiple times, and seeks to redefine itself since its independence from British colonial rule in 1960. After the country’s division between Greek and Turkish Cypriot forces in the following decade, Nicosia remains the only divided capital city in the world.

An immensely diverse and multicultural society, the residents of Cyprus include Greek and Turkish Cypriots, as well as Arabs, Sri Lankans, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and Russians, many of whom speak English in addition to their first languages, making Cyprus an excellent setting for students with diverse language backgrounds or for those whose primary language is English. In addition, students from multiple disciplines who are interested in social, political, and cultural geography will find Cyprus a fascinating and unforgettable context to study ethnicity, nationalism, gender, and diversity.

Academics

Students on the seminar benefit from being situated in Nicosia, the heart of the country, which gives them a unique vantage point to understand race, ethnicity, and religion in Cyprus. In addition, students can look comparatively at similar concepts and social practices within the United States and its communities.

Students will be required to read selected course materials prior to and during the seminar, complete daily learning journals, and actively participate in class and community discussions and, if available, service learning work. Students earn four UW-Madison credits in Comparative Literature 379/779.

Housing

Housing is included in the program fee. Students live in furnished, single rooms at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia. Restaurants and grocery stores are located near the dormitory and shared kitchen facilities are available to prepare meals.

Excursions and Activities

Students meet with local writers, historians, artists, community activists, political leaders, and city planners as part of the seminar and, if possible, a service-learning component is included at local non-governmental agencies or cultural centers.