What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is an engaged learning process whereby students "learn by doing" and by reflecting on the experience. Experiential learning activities can include, but are not limited to, hands-on laboratory experiments, internships, practicums, field exercises, study abroad, undergraduate research, and studio performances.
Study abroad opportunities
The University of Iowa
The Department of Classics and Religious Studies, in cooperation with the UI International Programs Study Abroad office, offers students enrolled several courses during the regular spring semester the chance to visit Europe for credit the following summer
CLSA:3821 - City of Athens
3 sh course, typically offered in the Spring semester of odd years for study abroad that summer. After the course which focuses on the art, archaeology, politics, history, and literature of ancient Athens, students may embark on a study abroad trip if accepted to the program. This study abroad experience is typically 2 weeks long and includes an intensive look at Athens, Greece and the surrounding area of Attica. Optional extension of 2 additional weeks may be available for students who wish to see Olympia, Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Eleusis, Aegina, Naxos, and Delos. Faculty leader: Dr. Debra Trusty.
HONR:2600 - Greece: Ancient Perspectives, Modern Eyes
1 sh Honors course, typically offered in the Spring semester of even years. After the course, which focuses on reading and understanding ancient travelers’ accounts of Greek monuments and sites, students will have the chance to create their own modern account as they travel the same sites that summer. This study abroad trip is typically 3 weeks long with students spending a week in Athens, a week travelling the mainland by bus (visiting Olympia, Delphi, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Eleusis, and several others), and a week traveling by sea to the islands of Aegina, Naxos, and Delos. Faculty leader: Dr. Debra Trusty.
Academic Programs International (API)
Design international experiences that inspire learning and enrich students, partners and communities with Academic Programs International (API).
Italy
Lorenzo de’ Medici
Students may earn 12-16 credits at Lorenzo de’ Medici–The Italian International Institute–through several options: electives for students interested in a variety of disciplines; Italian language courses in addition to electives; and a super-intensive program specifically for those whose priority is to learn Italian. Excursions throughout Italy are included.
Programs are available in Florence (academic year or summer), Tuscany (academic year or summer), and Rome (academic year or summer).
Lorenzo de’ Medici Archaeology Field School - Tuscania
Lorenzo de’ Medici runs an intensive archaeology field school under the supervision of the University of Florence and in collaboration with Italian students of the Department of Archaeology. The principal goal is to provide students with an opportunity to learn in a real-research and excavation environment while gaining a comprehensive understanding of archaeological methods and ancient Etruscan culture. For more information, visit Lorenzo de’ Medici Archaeology Field School.
John Cabot University - Rome
Students at the John Cabot University in Rome may study a wide variety of disciplines in English. Most students choose to complete an Italian language course along with several other elective courses taught in English. Excursions throughout Italy are included. Academic year or summer.
Great Britain
University of Leeds
Full Curriculum at University of Leeds
Students in this program choose from a wide range of undergraduate classes open to British and international students. Excursions throughout England are included. For course offerings in Classics, see the “University of Leeds Modules.”
National University of Ireland, Galway
Full Curriculum at National University of Ireland, Galway
Students at the National University of Ireland choose from a range of undergraduate courses. Excursions throughout Great Britain are included.
Greece
College Year in Athens
The College Year in Athens is designed to guide students to a greater understanding and appreciation of Greece—ancient, medieval and modern—and the surrounding region.
Center of Hellenic Studies Paideia
Center of Hellenic Studies Paideia
Students choose among different programs in Greece. They may learn about classical civilization, walk through ancient streets, learn about local politics, visit monuments and archaeological sites, etc.
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens
The American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Programs include extensive trips, study of sites and monuments, seminars, and independent research. Academic year and summer programs are offered.
Study Abroad with Arcadia University
For more information on study abroad opportunities to study abroad and scholarships, visit Arcadia University - Study Abroad.
Arcadia University - Summer in Athens, Rome, and Syracuse (Sicily)
Arcadia offers an 8-credit summer program in conjunction with their centers in Athens, Rome, and Sicily. Participants study the history, art, culture, and archaeology of the Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic worlds.
Arcadia University - Study Abroad at the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences - Sicily, Italy
The Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of liberal arts courses every semester, which, combined with academic field trips, enable students to explore the Mediterranean world from a unique perspective and to experience the culture of Sicily.
American Academy in Rome
A variety of summer programs are available. See website for details.
Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome
The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies was established in 1965 by representatives of ten American colleges and universities and is administered by Duke University’s Global Education Office. It provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to study ancient history, archaeology, Greek and Latin literature, Italian language, and ancient art. Scholarship information is included on the web site.
Brown University Summer Program in Rome
Brown University Summer Program in Rome
This program is for students in art history, archaeology, classics, history, and international relations. While living in present-day Rome, students explore the city’s imperial past. Students spend the first four weeks in Rome visiting major sites and learning their context and history. During the final week, students take a four-day excursion to the area around the Bay of Naples, visiting key sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Eta Sigma Phi: Classics honors club
Eta Sigma Phi is a national undergraduate honors society that exists to promote the study of ancient Greece and Rome, and to provide fellowship between students with classical interests. Iowa’s Epsilon chapter is one of the oldest active chapters in the nation. We function as both the campus ΗΣΦ chapter and as an informal, open-membership classics club.
Theta Alpha Kappa: Religious Studies honors club
In 1976, Professor Albert Clark, F.S.C., established Theta Alpha Kappa at Manhattan College in Riverdale (the Bronx), New York for the purpose of recognizing the academic achievements of religion and theology students. Since then, Theta Alpha Kappa has grown to more than two hundred chapters nationally in four-year educational institutions ranging from small religiously affiliated colleges to large public research institutions. It is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic excellence in baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students and in scholars in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology.
Induction requires nomination by a local chapter and, to be eligible, students must have a 3.5 GPA in religious studies and/or theology and a 3.0 GPA overall. Residency, class ranking, and unit requirements must also be met.
In addition to encouraging the activities of local chapters, Theta Alpha Kappa maintains a vigorous national program of scholarship awards and fellowship competitions; its primary publication, the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, offers an annual prize and the publication of outstanding student papers.
Theta Alpha Kappa is an affiliated society of the American Academy of Religion and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
The department officially became a member of Theta Alpha Kappa in spring of 2012.
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If you would like to learn more about Theta Alpha Kappa, contact Dr. Brandon Dean at brandon-dean@uiowa.edu. Membership is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty who demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
Community engaged projects and research
The museum studies program engages students in a variety of hands-on projects and research in campus museum collections and the community. Faculty are dedicated to providing students with exceptional learning experiences that build practical skills and increase professional networks.
University resources
Undergraduate research
Gain hands-on experience by participating in the research and creative discovery of faculty and staff.
Internships
Build on-the-job experience while connecting and networking with professionals in your field.
Study abroad
Enhance your degree, stand out to employers, shape your own perspective, and transform into a global citizen.
Community-engaged courses
Apply your academic skills and knowledge to help community partners solve real-world problems.