Hermes
Program

Hermes Global Studies Program: A Life-Changing Experiences in Greece

In collaboration with the Mycenaean Foundation, the Institute of World Politics (IWP) proudly unveiled the HERMES Global Studies in Ancient and Modern Diplomacy program in July 2022.

This unparalleled four-week summer graduate program offers students a rare and invaluable opportunity to explore the timeless principles of diplomacy and democracy in Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization. Combining rigorous academic study with immersive cultural experiences, the program takes participants on an intellectual journey to uncover the foundations of governance, diplomacy, and statecraft, bridging ancient ideals with modern practices. Students reside in the charming coastal town of Nafplio, celebrated as Greece’s first capital and consistently ranked among the most beautiful towns in Europe. Classes are held at the prestigious Melathron Center, nestled within the historic campus of the Mycenaean Foundation at legendary Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization.

Diplomacy Redefined: From Antiquity to Today

During the program, students delve into ancient and modern diplomacy through two graduate seminars taught by Dr. Christofilis Maggidis, an IWP professor and President of the Mycenaean Foundation:

“Ancient and Modern Democracy: Ideology, Morphology, and Pathology” (IWP 697)
This seminar examines the origins, evolution, and legacy of ancient democracy, with a special focus on Athenian democracy. Students explore the ideological foundations, structural development, and eventual decline of democracy, while drawing comparisons with its modern counterpart.
“Diplomacy and War in the Ancient World” (IWP 696)
This seminar provides an interdisciplinary analysis of diplomacy, foreign relations, and warfare in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East. Students engage in comparative studies of key historical periods, cultures, and states, drawing lessons from ancient strategies and their relevance to today’s global political landscape.

Classes take place in the Malcolm Wiener Library at the Melathron Center, providing students with an inspiring academic setting steeped in history and culture.

Beyond the Classroom

The program’s curriculum is enriched with extraordinary opportunities for hands-on learning and cultural immersion:

Engaging with Greek Officials: Students meet senior Greek government officials, including the Mayor of Athens, Dr. Kostas Bakoyannis, and the Deputy Minister of Defense, Mr. Nikos Hardalias, gaining first-hand insights into contemporary Greek governance.
Exploring Greece’s Rich Heritage: Participants tour world-renowned cultural and archaeological sites, such as: the Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum, Ancient sites at Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and Sparta

Experiencing the Beauty of Greece: In their leisure time, students immerse themselves in Greek life, hiking scenic trails, swimming at stunning beaches, cruising to islands like Spetses and Hydra, and enjoying local cuisine and wine tastings in Nemea.
Cultural Enrichment: Participants attend performances like Aeschylus’ tragedy “The Persians” at the ancient theater of Epidaurus and explore Nafplio’s Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek history.

Why Join the HERMES Program?

The HERMES Global Studies in Ancient and Modern Diplomacy program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion, making it an exceptional opportunity for students seeking to expand their understanding of diplomacy and democracy.

Expert-Led Learning: Gain insights from distinguished faculty, including Dr. Christofilis Maggidis, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in ancient and modern studies of democracy and diplomacy.
Interdisciplinary Approach: Engage in comprehensive coursework that combines history, political science, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded perspective on key topics.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Greece firsthand by visiting iconic sites such as the Acropolis, ancient Mycenae, and other significant archaeological locations.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with government officials and experts in the field during organized meetings and discussions, broadening your professional network and enhancing your career prospects.

Joining the HERMES program is not just an educational opportunity; it’s a chance to broaden your horizons and engage with the world in a meaningful way. Don’t miss out on this exceptional experience!

Student Testimonials

Student testimonials play a crucial role in showcasing the impact and significance of the HERMES program. They offer firsthand insights into the transformative experiences participants undergo while studying in Greece, highlighting the unique combination of rigorous academic coursework and rich cultural immersion. These testimonials not only reflect the personal growth and intellectual development students experience but also provide potential participants with a glimpse into the program’s value.

Here’s what our students have to say about their time in Greece:

”It’s always exciting to travel to places you’ve never been before, and IWP made that possible with these classes in Greece. Not only was it a mixture of fun and tourism, but we really got to dive into archaeology as well as ancient history, and Prof. Maggidis is amazing.”

“I’d like to thank IWP, the Mycenaean Foundation, and Dr. Maggidis for the opportunity to study in Greece, learn its history, and travel to several of the ancient sites discussed in our lectures. It was a wonderful experience that I enjoyed immensely, and I would encourage anyone interested in geopolitics to attend future iterations of the program.”

“It was an incredible opportunity that we got to visit so many of the places that we discussed in the classroom and compare the differences between our own democracy with that of ancient Greece.”

IWP Greece Trip: Faculty and Staff Reflections

IWP faculty and staff share their insights on the Greece trip, which was first offered in the summer of 2022 and is set to return in the summer of 2023.

This immersive four-week program, organized in collaboration with the Mycenaean Foundation, provides students with the unique opportunity to earn academic credit while exploring significant historical and cultural sites. During the 2022 trip, Dr. Christofilis Maggidis led the course titled “Ancient and Modern Democracy: Ideology, Morphology, and Pathology” (IWP 697). This seminar undertook an interdisciplinary examination of ancient democracy, particularly focusing on the origins, evolution, and legacy of Athenian democracy.

Dr. Maggidis also taught “Diplomacy and War in the Ancient World” (IWP 696), which involved a historical exploration of diplomacy, foreign relations, and warfare in antiquity. The seminar emphasized a comparative analysis of key case studies from various ancient cultures and periods, particularly within the Mediterranean and Near East.

For more details, please visit IWP Students and Alumni.

To learn about admissions, please visit IWP Admissions.