The International English-language Summer School, ‘Democracy: Ancient Perspectives − Modern Challenges,’ is hosted by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), led by Professor George Steiris (the Vice President of the Department of Philosophy). It is supported by Study in Greece (SiG), and it takes place annually – each July, from 2022 onwards. This two-week program has brought together students from various universities. This includes the American University of Iraq in Slemani (AUIS) (2022, 2023), the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) (2023, 2024) and the University of Edinburgh (2024). It is supported by inter-university memoranda, and features lectures by renonwed scholars from institutions like the University of Athens, University of Crete, Harvard University and the UKH.
This programme offers a rich blend of academic study and cultural exploration; participants can visit key historical and archaeological sites across Athens and beyond. This includes the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, as well as Sounion, Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, Hydra and Delphi. The fusion of classroom learning and on-site teaching enables students to acquire a first-hand experience on ancient Greek democracy. Moreover, the course connects ancient democratic principles with modern societal and geopolitical issues.
Cultural and Social Impact of the Program
The Summer School, running from 2022 onwards, focused on cultural exchange by uniting students from Greece, the Middle East (via AUIS and UKH), and the UK (via Edinburgh University), promoting mutual understanding on important socio-political and geopolitical debates by delving into Greece’s historical legacy and its democratic roots. Socially, it empowered over 15 participants annually – 50 across three years – to engage with contemporary challenges like governance and peace-building, building a network of informed, globally-minded individuals equipped to bridge cultural divides and promote social cohesion.
Dr Theodosiadis has designed the course, together with Prof. Steiris. He blended philosophy, history, and political theory into the curicullum, setting a benchmark for how universities can teach complex – but highlly timely and pressing – ideas, in a way that resonates across cultures and disciplines. His coordination and leadership ensured the course is tied to the interests of the contemporary world, supporting peace efforts by training students to think critically about historical solutions to modern conflicts. Thus, the course promoted tolerance and dialogue. Dr Theodosiadis’ strategic oversight improved the program’s visibility, paving the way for further academic collaborations between Greece and the KRI.
• Are you interested in building similar academic projects? Contact Dr Theodosiadis.