Arabic & Islamic Studies

Course History - Greek

011, 012. Intensive First Level Modern Greek I & II (6, 6) Students with previous background are normally placed in 012 for an intensive review of fundamental structures and vocabulary and development of all skills. Students do practice listening, reading and writing.

103 Learning Modern Greek from Ancient Greek I
The course is designed for students who have had at least a year of Ancient Greek and aims to take advantage of knowledge of ancient Greek structure, grammar, and vocabulary to help students learn Modern Greek. The teaching approach of this course is based on the principle of the linguistic coherence between Ancient Greek and Modern Greek. Through a comparative instruction the students learn Modern Greek and realize to what extent Ancient Greek and Modern Greek are connected.

Syllabus available here (Fall 2004)

111, 112. Intensive Second Level Modern Greek I & II (5, 5) Prerequisite: 011, 012 or the equivalent. 

211, 212. Intensive Third Level Modern Greek I & II (5, 5)
Prerequisite: 111, 112 or the equivalent.

215, 216. Media Greek and Advanced Writing (3, 3)
This course helps advanced Greek students further develop proficiency in the modern Greek language through the use of contemporary media sources. It is taught in Greek and uses newspapers, magazines, journals and other print media, as well as Greek TV news and programs, videos and internet resources. Extensive reading and listening for comprehension is required, along with oral presentations and discussion of topics related to current events, politics, economics, culture and social issues. In addition to developing listening skills and practicing conversation, the class will include expository writing and reviews of Greek grammar. Prerequisite: three years of Modern Greek or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

CLASS-262. Greek Tragedy and Politics (Fall 2003, taught in English)
The course focuses upon the political analysis of Greek tragedy. It discusses how closely the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides mirror the political culture of the "polis". The fact that each tragedy was presented once to the whole citizenry indicates the specific gravity of that event. Additional readings from historiography and philosophy will introduce students to the political thought of the city state of Athens in the fifth century.

Syllabus available here

330. Modern Greek History through Literature (3)
This course discusses the historical and political events in during the 19th and 20th century through the viewpoint of the "man's of letters". Poetry, prose, theater and essays reflect the national emancipation, social reconstruction, political struggles. Readings are in the original language. The course is designed to reach three goals: initiation to the literary creation, historical development and linguistic evolution of Modern Greece.

Syllabus available here

332. Ancient Greek Myth in Modern Greek Poetry (3)
Professor Rassia Spring 2004 This course will examine ancient Greek Myth as a source of fruitful inspriation for the Modern Greek poets, who express various spiritual truths, provide the lessons in moral contacts and make comment through it. Poets to be examined will include D. Solomos, C. Palamas, A. Sikelianos, G. Seferis, C. Varnalis, Y. Ritsos, O. Elytis, M. Polydouri and Myrtiotissa Melissanthi. We will also explore the interpretation of Ancient Greek Myth by American Poets in order to find similarities and differences.

334. Greece Through the Best of Its Cinema (3)
This course focuses on Greek film productions of the last five decades in and abroad that are well-known internationally and reflect the dramatic, historic, political, ideological, and social changes of the Greek society. Other supportive material will also be offered to the students as books, works of Modern Greek Literature, newspaper articles, and historical archives. All the films are in English or have English subtitles.

351, 352. Survey of Modern Greek Literature I & II (3,3)
This course will examine modern Greek poetry and prose. It consists of selections and excerpts from the works of such authors as Solomos, Kavafis, Katzankakis, Ritsos, and Seferis. The readings will be accompanied by biographical notes of the authors, historical notes, and notes on usage, grammar, and context. Taught in English. Knowledge of the Greek language is desirable, but not required.

Syllabus available here

353, 354. Greek Culture and Civilization I & II (3, 3)
A study of Greek culture from the early 19th century to the present day. The distinctive socio-cultural aspects of Modern Greece are examined through a variety of sources which are drawn from Greek music, dance, film, religion, and art. Taught in English. Knowledge of Greek desirable but not required.

Syllabus available here

355, 356. Modern Greek History I & II (3, 3) (GREE355 taught in the Fall 2003, in English)
This course considers: a) the Greek struggle against the Ottoman Empire for independence and territorial restoration since 1821 until 1923, b) the reconstruction of Modern Greek society. The course focuses on the political evolution of the Modern Greek state: Greek fighters' liberal ideas, the establishment of absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, crowned democracy and political parties, liberalism and political schism, first uncrowned democracy. Special attention is also paid to the structure of the Modern Greek society. The Greek Enlightenment and the intellectual life of the Modern Greek state will be examined as well.

Syllabus available here


Events