Welcome to Modern Greek Studies
Why study Modern Greek?
The Modern Greek language is living testimony to the evolution of Greek thought and culture from Ancient Greece until the present. As the language of the first philosophers, physicians and scientists, it has contributed a vast number of terms to a wide range of disciplines (medicine, physics, philology, philosophy, theology, technology etc.). It is also a language that can boast of the Nobel Laureates (George Seferis in 1960 and Odysseus Elytis in 1979) and of such internationally renowned authors as Nikos Kazantzakis and Constantine Kavafy. Within the context of Australian society, it is one of the nine priority languages of Australia, with three major Greek newspapers, three Greek television stations and dozens of radio stations (in NSW alone) to its credit. Also, as one of the official languages of the European Union, it has gained greater significance as a means of communication within the sphere of commerce.
History:
The teaching programme of the Discipline of Greek Studies at Macquarie University was founded by the late Vasili Georgiou in 1988. The programme was established on a permanent basis, however, only after the Greek Studies Foundation provided $375,000 to the University.
The Goals of the Discipline:
The principal aims of the Discipline of Greek Studies at Macquarie University are firstly, to provide a sound knowledge of the Greek language and culture and secondly, to foster an understanding of the cultural diversity that defines Australia through intensive language classes as well as through a critical analysis of Greek literature and history.
What does the Discipline offer?
The Greek Studies Programme offers three language levels: Beginners, Intermediate and Post-HSC. Students may select Modern Greek as one of their Majors, or take individual units according to their personal needs. The Discipline offers a Certificate/Diploma of Languages (Modern Greek) as well as single non-award undergraduate units. It also offers introductory Modern Greek units to students at the Australian National University in Canberra via video-conferencing. During the summer vacation, students of Modern Greek are also given the opportunity to study at the University of Athens and to attain credit points in the process.
Image panel (from left): Kiklades / Santorini / Ia, Throneroom in the Palace of Knossos*, Dancers*, Kiklades / Dilos. All images from http://www.gnto.gr/ except * from http://en.wikipedia.org/.