Modern Greek Studies

About the major

Modern Greek language and culture are intrinsically intertwined and influence each other profoundly. Our units of study investigate the co-dependence and co-evolution of both through the disciplined teaching of both, from year one to the final year of studies.

There is a balance between language-based units of study and units of pure cultural content. You can choose to enrol in either of them or select from them the most pertinent to achieve your own preferred major. However the structure of our major gives the opportunity to all students to complete a series of units that form a coherent and cohesive strand of learning: you can complete all units offered towards a specialisation in language teaching or enrol in units with emphasis on culture, history and civilisation.

Between these two dominant strands we offer “bridging units” dedicated to translation, sociolinguistics or related methodological issues, that give you the opportunity to create your own specific pathway according to the units from other programs or departments. The structure of our program is flexible and adjustable so that you can chose the units you want to do and incorporate them within the context of what is offered in other programs.

Requirements for completion

A major in Modern Greek Studies requires 48 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 18 credit points of 3000-level units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units

A minor in Modern Greek Studies requires 36 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level language units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level language units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level culture units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level units

First year

There are three entry levels at first year Modern Greek:
Beginners - students with no prior knowledge of Greek, enrol in MGRK1601 and MGRK1602;
Intermediate - students with a basic knowledge of Greek, enrol into MGRK2601 and MGRK2602; and
Advanced - students enrol in MGRK2603.

Language acquisition forms the basis for studying Modern Greek and consists of a coherent number of units, streamlined according to the prior language knowledge of students. In their first-year students will acquire a foundational knowledge of the Greek language, history and culture. They will will develop skills in speaking, writing, listening and reading in units of study specifically designed for their level of linguistic competency. Students will also acquire elementary knowledge of key events and prominent figures of Greek history and culture which will form the basis for further study.

Second year

Second year students will further develop their skills in modern Greek language in speaking, writing, listening and reading at a higher level, through units of study designed for different linguistic competences. They will also develop their knowledge on Greek language and culture by undertaking units of study designed to explore in more detail important thinkers and cultural and literary movements. Additionally, students in their second year can undertake MGRK3841: Modern Greek In-Country Study 1 at the University of Athens. This is a 6-week intensive course on Greek language, culture and history which is run over January and February. Students who successfully complete this unit receive 6 credit points towards their Greek major or minor.

Third year

Third year students will further develop their skills in modern Greek language in speaking, writing, listening and reading. In the cultural units of study, students will explore significant aspects of culture that shaped contemporary Greek society and culture; develop insights on issues of identity that have dominated Greek history of ideas, and acquire knowledge relating to issues of the diaspora experience, including the Greek Australian. The flexibility afforded by rotating units of study is a unique feature of Modern Greek at Sydney University that allows students to systematically concentrate on “Language and Translation Studies”, “Literature and Art”; or “History and Culture” and consolidate their knowledge in their chosen area of study. MGRK3841: Modern Greek In-Country Study 1 at the University of Athens is also available to third year students. Senior units of study critically engage with contemporary literary and cultural theory and equip students with the necessary theoretical and methodological tools to proceed into post graduate studies.

Honours

If you commenced your degree prior to 2018, admission to honours requires a major in Modern Greek with an average of 70% or above.

If you commenced your degree in 2018, admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires the completion of a major in Modern Greek with an average of 70% or above. You will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major, prior to commencing honours.

Exchange units can be included as approved by the department.

The honours program consists of seminar courses on specific areas of Modern Greek studies and a thesis on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the Department.

Contact/further information

Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/modern_greek

Undergraduate coordinator: Dr. A. Dracopoulos
Phone: 9351 3939,
Email:

Example pathways

The introductory pathway will follow a 2-3-3 model = 2 language units at level 1000; 2 language units + 1 culture unit at Level 3000; 2 language units + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit

Year 1: MGRK 1601 + MGRK 1602
Year 2: MGRK 2601 + MGRK 2602 + 1 culture unit at Level 3000
Year 3: MGRK 2603 + MGRK 3607 (or MGRK3002) + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit

The Intermediate pathway will follow a 0-3-5 model = 0 units at Level 1000; 3 language units at level 2000; 2 language units at level 3000 + 2 culture units at level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit

Year 1: MGRK 2601 + MGRK 2602
Year 2: MGRK 2603 + MGRK 3607 (or MGRK3002) + 1 culture unit at level 3000
Year 3: MGRK 3607 (or MGRK3002) + 1 culture unit at level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit

The advanced pathway will follow a 0-1-7 model = 0 units at Level 1000; 1 language unit at level 2000 + 1 language unit at level 3000; 1 language unit at level 3000 + 2 cultural units at level 3000; 3 culture units at level 3000

Year 1: MGRK 2603 + MGRK 3607 (or MGRK3002)
Year 2: MGRK 3607 (or MGRK3002) + 2 culture units at level 3000
Year 3: 2 culture units at level 3000 + FASS3999 Interdisciplinary Project unit

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and in depth knowledge of Modern Greek language, culture, and history from antiquity to the present.
2. Employ a wide range of approaches to the study of Modern Greek language, culture and thought that will result in advanced critical reading, academic writing and oral presentation skills.
3. Work both independently and collaboratively on materials (in translation and in the original) from or related to Modern Greek culture and history including: historical records, literary works, academic studies, cinematic images and practices in relation to their cultural, political and historical context.
4. Demonstrate critical awareness of the key political and social developments that have shaped the Modern Greek experience, and contemporary identity.
5. Exhibit the research and critical inquiry skills to construct and defend valid arguments employing a range of forms of evidence from different historical periods in Greek culture (Medieval, Byzantine, Ottoman Period, etc), including critical analysis of the ways that ‘Modern Greek identity’ has been perceived and constructed across time and place.
6. Exhibit the ability and skills to undertake collaborative work including classroom discussion and oral and written projects.
7. Demonstrate research and enquiry skills that foster a deep engagement with and, at the higher levels, the ability to critique and contribute to, ongoing scholarly debates in the broad area of Modern Greek studies within the wider context of European or/and global studies as well as within the context of Diaspora and Migration Studies.
8. Exhibit, as a result of exchanges, project work, interdisciplinary study and /or internships for credit, the capacity to confront new situations demanding adaptability, cultural competence and personal inventiveness.