Courses

Hellenic Studies Spring 2024 Courses

Elementary Modern Greek II

MGRK 120
Monday-Friday 9:25-10:15
Instructor: Maria Kaliambou

Intermediate Modern Greek II
MGRK 140
Monday-Friday 10:30-11:20
Instructor: Maria Kaliambou

Family in Greek Literature and Film
MGRK 218/FILM 243/WGSS 245
Thursday 1:30-3:20
Instructor: George Syrimis
The structure and multiple appropriations of the family unit, with a focus on the Greek tradition. The influence of aesthetic forms, including folk literature, short stories, novels, and film, and of political ideologies such as nationalism, Marxism, and totalitarianism. Issues related to gender, sibling rivalry, dowries and other economic factors, political allegories, feminism, and sexual and social violence both within and beyond the family.

The Euro Crisis
MGRK 236/PLSC 138/SOCY 221
Tuesday 1:30-3:20
Instructor: Paris Aslanidis
Examination of how Europe continues to struggle with the social and economic repercussions of the Great Recession and the impact of socioeconomic asymmetries in countries such as Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Italy, and Greece. Topics include the euro as a viable common currency; why and how the Euro crisis erupted and spread; how the COVID-19 fallout will impact the Union.

The Olympic Games, Ancient and Modern
MGRK 300/CLCV 319/HIST 242J/WGSS 293
Wednesday 9:25-11:15
Instructor: George Syrimis
Introduction to the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present. The mythology of athletic events in ancient Greece and the ritual, political, and social ramifications of the actual competitions. The revival of the modern Olympic movement in 1896, the political investment of the Greek state at the time, and specific games as they illustrate the convergence of athletic cultures and sociopolitical transformations in the twentieth century.

Extreme and Radical Right Movements
MGRK 304/ER&M 376/PLSC 376/SOCY 307
Wednesday 1:30-3:20
Instructor: Paris Aslanidis
Extreme and radical right movements and political parties are a recurrent phenomenon found in most parts of the world. Discussion of their foundational values and the causes of their continuous, even increasing, support among citizens and voters. 

The Greek Diaspora in the United States
MGRK 306/AMST 307/HIST 117/LITR 375
Monday 1:30-3:20
Instructor: Maria Kaliambou
The seminar explores the history and culture of the Greek diasporic community in the United States from the end of the 19th century to the present. The Greek American experience is embedded in the larger discussion of ethnic histories that construct modern America. The seminar examines important facets of immigration history, such as community formation, institutions and associations, professional occupations, and civic engagement. It pays attention to the everyday lives of the Greek Americans as demonstrated in religious, educational, and family cultural practices. It concludes by exploring the artistic expressions of Greek immigrants as manifested in literature, music, and film production. The instructor provides a variety of primary sources (archival records, business catalogs, community albums, personal narratives, letters, audiovisual material, etc.). All primary and secondary sources are in English; however, students are encouraged to read available material in the original language.