Modern Greek

Since Fall 2007, the Department of Classics has been part of the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, and the Program in Modern Greek has been part of the Department of Classics. The location of Modern Greek in Classics makes great intellectual sense since issues of continuity and change are central to the Greek identity. The department’s concentration in Hellenic Studies offers a unique experience for students to evaluate the continuity, rupture, and legacy of antiquity for the Modern Greek world from the vitae perspective of language. Click the Undergraduate Program page to learn more about the concentration.

For a complete accurate listing, of course, times visit this Schedule of Classes.

Note: Effective Fall 2023, all main campus courses have been renumbered using a new 4-digit numbering system.

https://schedule.georgetown.edu/course-renumbering-crosswalk/g/#gree

Fall 2024 Courses

GREE 1011:  Intensive First Level Modern Greek II   [5 credits] (Ismini Lamb)
The course introduces students to the language and culture of the Greek-speaking world in fun and interactive ways. Emphasis will be given primarily on oral communication, as well as on phonology, the fundamentals of grammar and the development of basic vocabulary in order to develop basic communicative skills in Modern Greek through reading, writing, listening and speaking.  For students who have very little or no previous background in Greek.   

GREE 1511:  Second Level Modern Greek I [3 credits] (Ismini Lamb)
This course further equips students to exchange information in conversational Modern Greek. The course expands vocabulary by introducing students to more idioms and colloquialisms and builds a deeper appreciation of Greek grammar and syntax. Greek customs and traditions are explored through class conversation and audio-visual materials. Students are introduced to Greek literature, history and a wider range of Greek language materials and media. Students continue honing their Greek language skills in innovative and interactive ways! Prerequisite: GREE-012 or permission of the instructor.

GREE 2011: Third Level Modern Greek I [3 credits] (Ismini Lamb)
This course focuses on mastering all requisite language skills while integrating advanced aspects of Greek culture, history and literature in fun and interactive ways! Emphasis is put on expanding the vocabulary and developing conversational skills to prepare the students to enjoy discussions on a variety of topics with accuracy and fluency. Students have the opportunity to expand vocabulary in areas of personal or specialized interest relevant to their broader educational goals. Class instruction is supplemented by weekly grammar review and conversation sessions. Prerequisite: GREE-112 or permission of the instructor.

GREE 2055 Byzantine International Relations (Ivan Maric)

Over the course of more than 1100 years (c. 330-1453), Byzantium, the Eastern Roman Empire,
demonstrated remarkable endurance in surviving natural disasters, pandemics, ‘the worst year to
be alive’ (536), the Little Ice Age, and a host of powerful enemies—Persians, Huns, Arabs,
Normans, Crusaders, and Ottomans. Byzantium’s successive crises and resurgences provide a
powerful case study of the adaptive capacity of empires and highlight the social, political, and
ideological resources that allowed it to outlive the Roman Empire in the West by nearly a
thousand years.
Drawing on the growing literature theorizing the adaptive capacity of states, this course explores
the factors behind the exceptional resilience and adaptability of Byzantium that allowed it to
navigate these challenges successfully. Beginning with Constantine the Great’s efforts to
reconstitute the empire in the 4th century, all the way to the Ottoman conquest of the city in the
15th c., the course will examine the state’s fundamental institutions—its government, economy, military, and religion. Traversing Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, we consider the role of
fortifications, monetary supply, theological innovations, court protocol, and depth of
administration to understand how the empire used hard and soft power—military campaigns,
religious missions, and deft diplomacy—to respond and adapt to the external challenges. An
object-handling session at the nearby Dumbarton Oaks Museum—housing one of the finest
Byzantine collections in the world—will offer a unique opportunity to examine firsthand the
artifacts still bearing witness to Byzantium’s soft power.

Spring 2023 Courses

GREE 012:  Intensive First Level Modern Greek II   [5 credits]
The course introduces students to the language and culture of the Greek-speaking world.  Emphasis will be given primarily on oral communication, as well as phonology, the fundamentals of grammar, and the development of basic vocabulary in order to develop basic communicative skills in Modern Greek through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Prerequisite:  GREE-011 or permission of instructor

GREE 212:  Intensive Third Level Modern Greek II  [3 credits]
This course focuses on mastering all requisite language skills while integrating aspects of Greek culture, history, and literature in fun and interactive ways!  Emphasis is put on expanding the vocabulary and developing conversational skills to prepare the students to enjoy discussions on a variety of topics with accuracy and fluency. Students have the opportunity to expand vocabulary in areas of personal or specialized interest relevant to their broader educational goals. Class instruction is supplemented by weekly grammar review and conversation sessions.

GREE 302:  Tutorial: Greek  [3 credits]
Directed independent study.  By permission of the instructor only.