Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies

(previous semesters)

Regularly Offered Courses

Elementary Modern Greek
HLS 101/MOG 101 
This course is the first part of the modern Greek language sequence regularly offered every year. It aims to set the foundations for acquiring a command of spoken and written modern Greek. The pace is intensive: readings and grammar from textbook, with accompanying daily exercises, and regular language laboratory attendance. Auditors welcome with instructor's permission.
Staff  Classes: 12:30-1:20 p.m. MTWTh

Intermediate Modern Greek
HLS 105/MOG 105
This course is the third part of the modern Greek language sequence offered every year. It will introduce students to themes in the Hellenic tradition through readings in modern Greek literature (Cavafy, Seferis, Ritsos). We will read newspaper articles, listen to Greek songs, and study documentary films. The emphasis will be on improving students' oral and written skills. Classes will be held entirely in Greek. Auditors welcome with instructor's permission.
Dimitri Gondicas  Classes: 12:30-1:20 MTWTh

Greeks, Turks, and Slavs:  Nationalism in the Balkans
HLS 358/HIS 358
This course will examine the rise of nationalism in the Balkans, beginning with an examination of Balkan society under the Ottoman Empire. We will move on to study selected Balkan nationalist movements in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Throughout the course, students will consider the relationship between the Balkan past and the current problems confronting the region. General theories of nationalism will also be studied for their relevance to the history of the Balkans.
Molly Greene Lecture: 1:30-2:20 MW Precept: To be arranged.

One-Time-Only Courses

Studies in the Classical Tradition: "The Glory That Was Greece" in Modern Europe
CLA 335/HLS 335
What does it mean to be European? Historians once had an answer: to be a modern European one must first become a classical Greek. That strange conception opens a window onto a fascinating intellectual history, one that continues to have considerable resonance even today (as the Black Athena controversy demonstrates). We will explore this tradition by focusing on how the history of Greece has been re-imagined. Our material of study will include selections from ancient authors and from epoch-making works in the last three centuries, travelers’ and antiquarian writings, archaeological images and modern visual representations.
Giovanna Ceserani Seminar: 3:00-4:20 p.m. M W

Special Topics in Byzantine Civilization:  The Crusades: Byzantium and the West (1095-1396)
HLS 362/HIS 342
This course covers the wars launched against Islam by western medieval Christians and the response to those wars from the other Christian society of the medieval period, the Byzantine Empire. Lectures, readings, and discussions will cover historical justifications for religious warfare; popular religious roots of the crusades; and the reactions of groups against whom crusades were directed (Jews, "heretical" Christians, and Muslims).
Tia Kolbaba Lecture: 1:30-2:20 T Th; Precept: TBA

Great Cities of the Greek World:  Constantinople-Istanbul
HLS 461/ART 461
Urban development and monuments of Constantinople-Istanbul from Antiquity to the 17^th century. Study of the major political and cultural center in the eastern Mediterranean. The central place and the changing roles as the capital of the two empires—Byzantine and Ottoman—will be explored. During the fall recess all registered students in the course will visit Istanbul for on-site study and research. Admission by application.
Slobodan Ćurčić and Thomas Leisten Class: 11:00 a.m.-12:20 p.m. T Th

Other Courses of Interest

Spring 2001 course offerings
Fall 2000 course offerings
Spring 2000 course offerings
Fall 1999 course offerings