About Us

MODERN GREEK is an interdisciplinary Program housed in the Department of Classical Studies, offering courses and degrees for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as regular lectures, symposia, films, exhibits, and other events for students, faculty, and the broader community. The Program offers an undergraduate Minor in Modern Greek and an undergraduate Concentration (Major) in Modern Greek. It also offers excellent opportunities for graduate studies with a specialization in Modern Greek through several departments. Most students pursuing graduate degrees at the University receive graduate fellowships or graduate student instructorships, both of which provide full tuition and a substantial stipend.

How did all this come about?

MODERN GREEK began in September 1990 with a two-year language sequence taught by Traianos Gagos in the Department of Classical Studies. Language offerings later benefited from the teaching of Mihalis Fotiadis and Kostalena Michelaki. In 1996 Classical Studies and the Program in Comparative Literature joined forces, applying together and winning a new jointly shared Professorship in Modern Greek. Next the University turned to the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies, a grass-roots Greek American organization. When the Foundation met its fundraising goal, the University upgraded the position to an endowed Professorship. The endowing of the Professorship meant that Michigan has committed itself to offering Modern Greek for as long as the University exists.

Who We Are +

MODERN GREEK is now taught by Vassilis Lambropoulos, Director and C. P. Cavafy Professor of Modern Greek and Comparative Literature; Artemis Leontis, Coordinator and Associate Professor of Modern Greek; and Dr. Despina Margomenou, Lecturer III in Modern Greek. The Program's librarian is Dr. Janet Crayne, Librarian, Slavic Division Area Programs, Hatcher Graduate Library, who handles library acquisitions and cataloguing of Greek books.

Facts About Modern Greek +

Facts

  • Year Program Established: 1990
  • Year Professorship Established: 1998
  • Year C.P. Cavafy Professorship was celebrated: 2001-2002
  • Approximate number of undergraduate students enrolled per academic term: 80-100 students

Levels of Study Available

  • 3 year language sequence
  • Minor in Modern Greek
  • Concentration in Modern Greek

Opportunities for Masters and Ph.D. in Greek and Greek in American Studies through several departments: American Culture Program, Anthropology, Anthropology and History Program, Classical Studies, Comparative Literature Program, Film & Video Studies Program, History-History of Art, Political Science, Sociology, and Women's Studies Program.