Current Courses of Instruction (2011-2012)

Department of the Classics
Modern Greek

Students interested in the Modern Greek Studies Program are encouraged to contact the Director of the Program, Panagiotis Roilos, George Seferis Professor of Modern Greek Studies and of Comparative Literature (roilos@fas.harvard.edu).

 

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For Undergraduates and Graduates

Modern Greek A. Elementary Modern Greek
Catalog Number: 8604
Vassiliki Rapti and assistant
Full course. M., W., F., at 12, and a weekly hour for conversation on Th. at 12.

EXAM GROUP: 5
For students with no knowledge of modern Greek. Basic oral expression, listening comprehension, grammar, reading, and writing. Language instruction is supplemented by reading of simple literary passages and other texts, as well as by online instruction.

Modern Greek B. Intermediate Modern Greek: Language and Civilization
Catalog Number: 8187
Vassiliki Rapti and assistant
Full course. M., W., F., at 11, and a weekly hour for conversation on Th. at 11.

EXAM GROUP: 4
Aims at further development of skills in speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. Selected readings in prose (literary and journalistic), poetry, folksongs, modern music, and theater serve as an introduction to aspects of modern Greek literature and culture. The course is conducted in Greek and focuses on topics selected by the instructor and the students in the first term. Grammar is reviewed in the context of readings. Instruction is supplemented by online instruction.
Prerequisite: An elementary knowledge of modern Greek (equivalent to that of Modern Greek A).

*Modern Greek 100. Advanced Modern Greek: Introduction to Modern Greek Literature
Catalog Number: 8487
Vassiliki Rapti and assistant
Half course (fall term). Tu., at 2, Th., 2–4.

EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Literary, sociocultural, and linguistic analysis of selected readings in prose, poetry, plays, orally transmitted songs, and folktales.
Note: Conducted in Greek.
Prerequisite: Modern Greek B or equivalent and permission of instructor.

Modern Greek 125. Greek Modernism - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 33817
Panagiotis Roilos
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3.
EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Focuses on the ways in which Greek literature contributed and responded to modernist aesthetics. Topics to be studied include tradition and modernity, nostalgia and memory, poetics and desire.

Modern Greek 145 (formerly Comparative Literature 145). Dreams and Literature
Catalog Number: 8412
Panagiotis Roilos
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3.
EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Against the dual background of ancient and medieval commentaries on the one hand, and modern psychoanalytic and ethnographic studies on the other, diverse literary texts will be explored. The major focus will be on Greek literature, but examples from other European literatures will also be considered (including film). Major topics: typology of dreams; dreams as narratives; dreaming and writing; religious dimensions. Theoretical readings to include: Aristotle, Aelius Aristides, Artemidorus, Synesius of Cyrene; Freud, Jung, Levi-Strauss, Foucault, Lyotard.
Note: Students who have previously taken Comparative Literature 145, Dreams and Literature, may not take this course for credit.

 

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Primarily for Graduates

Modern Greek 224. History and Literature: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 78503
Panagiotis Roilos
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Examines the interaction of literary and historiographical discursive modes in Greek tradition (12th c. to modernity). Special emphasis will be placed on the genre of historical novel.

Cross-listed Courses

Comparative Literature 288. The Ancients and the Moderns: Modern Critical Theory and the Classics
Catalog Number: 7557
Panagiotis Roilos
Half course (spring term). M., 4–6.

EXAM GROUP: 9
Explores the impact of classical literature and culture on the formation of modern critical theory. Topics include: construction of power; trafficability of art; ritual theory; sexuality; gender studies; irony; orality and literacy.

Classics 300. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations.
Catalog Number: 4543
Panagiotis Roilos

Classics 301. Readings or Topics Course.
Catalog Number: 3457
Panagiotis Roilos
Note: For graduate students whose individual needs are not met by the formal courses offered.

Classics 302. Special Examinations Direction.
Catalog Number: 2686
Panagiotis Roilos

 

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Courses Archive:

2010-2011
2009-2010