“Beginning Modern Greek Language and Culture” aims to combine the classic beginning Modern Greek language instruction with Modern Greek culture. While keeping with the conventional language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), this course integrates the “fifth skill” of language, culture, in a way that allows a full understanding of Modern Greece.

Through language focused cultural lessons, students will learn the importance of language in everyday situations, and become active participants in Modern Greek culture. This course aims to enable students to:
a) communicate in the language and handle basic life situations;
b) read in the language;
c) learn everyday vocabulary from relevant social topics; and
d) write simple letters and brief notes.

Students will develop oral language proficiency and cultural awareness through different activities, both inside and outside the classroom (neighborhood walks, graffiti, Greek idioms, street signs, visit to the Greek parliament, magazine covers, current pop culture videos, etc.).

These varied aspects of language practice and cultural exploration will include etymological and historical information, allowing the students to engage comfortably and become integrated with Modern Greek language and society.

“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” ‒ Rita Mae Brown