Time Schedule:
Zinon Papakonstantinou
HSTEU 490
Seattle Campus
Examines special topics in European history.
Class description
Memory and History in Modern Greece
This course examines the reception of ancient and medieval traditions and material culture in modern Greece, as well as their role in constructing modern Greek identity. In this way, modern Greece serves as a case-study that allows us to examine broader issues related to nationhood and identity construction. Topics to be examined include the effect and use of ancient and medieval art and monuments in promoting Greekness, the use of kathareuousa (purified form of Greek language, more akin to ancient Greek than modern spoken Greek) as official language until 1976, the legacy of ancient Olympism and its effect on the modern Olympic movement and modern Greece (with particular emphasis on the 2004 summer Olympics), the link between history, irredentism and foreign policy since the creation of the modern Greek state etc.
Student learning goals
Analysis and evaluation of historical sources
understanding of issues related to identity construction in nation-states
effective presentation of student research in an orderly and persuasive fashion
General method of instruction
lectures, readings, class discussions
Recommended preparation
No formal prerequisites, although some knowledge of Greek history would be preferred
Class assignments and grading
Class participation, written assignment, final exam (percentages to be announced in due time)
