Issues in Contemporary Greece

Strategically located at the crossroads of three continents (Europe, Asia, and Africa), Greece has often become the epicenter of various political and cultural developments with significant international implications. In 2021, Greece celebrates the anniversary of 200 years since the beginning of the 1821 revolution against the Ottoman Empire and the long war of independence which led to the establishment of the Modern Greek State, known today as the Hellenic Republic. This course follows the journey of the Greek people, their leaders, their triumphs, their challenges, and traumas over the course of the last two centuries. Personalities and events that shaped the nation’s trajectory will be studied and critically examined to offer a clear understanding of what Greece is today and the reasons behind the country’s main political and cultural characteristics. Through lectures, readings, films, documentaries, class discussions and guest speakers, students will explore the “National Greek Issues”, will discover “Great Greeks” and their roles in shaping and modernizing Greek society, and will learn about the “Greek Diaspora” and its role in strengthening and promoting Hellenism both domestically and internationally.