Harvard University’s popular free online course, the Ancient Greek Hero, has taught literature to tens of thousands of people around the world over the last decade, and counting.
The MOOC and surrounding body of research by Harvard Professor Gregory Nagy have been effective in promoting Greek culture and creating a ripple of appreciation for the country’s heritage. The exceptional work prompted Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos to honour the acclaimed professor with the Order of Honour during a special event held at the Presidential Mansion of Athens.
The Harvard professor is also the director of the Harvard-affiliated Center of Hellenic Studies in Washington and is known for his special contribution to Archaic and Classic Greek Poetry and Literature, as well as to the ancient traditions and glossology.
The Greek president referred to the academic’s extensive body of work. “Your iconic studies in Classic Greek Poetry have always centred on Homer’s epic poems, a fact that places you among the top Homeric scholars worldwide.”
Professor Nagy expressed his gratitude for the honour and pledged to continue his work that promotes the global heritage of Greek civilisation.
The Ancient Greek Hero is an ongoing 17-week course that is offered for free by Harvard University to students around the world.