A subject exploring the historical evolution of Hellenism and its diverse manifestations in various parts of the modern world will be offered at La Trobe University during the upcoming summer term.

Titled “Imagined Communities in a Contemporary World”, the intensive course is open to second-year students, including those from other higher education providers via cross-institution enrolment.

The curriculum will elaborate on the modern construction of ethno-national, civic and multiple identities, placing emphasis on these processes as they unfolded within the concept of Hellenism.

Students will embark on an imaginary journey from Istanbul and Izmir to Thessaloniki, London, Nicosia, New York and Melbourne, learning about the life of Greeks as Ottoman subjects, scholars, victims of genocide, guest-workers, exiles and citizens of multi-cultural states among others.

Furthermore, there will be opportunities to explore issues relating to the impact of the Greek Orthodox church, Greek irredentism and political conflict, while competing visions of Hellenism developed in different cities will also be examined and juxtaposed to the realities of Greece today.

Duration: 8 January – 14 February (6 weeks x 6 hours a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30pm – 8.30pm)
Venue: Greek Cultural Centre, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC

For more information, you can contact the subject coordinator Dimitri Gonis (d.gonis@latrobe.edu.au)