The Greek Studies program at La Trobe University already lanched a plethora of exciting activities at the start of this academic year.
“The program has greatly benefitted from the support of individuals and groups,” said Dr Stavroula Nikoloudis is the Coordinator of the Greek Studies program at La Trobe University.
“We would like to thank the Corfu Co-Operative Society’s Honours bursary in Greek Studies for a student undertaking an Honours Thesis on a topic of their choice.
The late Mr Anastassios Vassilogianis, has been a long-term benefactor and visionary as well as the members of the Steering Committee contributing tireless work over the past two years, all the recent donors of the program, all former Greek language educators at La Trobe for maintaining this unique tertiary program for four decades, our students, the wider community, and our colleagues, both locally and globally, for their ongoing support of language learning in general.”
WHAT’S ON
1. The first two language units of Beginners’ stream in Modern Greek (Greek 1 and 2) are being redeveloped to be taught in hybrid format (Zoom and face-to-face simultaneously), as a way to provide more flexibility to students who might not otherwise be able to take our face-to-face classes. If you are a complete Beginner, you can now take a class either face-to-face or online.
2. The overseas Study Tour “Connecting with Language and Culture in Greece”, established in 2019, will be running again at the end of this year. Students can enhance their oral skills while immersing themselves in the Greek way of life for three weeks in early December. Student internships in businesses and community organisations are being continued, highlighting the value of the Greek language in the workplace and enabling students to apply their learning beyond the classroom.
3. La Trobe will be reviving the Dardalis Hellenic Archives Research Seminar Series (May-November 2023) in which speakers will be asked to select an object from the Archives as a starting point for their presentations, which will explore the migration of Greeks to Australia through the contents of the collection.
4. The Greek Studies program also plans to contribute to the significant work of revitalising the Greek language in Victoria/Australia with Pharos, a community-wide project chaired by the Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria. If you have not heard about this initiative, please visit the MGTAV website to learn about the Modern Greek Strategic Plan via www.mgtav.asn.au
“The surest way to maintain this tertiary Greek Studies program into the future is healthy student numbers,” streeses Dr Stavroula Nikoloudis.
“We will continue to encourage students to keep up or commence their Greek language and culture studies at La Trobe, but we need everyone’s assistance: Dr Dimitri Gonis and I invite you to visit us at Antipodes, on Open Days, or through one of the information sessions run with NUGAS or the campus visits organised through the MGTAV, to find out what the program has to offer. You are also welcome to email us if you have questions. You can take Greek as part of a degree or as an independent diploma or even as a single subject, whether you’re based at La Trobe or another university! We welcome students of all levels, backgrounds and ages. Join us to enrich your life by delving deeper into Greek language and culture at La Trobe University.”
Students’ perspectives:
“I have enjoyed the Greek program at La Trobe and I highly recommend it to anyone at any stage of their life! As a Greek tutor, I found great value in this course as it is a qualification that is helping to refine my knowledge and equip me with more skills to help others. I’ve felt supported by the lecturers who are very knowledgeable, and I also look forward to seeing my fellow classmates each week and socialising.” – Claire Lagoutaris, Advanced (post-VCE) stream – 3rd year student
“I am not of Greek background, but I wanted to study Greek to travel to Greece and Cyprus. I also simply loved the language and culture, especially Greek music and art. In addition to learning how to communicate in Greek, I have learned a great deal about the history of the Greek-speaking world, been introduced to literature, film and music, and have a deeper appreciation of the relationship between Greek and other languages such as English. Studying Greek at La Trobe also introduced me to Pharos, an advocacy group dedicated to promoting Modern Greek studies in Victoria, which has enabled me to build on the advocacy and communication skills that I learned in my social work studies. I have formed some lovely friendships with members of the Greek community who are passionate about language and cultural diversity.” – Cath Edwards, Beginners’ stream – 3rd year student
“Studying Greek at La Trobe University has been a tremendously valuable experience as it has had a profound impact on my life. From understanding cultural and historical perspectives to a deeper connection to family through language, it has enhanced my appreciation for my family’s background and traditions. Improving my Greek in a formal setting has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I couldn’t recommend it enough to anyone who is even remotely interested or still a little unsure.”- Nicholas Archon, Beginner – former student