Victoria’s Consul General of Greece Christina Simantirakis paid a visit to La Trobe University last month, where she was given a positive update regarding the Modern Greek Studies program.
In recent years Modern Greek, along with other humanities subjects, has undergone heavy restructuring.
Particularly affected by the cuts were European Studies, with a number of staff let go.
According to Professor David Bradley, director of the Department of Languages and Linguistics, things are now looking up.
Professor Bradley said the humanities departments were now in a stage of recovery with a bright future ahead.
Where Hellenic Studies are concerned, a number of Ancient Greek units have been maintained and developed as part of the Mediterranean Studies stream.
The Modern Greek Studies program has also secured its place, with subjects available for beginners through to advanced at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The consul general was accompanied by George Kavoukli of the Consulate’s Education Office and hosted by program coordinator Dr Maria Herodotou.
Dr Herodotou gave the pair a run down of the Modern Greek program’s history and changes that have occurred, along with an update of the new structure and its future prospects.
According to recent figures, there has been an increase in enrolments at beginners’ level subjects.
Three of the university’s Modern Greek majors – Peter Pantazis, Anita Lada, and Dionysia Anagnostou – have also been awarded scholarships by the Victorian Department of Education, as they continue their studies with Honours in Greek and a Master of Education.