A new blow was dealt to the study of Modern Greek in Australia after the decision by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to close down its Greek Studies program.
The Dean of Arts at the University announced recently that all new enrolments to the program are suspended as of 2010 and the Greek program will be shutting down as soon as its current students conclude their studies.
The decision was handed down although the University had reached a three year agreement with the Greek community of NSW for the teaching of the Greek language that ensured the economic viability of the program.
The agreement was signed by both parties on August 11 last year that stipulated that the teaching of Greek would be maintained as long as UNSW students would be interested in taking part. Yet this agreement could be nullified unilaterally by the University if it deems that the department is not viable financially or if it does not justify academically its purpose.
In 1995, one year after the Department’s commencement, the Greek community of NSW amassed the amount of $280,000 through various fund – raising events.
UNSW doubled this amount by matching the funds.
The entire capital was then invested and, since then, the operating costs of the program are covered through accrued interests. Currently, it is estimated that this investment is over one million dollars.
According to the enrolment lists, the courses of the Greek program are currently attended by 83 students, 39 of whom are students in the Greek language classes.
The program also offers a General Education subject on Ancient Greek Mythology that is attended by an additional 100 Greek and non- Greek pupils.