Modern Greek Language and Literature

The aim of the M.A. Studies in Modern Greek is to deepen the knowledge and language competence that the students had acquired during their B.A. Studies and to extend their understanding of the development of the Greek language, history, and culture. Special attention is devoted to literature of the Byzantine and Early Modern period. Students deepen their expertise in diachronic linguistics, literary history, or translation by attending facultative classes of their own choice.

After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• explain the main tendencies of the development of Greek literature from the Middle Ages to the present and to place them into the international context
• explain the development of the Modern Greek language from Hellenistic Koine to the present
• understand cultural and linguistic events in Greece from the Middle Ages to the present day within their historical context
• speak fluently and write correctly in Modern Greek (level C1 of the European Reference Framework)
• translate any text adequately from Czech to Modern Greek and vice versa, including the ability to use specialized dictionaries for translating more demanding texts
• characterize the oeuvre of most significant Byzantine and Modern Greek authors
• read and interpret Byzantine and Modern Greek literature, including texts in the Katharevousa
• write a scholarly informed text based on the newest scholarly outcomes and documents the abiliy of the aboslvent to pursue an independent research

Graduates of the M.A. program in Modern Greek Language and Literature will find work opportunities in a number of professional fields. They can continue their studies in a Ph.D. programme and continue their formation as researches and teachers. They are well-equipped to work in tourism or in the commercial sphere, where the knowledge of Greek is required (travel agencies, guides, business sector, banking sector), both in Greece and in the Czech Republic. They may also work as translators or work for not-for-profit organizations operating in Greece as a part of international assistance (Charity, Czech Red Cross). Thank to their familiarity with the philological work, they are also prepared for editorial work in the media, especially in culturally and literally oriented sections. They can find further job opportunities in professions that require general education, independent critical thinking, and solid language skills. The study of this program in combination with another one expands the number of work opportunities further.

The standard scope of a Master's thesis is 140,000 characters including footnotes, table of contents, index, bibliography, and Modern Greek summary. The student chooses the topic from the list of topics available in the IS MU ("Topic lists") or chooses his/her own topic (subject to the supervisor’s approval). In addition to the ability to independently search for the relevant bibliography for the given topic, excerpt from it and critically access it in relation to the treated topic, the student also demonstrates his/her ability to independently research and analyze language data or interpret literary works and formulate corresponding conclusions. He/she also proves the ability to summarize the content and outputs of his/her work in Modern Greek.

A graduate of a Master's degree program may apply for studies in any doctoral program if they meet the conditions for admission. At the Department of Classical Studies at the Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University students can apply for admission to a follow-up Ph.D. degree in Hellenic Studies.