Modern Greek Language and Literature

The aim of the M.A. programme in Modern Greek is to deepen the knowledge and language competence that students have acquired during their B.A. studies and to extend their understanding of the development of Greek language, history, and culture. Special attention is devoted to the language and literature of the Byzantine and Early Modern period. Students deepen their expertise in synchronic approaches to linguistics, literary criticism, or comparative approaches to literature by attending elective courses.

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 onwards and place them into the international contextinto the international context
• explain the development of the Modern Greek language from Hellenistic Koine to the present
• understand cultural and linguistic developments in Greece from the Middle Ages to the present day within their historical context
• sspeak fluently and write correctly (at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference) in Modern Greek
• characterize the oeuvre of the most significant Byzantine and early Modern Greek authors
• read and interpret Byzantine and Modern Greek literature, including texts in Katharevousa
• write a scholarly text based on the latest scholarly research that documents their ability to pursue their own research

Graduates of the M.A. programme 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 in the Czech Republic or abroad and continue their formation as researchers and teachers. They are well-equipped to work in tourism or business where knowledge of Greek is required (at travel agencies, as guides, in the business or banking sectors). After additional schooling, they may also work as translators or for non-profit organizations operating in Greece as part of international assistance. Thanks to their familiarity with philological work, they are also prepared for editorial work, especially in culturally and literarily oriented publications. They can find further job opportunities in professions that require general education, independent critical thinking, and solid language skills.

The standard scope for the M.A. thesis is 140,000 characters including footnotes, a table of contents, an index, a bibliography, and a summary. Students choose a topic from the list of topics available in IS MU or choose their own topic (subject to their supervisor’s approval). In addition to the ability to independently find relevant literature for the given topic, extract excerpts from it, and critically assess it in relation to the treated topic, students also demonstrate their ability to independently research and analyse language data or interpret literary works and formulate appropriate conclusions.

A graduate of the master’s degree programme may apply for studies in any doctoral programme 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. programme in Hellenic Studies.