HIST 3357 6.0 – Greece: A Modern History
This course focuses on the history of Modern Greece (1800 to the present) and starts with two weeks intensive reading and discussion of key historical events before moving to Athens for a month. In Greece, the course combines in-class sessions with mostly on-site teaching to provide in-depth understanding of major developments in social, cultural, economic and political history of Greece since 1800.
The course starts by exploring the history of Ottoman and Venetian areas that formed the Greek State and includes themes such as: the Revolution of 1821, economic and social change in the nineteenth century; Greece in the Balkans; WWI and the interwar period; war and occupation in the 1940s; emigration and the Greek Diaspora; the 1967-1974 dictatorship and the post-1980s period of European integration, to the present and recent crises and challenges.
Teaching is based primarily on experiential learning through visits to museums that provide a unique insight to modern and contemporary history and present-day Greece, as well as visits to historical archives and research centres to understand how historians do research. In the second week of the course, students may have the opportunity to visit the island of Syros for a three-day summer school in Greek and Mediterranean history offered in association with the National Research Institute, as well as a two-day trip to the island of Hydra.
Quick Links
Applications for Summer 2025 will open in Fall 2024. Stay tuned!
Location: Athens, Greece
Course Dates:
TBA
Course Director:
Prof. Sakis Gekas, Associate Professor, Hellenic Heritage Foundation Chair in Modern Greek History, Department of History (agekas@yorku.ca)
Maximum Enrolment: 18 Students
During my time studying modern Greek history, I was able to gain a unique perspective on many topics relevant to Greece throughout the 1800s to present day. Being able to see Athens as well as the other cities and Greek islands was the best possible way to earn credits during the summer, while learning about my own family’s heritage.
— Jedd Kenedy, HIST 3357, Athens, Greece, Summer 2023
Stepping out of my comfort zone to attend this study abroad course was the best decision. Being immersed in a new culture was an invaluable experience, made even better by the friends I gained in the process.
— Bobbi Christie, HIST 3357, Athens, Greece, Summer 2023
Learn More
For more information, students can connect with LA&PS Study Abroad Coordinator (studyabr@yorku.ca).