Modern Greek Language & Culture Program

The Center for Hellenic Studies is invested in the teaching of Modern Greek—both to the campus community and to the broader non-academic community. The Center also supports offering courses on bilingualism and heritage languages, and the history of Greek. And through a collaboration in conjunction with the Consulate General of Greece in Chicago, administers a free online educational program called “Refresh your Greek,” targeted for the Greek American adult speakers who wish to improve their proficiency in the Greek language.

UChicago’s Division of the Humanities announced a $1.25 million gift for the study of the Modern Greek language from the Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation Fund for Teaching of the Greek Language. This generous gift from Alexander Pissios, UChicago College 2026 parent, will support the teaching of Greek through the Division of the Humanities and the Center for Hellenic Studies.

“The Center for Hellenic Studies aims to sustain interest in the study of the Greek language and to support work on Greek ideas and areas broadly construed that can help in understanding our world today,” Giannakidou said. “The study of the great works of classical Greece is a vital part of a liberal education but is only the starting point of the broad study of Hellenic ideas across three millennia, resulting in the vibrant culture of the modern Greek space in the Eastern Mediterranean and around the world.”

On campus, the University of Chicago hosts approximately six courses focused on modern Greek and six classes focused on ancient Greek. In addition, students have the opportunity to continue study of the Greek culture through courses exploring Greek texts and the evolution of the city-states through the ages. These classes provide students the opportunity to polish their Greek through both readings and discussions.