Greek Literature and Language - Modern
The modern period of Greek literature dates back about a millennium. Find out how you can survey this field in an interdisciplinary undergraduate program or delve into it more deeply with an advanced degree. Get info on jobs you could pursue with an education in modern Greek language and literature.
<h2 id="section---IsModernGreekLiteratureAndLanguageForMe">Is Modern Greek Literature and Language For Me?</h2>
<h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3>
<p>Modern Greek is the official language of Greece and Cyprus and is spoken in many Greek communities in other nations. The written language consists of a 24-letter alphabet and certain diacritical signs. Modern Greek <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Literature_Degrees_Frequently_Asked_Questions.html">literature</a>, according to scholars, spans approximately the last 1,000 years of works produced in Greece, Istanbul, Thrace and Asia Minor. The literature has been characterized by controversy concerning whether it should be written in <i>Katharevousa,</i> a formal or literary version of the language, or in Demotic Greek, a popular, spoken form. Themes include political oppression and patriotism. Undergraduate degrees can lead to careers in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/International_Business_Bachelors_Degree.html">international business</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Translation_License_and_Certification_FAQs.html">translation</a> and education. Graduate programs in modern Greek can prepare you for a career as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_College_Professor.html">college professor</a>.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInfo">Employment and Salary Info</h3>
<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an increase in international commerce is part of what's fueling the demand for management analysts, who made a median salary of $78,600 in 2012; jobs for management analysts are expected to increase 19% from 2012-2022, a rate that's higher than average when compared to all occupations during that same decade (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Translators and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Interpreter_Certification_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">interpreters</a> earned median wages of $45,430 in 2012, and jobs in this field are predicted to increase 46% from 2012-2022, per the BLS. Postsecondary teachers of area, ethnic and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cultural_Studies_Masters_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">cultural studies</a> earned median pay of $67,360 in 2012, and their job growth is expected to be 16% from 2012-2022. Those who taught foreign languages and literature earned a median annual wage of $58,670 in 2012, and job growth is expected to be 15% for this career from 2012-2022.
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<h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInModernGreekLiteratureAndLanguage">How Can I Work in Modern Greek Literature and Language?</h2>
<h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3>
<p>You may study for a Bachelor of Arts in either Greek literature and language or modern Greek studies; master's and doctoral degrees are also available. Courses cover the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Bachelors_Degree_in_History_Online_Degree.html">history</a> and development of the language, literature and culture of the Greek world, along with critical theory and textual criticism. Programs may include interdisciplinary studies in topics such as mythology. The curriculum includes multiple levels of modern Greek language courses. In addition, you can expect to study Greek modernism, modern critical theory and modern history.
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<p>Graduate degree programs require the close study of modern Greek texts to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between classical and modern Greek language and literature, Greek history and dialect differentiation. You need to possess at least a reading knowledge of both ancient and Byzantine Greek. In addition, competency in other languages, such as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/French_Language_Courses_and_Degree_Programs_Your_Questions_Answered.html">French</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/German_Language_Courses_Your_Questions_Answered.html">German</a>, Italian, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Free_Online_Russian_Language_Courses_Where_Can_I_Find_Them.html">Russian</a> or Turkish, is recommended. Comprehensive written and oral examinations must be successfully completed to demonstrate your language proficiency, translation abilities and general knowledge of this field. To earn a doctorate, you also need to write and defend your dissertation in modern Greek literature and language.</p>