Nearly 11 million people speak Modern Greek, a descendant of the language in which Homer composed and Plato and Aristotle philosophized. There are 24 letters in both the Ancient and Modern Greek alphabets, but the latter language has changed a bit in grammar, syntax, and pronunciation. Modern Greek is a multidisciplinary major encompassing courses in literature, art, history, language, political science, and philosophy. You’ll take language courses on an increasingly difficult level, hopefully resulting in fluency, both written and oral, by graduation. You’ll learn about Modern Greek culture, society, politics, and government. You’ll be able to speak, read, and write in Greek, and will be able to appreciate the vast body of Greek literature and writings.

Preparation

Mastering a language is the best preparation for a major in Modern Greek. So take as many classes as you can of one language in high school. You shouldn’t slack in history, religion, English, and philosophy, either. Math courses will be useful as well, since many mathematical symbols and concepts are Greek in origin.