In this subject students explore issues in the modern construction of ethno-national, civic, multiple and other identities. We examine the evolution of the concept of "Hellenism" and the diversity of its manifestations in various parts of the modern world by way of an imaginary journey through the cities of Istanbul, Izmir, Thessaloniki, London, Nicosia, New York, and Melbourne. We explore the life of Greeks as Ottoman subjects, students and scholars, victims of genocide, political exiles, guest-workers, Europeans, and citizens of multi-cultural states, as well as the impact of the Greek Orthodox Church, Greek irredentism, political conflict and modernisation on Greek identity. Competing visions of Hellenism that developed in these cities will be juxtaposed to the realities of Greece today.

Subject rules

Readings