Greek Studies (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
Immerse yourself in the world of antiquity: The subject Greek at Humboldt University of Berlin combines linguistic precision with cultural depth – ideal for anyone who wants to understand the foundations of European education at their source.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
Greek Studies at HU combines a traditional classical studies approach with perspectives acquired during the last few decades of Classical Philology from dialogue with Literary Theory, Historical Anthropology, History of Mentality, Semiotics and Gender Studies. The study programme also includes a pronounced interest in media history and theory, including issues of internet use and new media use in current scientific practice. In addition, students have the rare opportunity to acquire knowledge in specialist disciplines such as Papyrology and Epigraphy.
Greek Studies at HU features intense discussion of original Greek texts from the very beginning of the course. This requires a corresponding knowledge of Greek.
Course objectives
- Provision of fundamental specialist knowledge of the methods and work techniques of Greek Studies.
- Development of key qualifications: general text and media skills from both a receptive-analytical and an active perspective; the ability to take a reflective, independent approach to language and literature; knowledge of the fundamentals of scientific work and of presenting work findings; the ability to use academic information sources (books, electronic media etc.); the ability to recognise and assess inter-cultural connections.
- Provision of career-related additional qualifications and career-oriented elements, e.g. in the fields of the media, publishing, cultural management, museums, libraries, archives, further education and economy, and where relevant, preparation for a teaching-related master’s course.
- The opportunity to contribute to research and development projects independently and at an early stage.
- Create the basis for an academic career.
Major field of study (120 CP)
Mandatory modules (80 CP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fundamentals and Methods | 5 CP |
| 02 | Introduction to Greek Literature I (Prose) | 7 CP |
| 03 | Introduction to Greek Literature II (Poetry | 8 CP |
| 04 | Language Training (Basic) | 8 CP |
| 05 | Greek Literature I (Prose) | 10 CP |
| 06 | Greek Literature II (Poetry and Culture) | 12 CP |
| 07 | Language Training (Advanced) | 10 CP |
| 08 | Greek Literature III | 10 CP |
| 09 | Bachelor's Thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (20 CP)
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | In-depth work and specialisation | 10 CP |
| 11 | Practical Orientation OR | 10 CP |
| 12 | Internship | 10 CP |
General elective modules (20 CP)
In addition to specialised study, students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. Modules can be freely chosen from the designated module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions.
General elective course offerings (ÜWP) for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module no. | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | Fundamentals and Methods of Greek Philology | 10 CP |
| 15 | Greek Ancient Literature as fundamental Texts of European Culture | 10 CP |
Special features
Students are not required to demonstrate any language skills upon enrolment. Before beginning specialist studies you need to have studied Greek up to a level equivalent to the German Graecum (requiring at least four years’ tuition). If you do not have the required language skills, a preparatory course is available before beginning study which is not included in the standard time for completing course. Adequate German and English language skills are also required.
If you wish to pursue a Master of Education, you will also need the Latinum (Latin proficiency certificate).
The ancient world and its reception are an important focus of research at HU, with numerous subject areas involved. The interdisciplinary networking that includes Greek Studies receives particular support from associated institutions: the Collaborative Research Centre 644 ‘Transformations of Antiquity’ where Greek Studies is involved in the ‘Translating Antiquity’ project, and the August Boeckh Antiquity Center – an umbrella beneath which Greek and Latin Studies cooperate with Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, Philosophy, Theology, Cultural Studies, New Literary Studies and Linguistics, Legal History and the History of Science. Beyond Humboldt-Universität, other Berlin universities and academic institutions are also involved in both networks.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
Completing the Bachelor of Arts in Greek Studies enables you to study for the department’s Greek Studies and Classical Philology master’s programmes.
If you have chosen the teacher training option, at Humboldt-Universität you can apply for the Master of Education in Greek Studies for teaching.
Find out more in the overview of HU study programmes or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
This degree programme qualifies graduates for a wide range of careers in fields that demand language skills, text comprehension, and cultural awareness:
- Academic and research (after completing a Master of Arts)
- Cultural management, publishing, media, and museums
- Archives and libraries
- Communication, adult education, and international cultural work
To become a teacher, choose the teacher training option in your Bachelor's programme. Afterwards, you will enroll in a Master's degree programme, followed by an induction service as a trainee teacher (Referendariat) and a final examination (state examination).
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study subject counselling and recognition of credits
Mr Dr. Baumgarten
Phone: +49 30 2093-70400
roland.baumgarten@rz.hu-berlin.de
Department of Classical Philology
Universitäts-Hauptgebäude, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin