Calotychos, Greek Lit Prof at Columbia, Talks About Modern Greek Reality

Constantine S. Sirigos

Costas Bej/TNH
To grasp what is happening in Greece today, one can turn to economists and political scientists. It might be more illuminating, however, to consult Greek literature. TNH turned to Dr. Vangelis Calotychos, Associate Professor of Modern Greek Literature and Culture in Columbia University’s Program in Hellenic Studies, which functions under the auspices of the Classics Department.

NEW YORK – To grasp what is happening in Greece today, one can turn to economists and political scientists. It might be more illuminating, however, to consult Greek literature. Contemporary Greek novels and films shed light on Modern Greek realities like the Civil War and the Junta without which the politics and economics simply do not make sense. Dr. Vangelis Calotychos is an Associate Professor of Modern Greek Literature and Culture in Columbia University’s Program in Hellenic Studies, which functions under the auspices of the Classics Department. At Columbia, and earlier at Harvard and NYU, Calotychos has introduced hundreds of students to the Modern Greek novel and film, and thus to Greece and its language. He was born and raised in London, and though he showed early promise in math, literature became his life and passion.

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February 02, 2012

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Monday, May 20, 2013 Last Update: 1:51 AM ET