Editor’s Note: This article written by Paul Floeckher first appeared on the KSU website Sept. 9. It is re-published with permission as part of Kennesaw State University’s Division of Global Affairs‘s annual sponsorship of Global Atlanta.
Kennesaw State University’s Annual Country Study Program returns in 2021-2022 with a yearlong celebration of Greece’s culture and history.
A staple of KSU’s Division of Global Affairs, the program spotlights a country or region with a variety of activities and events to enhance awareness, interest and understanding of the world. The Year of Greece schedule includes a grand opening celebration, scholarly presentations, panel discussions and a two-day symposium on Greek history and culture.
“Kennesaw State’s faculty demonstrate tremendous dedication to providing international education inside and outside of the classroom, and the Annual Country Study Program is an important component of that,” said Sheb True, interim associate vice provost for the Division of Global Affairs. “We want to continue to broaden the experiences and opportunities that prepare students to succeed in today’s increasingly global environment.”
Coinciding with the bicentennial of Greece’s independence, KSU’s Year of Greece will have its grand opening on Sept. 15 at The Commons dining hall on the Kennesaw Campus. Free Year of Greece T-shirts will be given out and The Commons will serve Greek dishes along with an accompanying description of the food and its historical connection to Greece.
The many Year of Greece events also will include:
- “The Paradox of Freedom,” Oct. 14 – Discussion by noted Harvard anthropologist Michael Herzfeld on the cultural and political tools utilized during the Greek War of Independence
- “Greek Economy and Sustainability Models,” Oct. 21 – Panel discussion on Greek and Greek-American contributions to business
- “Opera Scenes from Greek Mythology,” Nov. 11 – Pre-recorded recital of students performing opera scenes from Greek mythology, followed by a discussion of Greek mythology’s role in opera
- First spring semester event, Jan. 10-15 – Stingers dining hall on the Marietta Campus will feature Greek food along with Greek-themed art
- “Greek Businesses in Atlanta,” Feb. 17 – Discussion of Greece’s impact on the restaurant business in Atlanta, with Greek food provided by Atlanta-area restaurants
- Greek history and culture symposium, March 23-24 – Activities, poster presentations and panels featuring national scholars as well as KSU faculty and students discussing their research
“The extensive Year of Greece program draws upon the knowledge and expertise of faculty, staff and students, as well as the large Greek-American community that we have in metro Atlanta,” said Todd Harper, the Division of Global Affairs faculty fellow for the Annual Country Study Program. “This is a wonderful opportunity to engage all of us.”
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