Alexandra Hudson is a Master student at the University of Strasbourg. She attended two courses offered by EPIUCR last semester and talks about her experience, the LAS teaching and her meeting with students from all over the world.
What are you studying at the University of Strasbourg ?
I am doing a double degree: a Master in Literary and Translation at the Institute of Translators, Interpreters and International Relations and a Master in Neo-Hellenic Studies at the Faculty of Languages. I chose translation studies because I would like to share the books I enjoy with people who don’t know the language, and addressing the challenges of language translation is exciting. I am also studying Neo-Hellenic Studies for the opportunity to conduct research within a culture that fascinates me and because Greek language and literature are captivating.
How did the registration for the course go? Did you add these courses or replace courses in your curriculum?
The application procedure for courses on EPICUR is simple: you choose the courses you are interested in and in order to apply, you have to provide proof of the level of the language of instruction, a short motivation text, and some other supporting documents. The courses took place during the summer, so they were extra, but I hope the credits will count towards my degree.
Which courses did you choose and why did you decide to take them?
I chose a course on Anthropology in the Balkans and a course that concerned the architecture and design of the modern city of Athens within the Liberal Arts & Sciences programme. Taking these courses was interesting for me because anthropology is an important part of my neo-Hellenic studies and to get some knowledges of the construction of modern Greece is essential for all neo-Hellenic students.
Can you tell more about this experience?
The courses were held online on several platforms such as Zoom or Teams. We had access to course materials, compulsory readings and slide shows. With the other students in the course, we had a Whatsapp group. There was always the possibility to participate orally and the atmosphere was very friendly. Continuous assessment was done by submitting questions to the teachers about the compulsory readings and by reflections or answers to questions. Sometimes guest professors gave lectures (depending on their area of specialisation) and we watched films that explored the different topics covered in class.
What did you like most about it?
For me, the fact that EPICUR exists is already an incredible privilege. What I found most rewarding was the interaction with other students from all over the world. It was really interesting to hear everyone’s stories and opinions.
Do you have any recommendations for improving the experience?
When registering for courses, it is not possible to view the timetable, which can lead to organisational difficulties. Another accessibility gap would be the multiple websites that contain essential information, but are not as closely linked as we would like.
Will you continue to attend EPICUR courses?
Yes, I am registered for two more courses during the first semester, including a Greek language course from the University of Aristotle in Thessaloniki.
