SBS Greek contacted with Mr Tsianikas to discuss the recent information that talked about termination of the Department and the future of its students.
When asked about the future of the department, Mr Tsianikas was very clear that Modern Greek Studies is not in danger of fading away.
«The department is fine. We have 180 students for the first semester and we will have close to 400 when the second semester commences. We are talking about large numbers and a major program».
Mr Tsianikas explains that the university is currently undergoing a transformation. The resulting changes affect several disciplines, including the Foreign Language departments and the department of Humanitarian Studies.
«This is not happening in just Flinders, but almost every university in the country, especially where the foreign language departments are concerned», said Mr Tsianikas.
What do the changes mean for the department of Modern Greek Studies
Part of the change was phasing out the seat of the professor from the department of Modern Greek Studies. Mr Tsianikas has been relegated from a full time professor to emeritus professor.
«This means I continue being part of the university without holding the function I once had» the professor explained.
The professor clarified that this change will not affect the students in any severe manner, but it will inhibit certain functions of the department.
Currently the department employs two academic staff: Senior lecturer Maria Palaktsoglou, who is also the head of the department and lecturer Antonis Litinas.
The future of LOGOS centre
When asked about the future of the LOGOS: Australian Centre for Hellenic Language and Culture, Mr Tsianikas replied that "LOGOS will no longer exist". To ensure their survival, research centres have to ensure government grants and devote enough time conducting research. LOGOS has been unable to do either.
Instead Flinders is considering turning LOGOS into an academy that will include other foreign language departments besides Modern Greek.
It is unknown whether this will impact the 2 million the centre is to receive from the government of South Australia.
Press play to hear the full interview in Greek.
