Greece is considered to be the origin of democracy, the history of the country is the starting point for various developments throughout Europe. The program Neo-Greek Studies and Byzantine Studies provides scientifically sound knowledge of Byzantine and Modern Greek literature and culture in their respective social and intellectual-historical contexts. This includes basic knowledge of the recent history of Greece as well as basic knowledge about current events in politics, media and society. A special feature of the program is the orientation towards Greece and Cyprus as well as the compulsory stay in one of these two countries.