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Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A)

Module description

Ancient Greek includes the forms of the Greek language used in ancient Greece and around the ancient world, from the islands of the Aegean Sea to Greek colonies in the Western Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. More Greek texts survive than any one individual could read in a lifetime, making it one of the best documented languages of ancient societies and providing us with fundamental first-hand knowledge about the ancient world. Through the coinage of new words, ancient Greek continues to be a productive language nowadays. This module, designed for those with no previous experience of the language, introduces you to the fundamentals of ancient Greek morphology, syntax and vocabulary. It will particularly appeal to those who have encountered the classical world through texts in translation and wish to know more about the languages in which these works were composed. By the end of the module, you will be able to read, comprehend and translate simple sentences and short passages of ancient Greek.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to:

• Introduce you to some of the basic morphology, syntax, and vocabulary of ancient Greek
• Equip you with the language-learning skills required to proceed further with your study of Greek
• Draw attention to the ways in which knowledge of Greek enhances our understanding of the culture of Ancient Greece
• Illustrate the relationship between Greek and other Indo-European languages, including English

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the designated grammar, syntax, and vocabulary appropriate to beginner level
• 2. Translate simple Greek sentences and short passages accurately and without assistance
• 3. Demonstrate a good enough foundation in morphology, syntax, and vocabulary to be able to proceed to higher-level Greek classes with confidence

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Demonstrate an understanding of ancient Greek ways of thought and expression
• 5. Demonstrate an appreciation of the challenges of translation
• 6. Deploy relevant tools and strategies for learning the ancient languages effectively

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Demonstrate a capacity for logical and analytical thinking
• 8. Demonstrate an appreciation of the continuing influence of Greek on English and other Indo-European languages and an improved grasp of English grammar
• 9. Reflect critically on your learning

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, the basic textbook that provides the framework for this module is Taylor’s Greek to GCSE, Part 1. The emphasis is on structured learning of language, grammar and vocabulary with translation into and out of Greek. In addition, supplementary texts (adapted and unadapted original Greek) will be used to develop reading skills. Classes will focus on all these aspects, with roughly equal time allocated to each type of work. Students will work individually and in pairs or small groups as appropriate.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• J. Taylor, Greek to GCSE, Part 1 (Bristol Classical Press).

Key words search

Classics, Greek, language, beginners, ancient