Greek Beginners I

Module Code:

MGK0120

When Taught:

Michaelmas

Credit Points:

20

Method of Assessment:

2-hour exam in January (50%), two 1-hour time tests in Michaelmas term (25% each);

Teaching Methods:

Language classes (residential students)

Availability

Residential students and distance students

Lecturers

Mirjam Plantinga

Pre-requisite(s):

None.  You must NOT have Greek GCSE or equivalent.

Contact hours:

40 to include 4 classes per week (residential students)

Syllabus:  This module introduces the study of ancient Greek.  Knowledge of ancient Greek will enable you to read the great literary works of Greece, such as the Iliad and Odyssey, the wonderful tragedies and comedies, the histories of Herodotus, Thucydides, and Xenophon, and the philosophical works of, for example, Plato.  A Beginners Greek course is therefore of great value for all students interested in classical literature, ancient history and philosophy. It will also bring a greater understanding of the linguistic inheritance of the New Testament, Byzantine and modern Greek, and the often technical vocabulary which permeates European languages. The course starts with the alphabet (which is not difficult to master) and gives a thorough grounding in the language.  We use the text-book Athenaze which is especially designed for beginners at university level.  In the classes and at home you will work on a variety of grammatical exercises and on the reading and translation of especially adapted texts (e.g. from Herodotus and Aristophanes).  These texts will introduce you not only to the grammar and syntax of ancient Greek, but also to Greek civilisation and culture in general.

High marks will be scaled down in order to bring them in line with non-linguistic marking.

Learning outcomes:

This module seeks:

• to provide students with no previous knowledge of the language with a basic grounding in Greek grammar and syntax.
• to enable students to read adapted passages of increasing difficulty during the year and to prepare and give them the tools to tackle straightforward, unadapted texts in the original on their own with the help of a commentary and dictionary by the end of the course.

Transferable and other skills involved:

• This module seeks to enable students: 
• to develop analytical, critical and problem-solving skills through the study of an ancient language.
• to enhance the use of written English through linguistic studies.
• to be able to manage your own programmes of learning with detailed tutorial guidance, and to seek and make use of feedback.

Main recommended texts:

M. Balme and G. Lawall (1995) Athenaze:  An Introduction to Ancient Greek, Book I, Special UK Revised Edition, New York & Oxford:  Oxford University Press (0199122199)

Evaluation (including student evaluation):  

Students will be asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the module. This will be used by the Department in its annual review of all its teaching to help evaluate the module’s success. The external examiner will also have the opportunity to make comments and results of the questionnaires will be discussed in the SSCC.