Elementary Greek 1

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course is a first introduction to the study of the Ancient Greek language. It is designed to equip the student with the basics (grammar, vocabulary, syntax) of Ancient Greek in its most widely known form, that of the dialect of classical Athens. The aim of this course is to give a thorough introduction and preparation for reading original texts written by Homer Aesop, Menander, Xenophon Plato, Biblical Greek and other works from Hellenistic and later Greek. No knowledge of Greek is assumed. SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT: The textbook we will use provides comprehensive treatment of the Ancient Greek noun and verb and thorough lessons in the rules of grammar and syntax. During the classes students will learn the basics of the language and will immediately practice new morphology and syntax with familiar words: drills and hand-outs will guarantee a step-by-step, noticeable progress. There will be many exercises in reading and comprehension of simple and moderate passages. During each lesson new words and inflections will be introduced; those should be memorized. All the declensions and many of verb features will be thoroughly explained and used in translations of passages by Menander (comedy), Plutarch (historiography), Aesop (fables), Xenophon (historiography), from Greek to English.