HS3324: Reading Greek 2

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS3324
External Subject Code 101126
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Piero Tassinari
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

This is an intensive module that enables students to develop their knowledge of ancient Greek, building on the work done in HS3423 Reading Greek 1 or an equivalent beginners’ course. It introduces students to more advanced Classical Greek vocabulary, grammar and syntax, with the aim of enabling them to read ancient works in the original language. The module provides the basis for more advanced study of Greek texts in HS3345/6 Greek Historical Texts.

   

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • read and translate relatively complex Greek sentences without the aid of dictionaries.
  • describe (parse) complex and irregular grammatical forms.
  • describe many constructions of Greek syntax.
  • understand in some depth the working of the Greek language and how it compares to English.
  • improve their intuitive understanding of the meaning of Greek passages within a context.
  • read and translate fluently unadapted passages of original Greek prose with the aid of dictionaries.

 

 

How the module will be delivered

 

30 classes; independent study

Classes typically include reading of new text, discussion of grammatical features, exercises and correction of homework.

Independent study enables students to consolidate their learning. Homework exercises are set each week and discussed in class as necessary. The learning of a language is a skill that can only be developed if practiced methodically, like playing a musical instrument. Students are therefore expected to complete the homework regularly, and discussion of this work forms a part of the learning experience.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • analysing written evidence in a first or second language
  • comparing structures of different languages and mindsets of different cultures
  • using dictionaries and grammar handbooks effectively
  • writing correct and enjoyable English with an awareness of the richness of its grammar and vocabulary
  • working independently managing own time effectively

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through two class tests and an exam. There will also be a formative class test early in the semester.

The class tests will consist of a number of short Greek sentences to be translated, as well as parsing, exercises of manipulation of the language (e.g. transform from singular into plural or from one tense to another, etc.), plus some translation from English into Greek.The use of dictionaries is not allowed in class tests, so students must be aware that they have to learn the prescribed vocabulary beforehand. The building of a working vocabulary in any language requires time and will necessarily have to be spread over the course.

The exam will consist of an unseen passage of continuous Greek prose (typically a passage of around 120 words from Plato or Xenophon) to be translated with the help of a dictionary.

Type of assessment

%

Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

CT

0

formative class test

50 minutes

spring semester

CT

25

class test 1

50 minutes

spring semester

CT

25

class test 2

50 minutes

spring semester

EXSP

50

Reading Greek 2

1.5 hours

spring semester

 

 

 

 

 

 

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to take a resit exam (1.5 hours) in the summer resit period.

 

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Reading Greek 2 1.5
Class Test 25 Class Test 1 N/A
Class Test 25 Class Test 2 N/A

Syllabus content

The syllabus will cover sections 5–8 of the textbook, namely:

  • special use of cases
  • irregular nouns and adjectives of the three declensions
  • comparative and superlative adjectives
  • regular and contract verbs, active and middle: future, imperfect and aorist indicative; aorist participles; present optative
  • more irregular verbs
  • infinitive constructions
  • personal, demonstrative, indefinite and interrogative pronouns
  • more prepositions and particles

Essential Reading and Resource List

All students should have their own copy of the textbook:

JACT (Joint Association of Classical Teachers), Reading Greek, Cambridge University Press (second edition, 2007)

Vol. 1: Text and vocabulary

Vol. 2: Grammar and exercises.

 

Background Reading and Resource List

J. Morwood and J. Taylor (eds.), Pocket Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary (2002) (or any other equivalent dictionary)

J. Morwood, Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek (2001)

 

Relevant material is also accessible via Learning Central. In addition, further material (mostly synoptic tables useful for revision) is distributed in the classes and should be kept since it offers in a schematic way topics presented rather discursively in the textbook.

Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855