Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

CAG1002 needs to have been taken a previous academic year unless DPD approval has been given due to prior learning.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The module aims to:
Develop and consolidate knowledge of Greek grammar, vocabulary and style.
Train students in the detailed study of Greek verse and prose texts, at the level appropriate to the "post-beginners" / "post-A-level" knowledge of the language which they have acquired or are acquiring.

The overall aim of both modules is to allow you to engage with what Greek authors wrote in their own words, and to introduce you to the study of Greek literary texts in the original. CAG1011, taught in the first half of the year, continues the training offered in CAG1002, adding to your knowledge of classical Greek vocabulary and grammar and aiming to bring that knowledge up to a level where you can tackle original Greek texts without relying on a published translation. At the same time you will continue to practice skills of literary analysis, applied to details both of a set original Greek text and unseen passages studied alongside their English translation, and of simpler passages which you translate for yourself. You will be introduced to the basic instruments of philological analysis (e.g., lexica, grammar books, works on particles, syntax, commentaries etc.), as well as to the critical engagement with secondary literature.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module begins by completing the textbook from where CAG1002 left off and then introduces students to a relatively straight-forward Attic prose text in order to consolidate the material taught in CAG1001, CAG1002 and the first weeks of CAG1011.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1.       Increasing their basic linguistic competence in the vocabulary and grammar of Classical Greek.
2.       Providing students with knowledge of how to use the basic instrument of philological analysis.
3.       Introduces students to the critical and independent use of secondary literature.
4.       Training students towards being able to read and engage critically with Greek texts in the original.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On Completion of this module students should:
1.       have consolidated and advanced their knowledge of the Greek vocabulary and Grammar
2.       be able to put this knowledge into practice in translating original Greek passages into English and answering linguistic questions based on those passages.
3.       be able to appreciate and analyse stylistic effects in Greek passages both with and without the aid of a published translation and to analyse the differences details of meaning and style between in a Greek text and a published translation.
4.       have developed skills in literary analysis which they can apply to other Greek texts they may subsequently encounter.
5.       have further developed the skills involved in learning a classical language; analytical and logical thought, problem solving adaptability
6.       have had the opportunity to practise interpersonal skills in class discussion of texts.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Language classes, with a large element of teacher-student interaction, are the best way to combine the imparting of (grammatical and other) knowledge with the hands-on training in linguistic and literary skills.

The language component of this module will involve, scheduled as appropriate to the cohort: introduction of new linguistic material; review, revision and consolidation of grammatical and syntactical phenomena taught in the Beginners' sequence (and of new material in CAG1011); translation skills. The first two elements will be reviewed throughout the module's duration in the form of structured learning activities (e.g. weekly tests or other exercises).
Alongside this, and introduced at an appropriate point in the schedule, classes will include translation and discussion of an Attic prose text during the synchronous teaching hours. We will also read select scholarly pieces on the set text and will practise reflecting critically on its application on the text.

The small classes introduce, explain, demonstrate and give students the opportunity to apply, under guidance,
• the further knowledge of the Greek language; and
• the approach to analysing Greek literary texts which the module aims to instil. This may involve the study of one selected literary text (or of a suitable proportion of such), or of a small range of text excerpts from different genres.
In private study, students:
• consolidate knowledge imparted in the taught classes,
• further practise applying that knowledge to set tasks of language and literary analysis and of translation, and
• learn to use their language skills to think in analytical and constructive ways about original Greek texts.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Written examination is still inevitably the best way of testing students' assimilation of linguistic knowledge and skills, and translation skills including in unseen texts.


The tests ensure students’ constant review of the material covered in the previous week, and allow the instructor to detect difficulties early on in the semester and provide students with constant feedback on their progress.

The short exercises help students review and consolidate the material introduced to them in the previous session.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

This module cannot be made available to Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students unless they can be present for the whole of Semester 1 including the assessment period.

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree.

General Notes

N/A