Aims

The overall aim of both CAG1011 & CAG1012 is to allow you to engage with what Greek authors wrote in their own words, and to introduce you further, and in greater depth, to the study of Greek literary texts in the original. CAG1011, taught in Semester 1, 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 practise and develop skills of literary analysis, applied to details of original Greek texts.
The module aims to:
• Further develop and consolidate students’ knowledge of Greek grammar, vocabulary and linguistic & literary expression.
• Train students in the detailed study of Greek verse and/or prose texts, at the level appropriate to the "post-beginners" / "post-A-level" knowledge of the language which they have acquired or are acquiring.
• Consolidate and develop students’ skills in translation.

Outline Of Syllabus

In terms of language study, this module:
• Revises and reinforces the Greek grammar topics which students have covered previously (whether at A-level (or equivalent) or in the Newcastle Beginners’ modules); and
• Introduces further more advanced language topics (and forms).
• Seeks to develop students’ skills & strategies in translation of original Greek passages and texts, including training in ‘unseen translation’.
In terms of literary study, a minimum of one hour per week will be devoted to close literary analysis of passages from one or more Greek text(s). A variety of approaches and resources may be used for this.

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 four taught classes per week 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

The examination and tests assess students' ability independently to apply their language knowledge to the task of identifying and translating individual word forms, and of correctly translating Greek passages, in a 'time-controlled' environment.

The assignment is designed to assess students' ability to apply their linguistic knowledge and analytical and problem-solving skills to more advanced original literary texts in a way that develops and tests their skills of close literary analysis.

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 under any circumstances.