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 (Reading Greek) from where CAG1002 left off (ch. 14) and then introduces students to a relatively straight-forward Attic prose text. with an overview of elementary Greek grammar (based on the content of CAG1002), and then proceeds with new elements of accidence (e.g. the subjunctive and optative moods; the perfect and pluperfect tenses) and syntax (e.g. conditional sentences; indirect discourse). One hour per week is devoted to the close analysis of unseen passages from Greek authors (“Greek in Action”).

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.