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 and then introduces students to a relatively straight-forward Attic prose text in order to consolidate the material taught in CAG1001, 1002 and the first weeks of CAG1011. 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.

In the first weeks of the module, new linguistic material will be introduced through non-synchronous lecture materials; synchronous sessions will be dedicated to answering students' questions and practising the material taught in non-synchronous manner. Once the textbook material has been covered, we will move to translating and discussing an Attic prose text during the synchronous teaching hours. The grammatical and syntactical phenomena taught in the Beginners' sequence (and in the first weeks of CAG1011) will be reviewed throughout the module's duration in the form of structured learning activities (e.g. quizzes set up on the VLE and homework exercises). We will also read select scholarly pieces on the set text and will practise reflecting critically on its application on the text.

The small synchronous 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

The take-home exam (alternative assessment) and quizzes 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 and answering questions on them, in a 'time-controlled' environment.

Essay 2 assesses the skills taught in the 'Greek in action' sessions.

The short quizzes/exercises help students review and consolidate the material taught and give feedback to students and the instructors on student understanding of the concepts taught.

This module cannot be made available to Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students under any circumstances.