Greek

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

Ancient Greek is the original language of ancient Greek historians, writers, and philosophers such as Herodotus, Sophocles, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as the language of the New Testament. This course studies the basics of ancient Greek.

To understand Greek thought and Christianity, the two roots of Western culture, it is essential to read the ancient Greek classics and the New Testament.  Understanding a language cannot be separated from understanding the social context in which it is used.  This course then studies ancient Greek while studying the basic framework of ancient Greek politics, economics, and philosophical thought. 

As many vocabulary words in modern Western languages ​​are derived from Greek, understanding Greek language equates to understanding modern Western languages, including English.

This course explores the ancient Greek world through its material culture, covering a time span from the collapse of Mycenaean palatial cultures through to the Classical period. The approach is thematic and topics may include state (polis) formation, colonization and cultural interaction in the Mediterranean, the development of Greek sanctuaries, the archaeology of the Greek countryside, the social and political roles of art and architecture in Archaic and Classical Athens, gender and sexuality, death and society, and archaeology and modern politics.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate sound geographical knowledge of the Greek world
• Apply visual and spatial skills to the analysis of artefacts, architectural plans and other archaeological diagrams.
• Demonstrate knowledge of primary sources (archaeological, artistic, textual) relevant to the module topics.
• Evaluate the major theoretical approaches, debates and scholarship relevant to the module topics.
• Discuss the above, both orally and in written form, in a clear and scholarly manner.
• Work effectively in small groups.