This course is to study Classical Greek. The great epic of Homer, the Greek Tragedy, the History of Herodotus, the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, and the mathematics of Euclid were all written in Classical Greek. We will learn the Attic Greek in our class, which was used in the 6th to 4th century BC in the Attic district in Greece. With the knowledge of the Attic Greek, one can also read Homer (8th century BC) and the New Testament that are written in Koine Greek, as there are not many differences between Attic and Koine Greek. Nowadays many new words are made from Greek and/or Latin words. For example, the word "television" was invented combining a Greek word “telos” (afar) and a Latin word “video” (to see). The ancient Greek civilization had a great influence on later European civilization. By learning the Classical Greek, we aim to obtain knowledge not only of the language but also of the Greek ideology.
By studying Classical Greek, students will be able read Greek orignal texts dilectly, rather than in translations. They will notice how many important and valuable messages are contained in these texts. Also they will be surprised at how vivid the messages are; they have not become obsolete, but keep on having fresh impact still now, even though they were written more than 2500 years ago. The lesson plan includes reading comprehension, but it is unclear whether it is possible.
Classical Greek
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Gramatical explanations are given at classes, and exercises are required as homework assignments.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
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Class 1 | Imperatives. Indirect speeches | Memorize the conjugation of imperatives. Understand the use of indirect speeches. |
Class 2 | Verbal adjectives. Negatives | Understand the use of verbal adjectives. Understand the use of negatives. |
Class 3 | Conjugation of μι verbs 1 | Memorize the conjugation of μι verbs. |
Class 4 | Conjugation of μι verbs 1 | Memorize the conjugation of μιverbs. |
Class 5 | Readings: Some Texts from Plato’s writings | Practice to read the original texts. |
Class 6 | Readings: Some Texts from Plato’s writings | Practice to read the original texts. |
Class 7 | Readings: Some Texts from Aristotle’s writings | Practice to read the original texts. |
Class 8 | Examination |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
M. Tanaka & C. Matsudaira, Girisiago Nyuumon, Revised, Iwanami, 2012. The materials of text readings are handed out at class.
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Examination (70%), homework assignments (30%)
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