YLG2201 Intensive Elementary Ancient Greek (5 MC)
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This intensive course, which assumes no prior knowledge of
ancient Greek, offers 4 hours a week of language instruction in
ancient Greek for beginners. Instruction will cover the writing
systems, vocabulary, and syntax of ancient Greek texts. Students
will develop linguistic and cultural knowledge in ancient
Mediterranean antiquity, and achieve a basic reading level by the
end of the semester.
BENEFITS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Introductory ancient language courses offer students a rigorously challenging confrontation with syntax,
writing systems, linguistic inflection, and culture. Even if students do not continue into a further semester
of language, a first experience can be radically transformative; students acquire an awareness of linguistic
systems that they can productively transfer to other language learning.
This course does not complete a full survey of the grammar. Nonetheless, ancient Greek learners
do reach a basic reading level fairly quickly because little time is spent in speaking and listening.
By the end of the semester, students will be familiar with the geography and diversity of the Greek
world, have a basic introduction to grammar and the simple constructions of the ancient language, and a
limited but active vocabulary. They will be able to read short texts, and will have acquired the familiarity
to continue study in the language or to embark on independent study with appropriate texts and guidance.
ASSESSMENT
Class preparation/ in-class participation
Tests
Examination at the end of the semester
30%
40%
30%
SET TEXT
We will be using the following textbooks:
Reading Greek: Text and Vocabulary (Joint Association of Classical Teachers; Cambridge 2007)
Reading Greek: Grammar and Exercises (Joint Association of Classical Teachers; Cambridge 2007)
These textbooks give us an opportunity right from the start to read (adapted) works of Greek
comedy (Aristophanes), history and philosophy (Plato) among others!
TIMETABLE
There are 4 x 1 hour classes per week, scheduled at the following times:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12.45 – 1.45
The venue has not yet been set, but please note that it will be at Yale-NUS in the U-Town campus.
CAP
The class is limited to 18 places.
For more details, please contact Dr Steven Green (steven.green@yale-nus.edu.sg)