Ancient Greek was the language of the poets Homer and Sappho, the symposium and the festival, the lawcourts and the theatre. It was the language in which new ideas were imagined: from the philosophy of Plato to the new tenets of Christianity, scientific literature from the Hippocratic corpus to Archimedes, political innovations like democracy and new narrative forms like the novel. You will explore the different dialects and genres of Ancient Greek written and spoken across the Mediterranean and beyond, their evolution over time, and their material context. From moving funerary inscriptions to diaries and letters on papyri, Ancient Greek introduces us to the emotions and experiences of the past. It was spoken from Spain to Central Asia, the Black Sea to the Nile, and remained the language of education for thousands of years.
Proficiency in Ancient Greek is highly recommended if you wish to specialise in the study of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium, medieval and early modern history, law, rhetoric, philosophy, and archaeology. Studying Ancient Greek will enrich your understanding of the English language and other European languages.
The Advanced Ancient Greek minor is designed for students who have previously studied Ancient Greek. If you have completed Ancient Greek to Year 12 level or equivalent, you will need to complete GREK3125: Advanced Ancient Greek four times to complete the minor. If you have undertaken some prior study, but not to Year 12 level, then you should complete GREK2121: Intermediate Ancient Greek and then complete GREK3125: Advanced Ancient Greek three times. if you are unsure about your study level, please contact the convenor.
Learning Outcomes
- acquire and extend a knowledge of Ancient Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax with the aid of textbooks, dictionaries, grammars, and commentaries;
- develop skills in reading Ancient Greek at sight and with the aid of resources, beginning with the study of simplified texts and moving on to a detailed examination of original literature from the Graeco-Roman world;
- demonstrate an understanding of different Ancient Greek literary genres (e.g. poetry, histories, letters) and the conventions of different media (e.g. graffiti, inscriptions); and
- think critically about Ancient Greek texts and genres in their historical, cultural, and literary contexts.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
A maximum of 6 units from the completion of the following list:
GREK2121 - Intermediate Ancient Greek (6 units)
A minimum of 18 units and a maximum of 24 units from the completion of the following list:
GREK3125 - Advanced Ancient Greek (6 units) (this may be taken multiple times, with a different topic in each instance)
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