GREEK 101 A: Introductory Greek

First year Ancient Greek    AU 2018 

First year Ancient Greek courses give you direct access to the thoughts and writings of the ancient Greeks and allow you to explore the dynamic and often dangerous cultural, social and political world in which they wrote. Learning to interpret and use an ancient language requires you to explore unknown areas and think in new ways. Our focus is on Greek as a literary language. Course activities are designed to foster a collegial and collaborative atmosphere and to encourage you to make strong connections between the ancient language and literature we are exploring together and your other interests, passions and pursuits.

This course counts for VLPA if you are not using it to satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement. 

 Course Goals:

Through your work in the course you will demonstrate that you can: 

• Read and translate selections from ancient Greek authors and compose simple sentences in Greek.
• Understand and explain the literary, historical and cultural context of texts by ancient Greek authors
• Analyze and explain Greek grammar and syntax
• Analyze and describe the influence of the Greek language on subsequent languages and literatures

 By completing the first year sequence through 103 you equip yourself to read any Greek author. In our second year courses (304, 305, 306, 307) students read selections of Xenophon (305), Plato (306), and Homer (307), and other authors (304).

Student comments from recent UW first year Greek students:

"Ancient Greek is super fun"

"Ancient Greek teaches problem solving abilities that can be transferred to any discipline" 

"In addition to simply being a fascinating language, Greek at UW is a very enjoyable class that will be an extremely unique and fun experience for you as you tackle a complex new language." 

"Take Greek and learn to solve wonderful puzzles."

"Greek is fun and the instructor does not nitpick you on incredibly small details" 

"It is easy to say 'Oh it is Greek to me!' Why not join us and see how fun it is learning Greek for real." 

"Greek is a beautiful language. You won't regret it." 

Required text:

Anne Groton: From Alpha to Omega 

Only the fourth edition should be used. This book explains Greek grammar and syntax and contains many short readings from ancient Greek authors.

Optional: Anne Groton and James M. May 46 Stories in Classical Greek. 

This book contains selections, somewhat adapted, from many ancient Greek authors.

 free on-line Greek dictionary: http://logeion.uchicago.edu/

Grades will be calculated on the basis of the following percentages:

completion of homework assignments and in-class exercises             30%

three quizzes                                                                                       40%

final exam                                                                                            30%

Access and Accommodations:

The UW's Disability Resources for Students (DRS) offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s), and DRS. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law. If you have already established accommodations with DRS, please communicate these to me so we can discuss your needs in this course. If you have not yet established services through DRS, you are welcome to contact DRS at 206-543-8924 or uwdrs@uw.edu or disability.uw.edu.