GREEK 101 A: Introductory Greek

GREEK 101: Introductory Greek

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.

 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).

Recent Student comments on First Year Greek:

"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 texts

Anne Groton: From Alpha to Omega (abbreviated as ΑΩ in what follows)

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

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:

25% completion of homework assignments and in-class exercises

50 % three quizzes                  

25% final exam    

Academic Integrity: University of Washington students are expected to practice high standards of academic and professional honesty and integrity as outlined here: http://depts.washington.edu/grading/pdf/AcademicResponsibility.pdf

Learning Support: Access and Accommodations

• Your experience in this class is important to me. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please communicate your approved accommodations to me at your earliest convenience so we can discuss your needs in this course.

  If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but not limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DRS at 206-543-8924 or uwdrs@uw.edu or disability.uw.edu. DRS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions.  Reasonable 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.
• “Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).”

Conduct

The University of Washington Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121) defines prohibited academic and behavioral conduct and describes how the University holds students accountable as they pursue their academic goals. Allegations of misconduct by students may be referred to the appropriate campus office for investigation and resolution. More information can be found online at https://www.washington.edu/studentconduct/