GREEK 300 A: Introductory Greek, Accelerated

Note: I am eager to make this course available to anyone who wishes to have the adventure of learning ancient Greek in W 2019.  If you wish to take the class and are having difficulties enrolling, please email me at cconnors@uw.edu so that I can send you an add code. 

GREEK 300: Introductory Greek, Accelerated  Winter 2019 

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

Students completing Greek 300 will be able to enroll in Greek 103 in spring quarter. 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:

completion of homework assignments and in-class exercises             20%

Homework includes weekly exercises in which you compose sentences in Greek; your ‘author spotlight’ presentation, and other assignments as noted on the syllabus or distributed during the term

three quizzes                                                                                       50%

final exam                                                                                            30%