GREEK 306 A: Attic Prose

Greek 306 (5 credits)                      Plato: Apology                                    Winter 2020

 MTWF 1:30-2:20, Denny 113

SLN 15231: VLPA

Prof. Ruby Blondell, Department of Classics (blondell@uw.edu)

Required Texts

J.J. Helm (ed.), Plato: Apology  (Bolchazy-Carducci; revised edition 1997)

H.W. Smyth, Greek Grammar (revised edition; Cambridge, Mass. 1956)

This is the second quarter of the second-year Greek sequence, following upon Greek 305 (autumn) and followed by Greek 307 (spring). But if you completed the first year of college Greek strongly, and have just a limited amount of reading experience beyond that point, this course will probably be a good fit. If you are not sure what Greek course would work best for you, please consult me ahead of time (email above).

The primary aim is to read as much of Plato's Apology of Socrates as possible in in Greek. The emphasis will be upon line by line translation, detailed interpretation, and broader literary and cultural contexts. We shall use Helm's commentary on the Apology (available at the U Bookstore), which is detailed and helpful. Helm often refers to Smyth's Greek Grammar, which is also required for the course. We shall use Smyth to continue reviewing Greek grammar with the help of exercises in prose composition (i.e. translation from English to Greek). This book is easily accessed via the free Grammaticus app (available for both ios and android), and can also be consulted through the Perseus website. I have not ordered Smyth in hard copy at the Book Store, but it is easily available for purchase. PLEASE NOTE: you will need the revised 1956 edition (not the older 1920 version).

Assessment

Three half-hour tests: 30%

Final exam: 40%

Homework and participation in class assignments: 30%

Tests will cover the prescribed reading, grammar and composition. The final exam will, in addition, include a short passage of sight translation.