GREEK 101 A: Introductory Greek

  painter's signature  on the so-called François Vase, a  mid 6th century BCE volute-krater (Attic black-figure, Museo Archeologico, Florence) depicting numerous mythological scenes (and many named characters)

Monday-Friday 1:30-2:20, Denny 212

Prof. Olga Levaniouk

pronouns: she/her             

Denny M262B             

olevan@uw.edu

Office hours: Tuesday 3-4 by zoom and/or by appointment

Dept. of Classics phone: 206 543-2266

First year Ancient Greek courses give you direct access to the thoughts and writings of the ancient Greeks and allow you to the world in which they wrote. Learning to interpret and use an ancient language requires you to think in new ways: both the language itself and the texts written in it are products of a world very different from ours. 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. Almost from the beginning you will get to read, in addition to the textbook sentences and exercises, some actual short fragments of Greek literature (with help).

Course Goals: 

• Analyze, explain, and apply Greek grammar and syntax
• Read and translate selections from ancient Greek authors and compose simple sentences in Greek.
• Understand some of the literary, historical, and cultural contexts of texts by ancient Greek authors.
• By completing the first year sequence (101-102-103) 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).

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 May, 46 Stories in Classical Greek
• recommended 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%

-four quizzes             (Fridays of weeks 2, 4, 6, 8)                                                40%

-final exam                Monday, December 13      VIA CANVAS                          30%

Course overview:

 In the first two quarters of Greek you will learn the noun declensions and the present, future, imperfect, aorist, and perfect tenses in the active and middle/passive. You will learn Greek’s system of participles: the active, middle and passive participles of the present, future, aorist and perfect tenses. You will begin to work with various kinds of subordinate clauses to construct complex sentences. In Greek 103 in the Spring you will learn to use the subjunctive and optative to talk about situations that are not factual. This will allow you to master many more types of subordinate clauses and construct every type of complex sentence possible in Greek. You will encounter some highly irregular (and frequently used) verbs and become familiar with their peculiar habits. Throughout the year we will continue reading texts in Greek, gradually progressing to more complex texts and towards increased independence in reading them. By the end of the year, you will have the basics of Greek grammar under your belts and will be ready to read Greek literature in the original.

            All quizzes and the final are cumulative.  They will include passages for translation, grammatical analysis, and  cultural commentary. I will do my best to communicate clearly exactly what materials the quizzes and the final will cover. Please ask if anything is unclear.

            We will read short additional texts from Groton and May’s 46 Stories and some extra texts brought in the instructor, and occasionally do other activities that provide an opportunity to stretch ourselves in Greek. These are aimed to strengthen the foundations of those who plan further study of Greek and provide an interesting platform for discussion for everyone without adding lots of agonizing about mastering additional materials for exams.

Course schedule with homework assignments is available here.

Homework is listed on the day it is due.

Each paragraph in the ΑΩ book has its own number, and I use these numbers to direct you to the homework assignments.  Readings from the 46 stories book are called e.g.  'Story 19'. In an ideal world, you will complete the homework before class. You should make a reasonable effort to put new material into the reference section of your notebook, and also try translating the Greek that has been assigned, and bring your questions and perplexities to class to be resolved. That said, you should never miss class just because you haven't prepared the homework.

Grade Scale

Religious accommodations

“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/) (Links to an external site.). 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/) (Links to an external site.).”

Land Acknowledgement:

I am a white person of Russian and Jewish descent, and I am teaching this course on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Duwamish people whose ancestors have dwelt here since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples are a vital presence in this area and I honor their stewardship of this land. 

You can learn more about the history and culture of the Duwamish people from the resources at duwamishtribe.org.

Real Rent Duwamish  offers a collection of resources to learn more about the practices of Land Acknowledgement here . 

If you have comments about this Land Acknowledgement, please let me know: olevan@uw.edu

ACADEMIC SUPPORT 

Disability Resources:

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 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.

Learning Support:

• Many materials for the class are provided via canvas. If  you do not have access to canvas please let me know  and we'll find a way of getting the materials to you.
• 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 so we can discuss your needs in this course.
• UW Academic Support: http://depts.washington.edu/aspuw/more/campus-resources/ Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)

UW Counseling Center: http://www.washington.edu/counseling/ 

Student 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/