Ancient Greek: Beginners - Part 2



Overview

This course builds on Ancient Greek: Beginners - Part 1, and allows you to extend and revise your grammatical knowledge so far while reading some engaging texts in Greek. We will consolidate our grammar from while covering further topics like 3rd declension nouns and adjectives, the future and imperfect tenses of verbs.

We will continue with the narrative from the first part of the course and will have increasing opportunities to practice translation skills. Through the study of texts and class discussions, students will gain an insight into aspects of Greek culture and thought. 

In line with teaching of Ancient Greek in the UK, accents are not a mandatory part of the learning.

This course combines online study with a weekly 1-hour live webinar led by your tutor. Find out more about how our short online courses are taught.

Programme details

This course begins on the 14 Jan 2026 which is when course materials are made available to students. Students should study these materials in advance of the first live meeting which will be held on 21 Jan 2026, 10.30-11.30am (UK time)

Week 1: Recap of 3rd declension endings; practice with nouns and pronouns

Week 2: Negation and demonstrative pronouns

Week 3: Irregular nouns and adjectives

Week 4: Different types of 3rd declension nouns and 3rd declension adjectives

Week 5: More 3rd declension nouns and pronouns.

Week 6: Present participles - introduction

Week 7: Present participles - middle and contract; elision and crasis

Week 8: Imperfect active verbs

Week 9: Imperfect verbs in middle and contract forms

Week 10: Final 3rd declension nouns; the future tense

Textbooks

To participate in the course you will need to buy, or have regular access to, the following books:

  • JACT      Reading Greek: Grammar and Exercises, Cambridge University Press, 2007
  • JACT      Reading Greek: Text and Vocabulary, Cambridge University Press, 2007

In addition to the course textbook, there will be additional learning resources made available for self-study and consolidation.
Please ensure you are able to access copies of any required textbooks prior to enrolling on a course but please keep in mind that courses with insufficient students enrolled will be cancelled. The Department accepts no responsibility for books bought in anticipation of a course running.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £360.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Nicolas Liney

Nicolas Liney completed a Bachelor of Arts  at the University of Sydney, and obtained his Master of Studies in Latin Language and Literature and DPhil in Classics from the University of Oxford. He specialises in Imperial Latin poetry, and has taught Latin and Greek widely.

Course aims

Part 2 builds on the linguistic features covered in Part 1, to enable reading of more complex texts in Greek and develop confidence in translating into Greek. 

Course objectives:

  • Expand the range of vocabulary items studied.
  • Anaylse more complex sentence structures.
  • Provide opportunities for reading simple texts with fluency and confidence.
  • Introduce students to some aspects of Greek culture and thought.
  • Translate simple sentences into Greek. 

Teaching methods

Learning takes place on a weekly schedule. At the start of each weekly unit, students are provided with learning materials on our online platform, including one hour of pre-recorded video, often supplemented by guided readings and educational resources. These learning materials prepare students for a one-hour live webinar with an expert tutor at the end of each weekly unit which they attend in small groups. Webinars are held on Microsoft Teams, and provide the opportunity for students to respond to discussion prompts and ask questions. The blend of weekly learning materials that can be worked through flexibly, together with a live meeting with a tutor and their peers, maximise learning and engagement through interaction in a friendly, supportive environment.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will: 

  • have acquired a strong basic vocabulary in Ancient Greek;
  • demonstrate the ability to recognise and analyse a range of linguistic structures in Ancient Greek;
  • be able to translate basic sentences into Greek;
  • have gained some understanding of the fifth century Athenian cultural background to the stories read during the course.

Assessment methods

You will be set short, optional assignments to consolidate your learning and allow you to progress at your own pace.

Application

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

This course assumes knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar structures covered in Part 1 and will build on these. The level of linguistic demand is moderately high in that there is a considerable amount of ground covered at some pace, but there is plenty of revision built in. 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support