Short course
Ancient Greek: Lower Intermediate – Part 2
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Online
Dates:
12/01/2027 - 23/03/2027
Study format:
Online - live
Level:
Beginner
Fees:
£430.00
This course offers progression from Ancient Greek: Lower Intermediate - Part 1.
Learning ancient Greek opens up a window into a captivating world, one that is both completely alien to ours and in some ways remarkably close. It allows us unmediated access to the religious, political, philosophical and scientific thought of a culture that has hugely influenced our own, as well as to some of the some of the most compelling literature ever composed. This course prepares you to read such texts in the original language, and to explore the grammar and deeper meanings of the language.
In the classes, we will translate texts from Greek into English, compose texts in Greek and anaylse grammar structures using the JACT Reading Greek textbook. We will explore aspects of literature, religion, philosophy, the visual arts and the society of ancient Greece, and discuss how cultural developments in the ancient world affect our modern lives.
In line with teaching of Ancient Greek in the UK, accents are not a mandatory part of the learning.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Level and demands
The course will assume knowledge of the Introductory Greek course, and Part 1 of the Lower Intermediate course, both of which are based on the JACT Reading Greek course, second edition.
The course is challenging: it is fast-paced and covers a considerable amount of grammar, as outlined above. The texts are also of an increasing level of difficulty, but are enjoyable and rewarding.
Selection criteria
This course assumes a knowledge of the material covered in Lower Intermediate – Part 1 course and builds on that knowledge. It continues with Reading Greek, supplemented with additional materials. The nature of the grammar covered becomes more advanced, with additional linguistic constructions, many of which rely on a thorough knowledge of what has been covered previously. The texts we read are more demanding but offer further opportunities to read ancient Greek authors in the original language. Details of the grammar and syntactic structures to be covered are listed in the prgramme details.
Course aims
Students will explore adapted texts from ancient Greek literature in the original language and become familiar with aspects of ancient Greek culture, thought and society. They will expand their vocabulary and be able to translate or compose simple texts without needing a dictionary.
Course Objectives:
- To translate and understand adapted texts in ancient Greek.
- To build up vocabulary and understand advanced grammar topics.
- To develop contextual knowledge about ancient Greek culture, thought and society.
IT requirements
Any standard web browser can be used to access course materials on our virtual learning environment, but we recommend Google Chrome. We also recommend that students join the live webinars on Microsoft Teams using a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone or tablet due to the limited functionality of the app on these devices.
Programme details
This course begins on the 12 Jan 2027, 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 19 Jan 2027, 16:30-17.30pm (UK time).
Week 1: Imperative mood; vocative
Week 2: Impersonal constructions; root aorist
Week 3: Aorist optative; athematic verbs; 3-1-3 and 3-3 declension adjectives
Week 4: Relative pronouns and clauses; voice; genitive absolute; adverbs (formation and comparatives)
Week 5: Aorist passive; ἵστημι; infinitives in indirect speech; accusative absolute
Week 6: Conditionals; wishes; ὅπως clauses
Week 7: Future passive; participles in indirect speech
Week 8: Two uses of the infinitive (gerund + πρίν); perfect
Week 9: Subjunctive; sequence of tenses and moods; subjunctive and optative usages compared; uses of ἄν; the negatives οὐ and μή
Week 10: Pluperfect; verbal adjectives; purpose and fear clauses
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.
The real time interaction will focus on grammar, translating and composing ancient Greek texts and exploring aspects of ancient Greek culture. Students will be encouraged to practise reading and writing skills in their own time.
English will be the medium of instruction and will be used to explain new concepts, vocabulary items, grammar rules or the methodology behind an activity.
To benefit from the course, regular preparation in advance of the class is required. In addition to the course textbook(s), there will be some additional learning resources for self-study and consolidation. Students will be encouraged to participate and have fun.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be expected to:
- understand and translate short texts from ancient Greek into English and compose their own basic texts in Greek;
- demonstrate familiarity with some aspects of Greek grammar and vocabulary;
- have gained some knowledge of ancient Greek culture, thought and society.
Assessment methods
You will be set optional assignments to consolidate learning and progress at your own pace.
Dr Holly Hunt
Holly studied Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where she earned a BA and an MSt. She moved five minutes down the road to St Anne’s College during her DPhil, to teach papers on ancient Greek language and literature at this college. Upon completing her doctorate on Aristophanes and humour theory, she became a lecturer in Classical languages at Regent’s Park College (still, despite the name, in Oxford). Her interests encompass archaic and classical Greek literature, and the application of cognitive theory to reading ancient texts.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £430.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, 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
Textbooks
To participate in the course you will need to buy, or have regular access to, the following books:
Reading Greek: Grammar and Exercises (Second Edition) / JACT
Reading Greek: Text (Second Edition) / JACT
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.
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.
