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GRK20160

Academic Year 2025/2026

Introduction to Greek Texts (GRK20160)

Subject:
Greek
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Classics
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Bridget Martin
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Building on Greek Language I, Greek Language II and Intermediate Greek, this module introduces students to a selection of unadapted ancient Greek passages from set authors across a range of genres, such as poetry, tragedy, history and philosophy, concentrating primarily, but not exclusively, on authors from the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The chosen passages will allow students to develop their Greek language skills alongside an understanding of the historical, cultural and linguistic context of the passages. To take this module, students must have completed GRK10090 Greek Language I, GRK10100 Greek Language II and GRK20140 Intermediate Greek, or their equivalent.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- translate set passages of unadapted Greek into idiomatic English
- demonstrate understanding of grammar and syntax in the set passages
- effectively use dictionaries and, where relevant, commentaries to support translation and explanation of key points of grammar and syntax
- analyse and discuss significant aspects relating to the passages' genre and historical, cultural and linguistic contexts

Indicative Module Content:

Students will prepare a set passage of unadapted Greek for translation and discussion in class. Authors and passages will vary from year to year, but key genres include poetry, history and philosophy, and will draw on authors such as: Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides, Homer, Lysias, Plato, Thucydides and Xenophon. Some class time will be dedicated to the genre and historical, cultural and linguistic contexts of the set passages.
Coursebook: A Greek Anthology (J.A.C.T), Cambridge University Press, 2002. Passages from this coursebook and additional passages and commentaries will be provided through scans uploaded on Brightspace.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Specified Learning Activities

100
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is taught through small-group classes. Students are expected to come to each class prepared. This entails translating set passages and completing any assigned readings to fully engage in class discussions.

This module is red on the Arts and Humanities traffic-light system for the use of generative AI technology. The means you must not use generative AI technology for any purpose in your assignments. The module coordinator reserves the right to call in any student to discuss their assessment submission.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students are expected to have passed GRK10090 Greek Language I, GRK10100 Greek Language II and GRK20140 Intermediate Greek, or equivalent.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): In-class test (50 minutes) on grammar, translation and syntax Week 5 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): In-class test (50 minutes) on grammar, translation and syntax Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Continuous assessment: two homework assignments requiring students to engage with unglossed Greek passages and dictionaries and commentaries. Week 3, Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Reflective Assignment: Learning journal: submit three journal entries reflecting on themes, contexts, genres, etc. of the three of the four "groups" of passages (drama, epic, history and philosophy) Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will be provided with written feedback through Brightspace on all in-semester class tests and assignments.

Name Role
Dr Christopher Farrell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Alexandra Madela Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
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