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Elements of Greek

Code: 104195 ECTS Credits: 6
2024/2025
Degree Type Year
2503702 Ancient Studies FB 1
2504394 English and Classics Studies FB 1

Contact

Name:
Joan Pages Cebrian
Email:
joan.pages.cebrian@uab.cat

Teachers

Joan Pages Cebrian

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this document.


Prerequisites

The group will be split into two different levels: beginners (with no previous knowledge of the classical Greek language) and advanced level (with previous knowledge of the classical Greek language). At the beginning of the course, students will be distributed in one of the two groups depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language they have.


Objectives and Contextualisation

The goals of this course are:


1. Knowledge of a basic lexicon of Classical Greek (about 500 words). 2.
Knowledge of basic grammar structures (see Contents)

3. Basic knowledge of topics related to the read texts.

4. Adequate knowledge of the Odyssey of Homer.

Competences

    Ancient Studies
  • Apply grammatical knowledge acquired in the analysis and comprehension of Latin and Greek texts.
  • Be able to express oneself orally and in writing in the specific language of history, archaeology and philology, both in one's own languages and a third language.
  • Interpret texts written in Latin and Greek to understand the history and Classical civilisations.
  • Students must develop the necessary learning skills to undertake further training with a high degree of autonomy.
    English and Classics Studies
  • Demonstrate grammatical knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages and its application to the analysis and comprehension of Greek and Latin texts.
  • Interpret written texts in Latin and Greek to learn about classical history and civilizations.
  • Produce effective written work or oral presentations adapted to the appropriate register in distinct languages.
  • Students must develop the necessary learning skills in order to undertake further training with a high degree of autonomy.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply the techniques that help towards a rapid overall understanding of Greek and Latin texts.
  2. Autonomously searching, selecting and processing information both from structured sources (databases, bibliographies, specialized magazines) and from across the network.
  3. Explain the gist of a text without any need for a prior morpho-syntactic analysis or the use of a dictionary.
  4. Extract information from the Greek and Latin texts on aspects of realia especially related to their historical and cultural context.
  5. Preparing an oral and written discourse in the corresponding language in a proper and organized way.
  6. Translate fragments of the Greek works proposed.
  7. Translate fragments of the proposed Greek works.
  8. Write a morpho-syntactic commentary on a Greek text.

Content

The contents of this subject include, on the one hand, the description of the grammatical forms and basic syntactic structures of classical Attic Greek, and, on the other, exercises of translating and interpretation of original Greek texts.

Contents:  

1. The Greek alphabet: reading and writing

2. Morphology:

2.1. Nominal Morphology. Generalities

2.1.1. First-Declension Nouns (–α)

2.1.2. Second-Declension Nouns (–ο)

2.1.3. Third-Declension Nouns: Consonantic Stems; Vocal Stems

2.1.4. Irregular Nouns

2.1.5. The Article

2.1.6. Personal Pronouns

2.1.7. Relative Pronouns

2.1.8. Demonstrative Pronouns

2.2. Verbal morphology Generalities

2.2.1. The Present. Present of Indicative: Thematic Non-Contract and Contract Present (-ω), and Athematic Present (-μι). Present Infinitive. Present Participle. The Imperfect

2.2.2. The Aorist (I) : Sigmatic Aorist. Aorist Infinitive. Aorist Participle

2.3. Adverbs

2.4. Prepositions

 

3. Syntax:

3.1. Syntax of Cases

3.2. Simple Sentences and Complex Sentences

3.3. Co-ordination

3.4. Subordination

3.4.1. Relative Clauses

3.4.2. Indirect Speech: clauses with ὅτι and ὡς

3.4.3. The Infinitive

3.4.4. Temporal and Causal Clauses

3.5. The Participle

 

The reading of The Odyssey by Homer, in Catalan or Spanish translation, will be compulsory and assessable.

N.B. Based on how quickly the group works, some of the items on this agenda may be dropped or expanded. The ones that aren't covered in this course will be covered in the Greek Narrative Texts course.

 

Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Explanation of the theoretical contents 15.5 0.62 1, 8, 4, 6
Grammar exercises 15 0.6 1, 8, 5
Reading, commentary and translation of texts 15 0.6 1, 8, 4, 6
Type: Supervised      
Commentary of The Odyssey 5 0.2 2, 5, 4
Reading and translating exercises 10 0.4 1, 8, 6
Solving grammar exercises 10 0.4 1, 2, 8, 6
Type: Autonomous      
Grammar and Vocabulary Study 45 1.8 1, 2
Grammar and translation exercises 15 0.6 1, 8, 6
Reading of the Odyssey in translation 15 0.6 1, 2

The teaching methodology of this subject will be to alternate the theoretical explanations of grammatical subjects, with practical exercises that help the students to retain and to familiarize themselves with the basic grammar of the Greek language.

This course will be split into two groups with two different levels: beginners and advanced level. At the beginning of the course, students will be distributed in one of the two groups depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language they have.

At the beginning of the course, there will be a dossier with a selection of texts and introductory exercises. The teacher will be able to add or eliminate activities regarding on the needs and interests of the students.

As for reading The Odyssey, the teacher will follow it up through a series of supervision activities in order to make sure that the student has read and understood the work, is able to locate it. in its context of production and to value its importance in our cultural legacy.

Since numerous scientific studies show that reading on paper improves the understanding and memorization of the contents, while facilitating critical reflection, it is strongly recommended that all the materials available on the Virtual Campus are printed and that the activities and exercises are always work on paper. On the other hand, the use of digital devices (tablets or computers) and mobile phones in the classroom will be restricted to teaching activities and always at the request of the teaching staff.

 

 

 

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Assessment

Continous Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Activities and oral/virtual tests of grammar, reading and translation 20% 0 0 1, 2, 8, 5, 6
Attendance and active participation in classroom 10% 0 0 1, 8, 5, 3, 4, 6, 7
Exam 1 20% 1.5 0.06 1, 8, 4, 6
Exam 2 40% 1.5 0.06 1, 8, 4, 6
The Odyssey: control of reading 10 1.5 0.06 1, 2, 8, 6

This subject does not incorporate single assessment.

Evaluation
										
											
										
											The evaluation process is closely linked to the learning process. Throughout the learning process, the specified assessment activities will be carried out, in accordance with the program that will be provided to the students at the beginning of the year. 
The students will have at their disposal individualized tutoring sessions to comment on the results obtained and proposals for improvement.
There will be two language exams.
In addition, The Odyssey by Homer must be read in a Catalan or Spanish translation. This reading will be assessed through a written test. Evaluation activities

Evaluation is a continuous process during which students must have the possibility to know their progress through partial marks. For the evaluation of this subject, the following activities will be taken into account:
  1. two exams on translation and grammatical commentary of texts [20% + 40%]
  2. a reading exam of the Odyssey [10%]
  3. oral/virtual grammar, reading and translation activities and tests [20%]
  4. attendance and active participation in the classroom [10%]

Absence

In case of absence from an assessment activity, if the absence is planned, the student must notify the teacher in advance. If it is unforeseen, he will notify the teacher as soon as possible. In any case, absence from an assessment activity must be justified with an official document. Since the dates of the assessment activities will be known to the students from the beginning, absences due to driving tests or trips will not be considered justified.

 

Not assessable
										
											
										
											The student will receive the grade of Not Assessable as long as he has not delivered more than 30% of the assessment activities.
										
											
										
											Plagiarism
										
											
										
											In the event of a student committing any irregularity that may lead to a significant variation in the grade awarded to an assessment activity, the student will be given a zero for this activity, regardless of any disciplinary process that may take place. 
In the event of several irregularities in assessment activities of the same subject, the student will be given a zero as the final grade for this subject.

  Procedure for the review of qualifications

  On carrying out each evaluation activity, lecturers will inform students (on Moodle) of the procedures to be followed for reviewing all grades awarded, and the date on which such a review will take place.

Reassessment process
										
											
										
											Students will have the right to reasses the subject as long as they have done 2/3 of the proposed assessment activities.
										
											
										
											It is a compulsory requirement to get a minimum grade of 5 in each of the exams to pass the subject in the ordinary assessment. If this grade is not reached, students will have to reasess the part with a grade of less than five.
										
											
										
											They will be able to reassess: a translation and grammatical exam (40%) and the reading test (10%).
										
											
										
											The mark obtained in the reassessment will replace the ordinary evaluation in each of its parts. In the event that the reassessment mark is lower than the ordinary evaluation mark, the ordinary evaluation mark willbe maintained.
										
											
										
											The reassessment will be passed if the weighted average is equal to or higher than 5 points and the grades for each of the reassessment activities have been passed with a minimum of 4 points.

 

 

 


Bibliography

Grammar, handbooks, exercises and anthologies of texts:

ALBERICH, Joan, Delos 1Grec Batxillerat. Primer curs, Barcelona: Vicens Vives, 2002.

-, Delos 2. Grec Batxillerat. Segon curs, Barcelona: Vicens Vives, 2003.

BALME, Maurice; Lawall, Gilbert; Miraglia, Luigi; Bórri, Tommaso F. Athenaze. Introduzione al greco antico. Volume I, Montella: Accademia Vivarium Novum, 2003.

BALME, Maurice; Lawall, Gilbert; Miraglia, Luigi; Bórri, Tommaso F. Athenaze. Introduzione al greco antico. Volume II, Montella: Accademia Vivarium Novum, 2020.

BERENGUER AMENÓS, Jaume, Gramática griega, Barcelona: Bosch, 2002.

BERTRAND, Joëlle, La grammaire grecque par l'exemple, Paris: Ellipses, 1996.

-, Nouvelle grammaire grecque, Paris: Ellipses, 2000.

CALVO, José Luis, Griego para universitarios: Fonética y fonología, morfología y sintaxis del griego antiguo, Granada: Editorial Universitaria UGR, 2017.

DEL POZO, Alberto, Introducción al griego, Barcelona: Teide, 1992.

DEL POZO , Alberto; ALBERICH, Joan; LEÓN, Concha; LÓPEZ, Pedro, Textos griegos, Barcelona: Teide, 1984.

DICKEY, Eleanor. The Colloquia of the Hermeneumata Pseudodositheaba: Volume 1 and Volume 2. Cambridge, 2015. 

DÍAZ ÁVILA, Mario, ALEXANDROS. To Hellenikon paidion, Guadix: Cultura Clásica 2014.

FERNÁNDEZ GALIANO, Manuel, Manual práctico de morfología verbal griega, Madrid: Gredos, 1981.

Joint Association of Classical Teachers, Reading Greek I. Text and Vocabulary. Joint Association of Classical teachers 1986 [disponible en català Reading Greek:textos, vocabulari i exercicis].

Joint Association of Classical Teachers, Reading Greek I. Grammar and Exercices. Joint Association of Classical teachers 1986 [disponible en català Reading Greek: gramàtica i exercicis].

MARTÍNEZ SOTODOSOS, César; OVEJAS ARANGO, Mercedes, Mythologica. ΟΙ ΜΥΘΟΙ ΤΗΣ ΧΑΡΑΣ. ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ. ΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΝ ΠΑΙΔΙΟΝ. Granada: Cultura Clásica, 2016.

SHELMERDINE, Cynthia W., Introduction to Greek, Newburyport, MA: Focus Publishing, 2008.

VAN EMDE BOAS, Evert; RIJKSBARON, Albert; HUITINK, Luuk; DE BAKKER, Mathieu, The Cambridge Grammar of Classical Greek, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019.

VERNHES, Jean-Victor, Ἕρμαιον. Initiation au grec ancien. Édition complète avec ressources audio, Paris: Ophrys, 2020.

  

Dictionaries and vocabulary:

DD. AA. Diccionari Grec Català. D'Homer al s. II d. C. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia catalana, 2015.

ALBERICH, Joan; ROS, Montserrat, La transcripció dels noms propis grecs i llatins, Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana, 1993.

BERTRAND, Joëlle, Vocabulaire grec. Du mot à la pensée. L'abrégé, Paris: Ellipses, 2008.

BYL, Symon, Vocabulaire grec de base, Bruxelles: de boeck, 2004.

DIGGLE, James et al., The Cambridge Greek Lexicon, Cambdrige: Cambridge University Press, 2021.

FERNÁNDEZ GALIANO, Manuel, La transcripción castellana de los nombrespropios griegos,Madrid: S.E.E.C.,1969.

GRIMAL, Pierre, Diccionari de mitoloia grega i romana,Barcelona: Edicions de 1984, 2008. 

PABÓN, José Mª., Diccionario manual griego-español, Barcelona: VOX, 1993.

-, Diccionari manual grec clàssic - català, Barcelona: VOX, 2011 [Trad. al català de Vicenç Reglà, Remei Tomàs, Guillem Cintas i Priscila Borrell].

 

Websites:

https://logeion.uchicago.edu/%E1%BC%80%CE%B3%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%AC [online Greek dictionaries]

http://www.ub.edu/electra/euclides [Greek keys]

http://www.xtec.es/~sgiralt/labyrinthus/graecia/glossa/gramma.html [Greek grammar]

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/154530/web/gramatica_griega/index.html [Greek grammar]

http://bcs.fltr.ucl.ac.be/GraGre/00.Plan.htm [Greek grammar]

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/ [textos grecs] http://philolog.us/ [online Greek dictionary]

https://detroiaaitaca.wordpress.com/ [blog sobre la recepció dels poemes homèrics]

 


Software

To use Greek alphabet in your computer:

For PC: http://www.ub.edu/electra/euclides

For Mac, you can add utilities to your writing programm with Popchar.


Language list

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 Catalan first semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 2 Catalan first semester morning-mixed