Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV (CLA2205)

Staff	Dr Daniel King - Convenor
Credit Value	30
ECTS Value	15.00
NQF Level	5
Pre-requisites	CLA1204/3204
Co-requisites	None
Duration of Module	Term 1: 11 weeks; Term 2: 11 weeks;

Module aims

Building on CLA1/3204, this module aims to develop linguistic mastery of the Greek language and understanding of Greek literature; it also seeks to lead students to see the connection between language-learning and the reading of literature. In each term one main set text and a number of supplementary texts are studied, together with language work to improve students’ translation skills. Detailed study of the set texts is designed to enhance knowledge of Greek literature and to develop skills of reading and interpretation. Translation of unseen passages from Greek into English aims to develop mastery of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Set texts and language/unseen translation are taught together by one lecturer as a single integrated module.

ILO: Module-specific skills

1. Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of Classical Greek through translation from Greek and through the close study of a number of prose and verse texts.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

2. Comprehend a wide range of linguistic forms and structures and render Classical Greek into English.
3. Interpret and analyse works from an earlier culture and produce written arguments about them informed by critical scholarship.

ILO: Personal and key skills

4. Methodically investigate the meaning of complex texts in an ancient language by applying a specific set of skills and knowledge to the data.
5. Demonstrate an ability, in class preparation, for independent study, as well as the ability to work in groups in literary discussion and in working on translation and grammar.
6. Enhance the ability to develop and communicate persuasive arguments about literary and scholarly material in both oral and written form.

Syllabus plan

Terms 1 and 2: Three classes per week: as a general rule, two will be mostly devoted to the study of a main set text (A texts) and a number of supplementary or supporting texts (B texts), with one class per week is focusing on grammar/syntax, unseen translation and linguistic skills.

Students will be required to read the set texts independently outside the class; the session devoted to the set texts will involve interpretation, literary commentary and analysis guided by the module tutor. This will also be supported with occasional discussions of modern scholarship on the set texts. Language skills will be developed both through the reading of set texts and explanations by the module tutor of unusual linguistic features when they are encountered in the texts. In addition, some classes will involve the translation of unseen passages (both as a group and under exam conditions), with the module tutor providing guidance on how to comprehend and interpret more difficult Greek authors.

The module will be examined in three parts: (1) two 3,000-word coursework essays (one on each alpha text); (2) four 1,000-word critical commentaries (two on each alpha text), completed from a choice of passages provided by the module tutor; (3) a three-hour examination, in which students translate passages from the alpha texts and unseen pieces of Greek literature.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
66	234	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	66	3 x 1hr seminar per week
Guided independent study	234	Independent study

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
40	40	20

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Exam	40	3 hours	1, 2, 4	mark and written comments
Two essays	40	3000 words	1-6	mark and written comments
Four critical commentaries	20	Take home examination (1 week).	1-6	mark and written comments

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Exam	Exam	1, 2, 4	ref/def period
Two essays	Exam	1-6	ref/def period
Four critical commentaries	Exam	1-6	ref/def period

Re-assessment notes

Re-assessment will normally be by examination.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Term 1: Alpha Text: Euripides, Hippolytus (ed. Ferguson, Bristol Classical Press).

Term 2: Alpha Text: Herodotus, Histories Book I (ed. Sleeman, Bristol Classical Press).

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Available as distance learning?

Origin date

2011

Last revision date

9/1/2013

Key words search

Classics, Greek, Language