CLASS DESCRIPTION

Classical Greek Grammar 2 follows Classical Greek Grammar 1 (offered on a rotating schedule). In this course students complete the grammar cycle and are introduced to longer and more complex readings in the New Testament, and various classical authors such as Sophocles, Xenophon, Plato, and others. Students will also learn the basics of Greek poetics and composition.

The course utilizes the best of both a traditional "grammar-translation" approach paired with a generous amount of at-level reading, which includes W.H.D. Rouse's beginning Greek reader A Greek Boy At Home as the students ease into reading ancient works.

This course assumes that students have completed Lessons 1-30 in Anne Groton's textbook From Alpha to Omega and have some basic facility with reading and translating.

Students are evaluated with regular homework, grammar quizzes, class participation, and a final.

NB: Students must have completed Classical Greek Grammar 1 or the equivalent. If you are coming from another program or from self-study and are not sure of your level, please contact Dr. Phillips at [email protected].

Below is the description for Classical Greek Grammar 1 which will be offered Fall 2027:

While Ancient Classical Greek can be intimidating, it can also be very rewarding. The purpose of studying Classical Greek is first and foremost to read and appreciate authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Euripides, and many others. Studying Classical Greek can also illuminate many important and foundational aspects of the literary tradition.

It is also important to note that students of Classical Greek will also have all the knowledge they will need to read the Greek New Testament, which was written in "Koine" Greek, a simplified version of Classical Greek. It is easier for Classical Greek students to read Koine Greek than for students who have only studied Koine to read Classical Greek texts. Students contemplating Biblical Studies will find many benefits to learning Classical Greek, as it provides vital context and background for understanding the world of the New Testament.

This course will cover the first 25 chapters of Anne Groton's text From Alpha to Omega and emphasize building grammatical knowledge and reading fluency. It will also give students a glimpse into the complex and colorful world of the Ancient Greeks.

NOTE: This course is more difficult than Latin 1 and will require some more technical knowledge (particularly the use of a Greek keyboard), so the minimum age for this course is 14 by Fall 2027.