CLS 111(-12) Introduction to Homeric Greek (Aims Category F)
Dr. Ann R. Raia
Office: Castle 323, Phone: x 5398, Email: < araia@cnr.edu>
Office Hours: W 2-3, Th 11:30-12:30, and by appointment

Description

This is a course in beginning Greek for those with no prior knowledge of ancient Greek. The fall semester concentrates on the formation and interpretation of Greek letters, mastery of the basic elements of pre-classical Greek grammar and syntax, acquisition of basic Homeric vocabulary, introduction to oral epic poetry and its Bronze Age context, and reading in the original and scansion of selections from the earliest preserved Greek epics, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes

At the end of the semester students will demonstrate:

1. the ability to read Homeric Greek aloud, write Greek script, scan epic hexameter, and translate both adapted and original Homeric Greek with appropriate assistance
2. competence in foundational Homeric Greek vocabulary, forms, and syntax, as well as skill in identifying English derivatives
3. acquaintance with the time, place, individual and social values, and culture of the Mycenaean period, with insight into the differences from and similarities to contemporary American culture.

Materials of Instruction

Required course text: Clyde Pharr, Homeric Greek: A Book for Beginners. Revised by John Wright (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1985)
Required Collateral Readings: Homer, The Iliad in English (translation of your choice, but recommended translators are: Richmond Lattimore, Albert Cook, Robert Fitzgerald, Robert Fagles)
Tools: G. Autenrieth, Homeric Dictionary and R. Cunliffe, Lexicon of the Homeric Dialect (both are in Gill Library)
On-line Perseus for Greek texts, grammar, dictionary, and images; other Internet sites useful for the study of Greek language and culture are: Greek Grammar on the Web, Ancient Greek Tutorial, Greek, Too!, Ancient Greek Sites on the Web, Metis
A bibliography of suggested readings on The Iliad will be distributed later in the semester
Handouts, guides, xeroxed materials, slides, videos, overhead transparencies will be used

Methods of Instruction

Class time will be spend on:
--student recitation; drill of vocabulary and forms; analysis and interpretation of syntax and content; reading aloud metrically and translating Homeric Greek, assigned and at sight; reciting memorized lines from The Iliad; weekly quizzes; student reports
--special sessions for computer demonstrations, workshops, slide and video presentations;
--interactive sessions with the first year Homer students at Saint Joseph's University, and a joint guided visit to the Greek collection in the University of Pennsylvania Museum.

Requirements and Assessment Methods

Students are expected to:

1. Attend all classes, as well as the language lab, prepared and participating fully in recitation, exercises, workshops, and writing (All Objectives)
2. Complete and submit all assignments, using on-line resources, email communication, and individual appointments beyond class meetings to resolve difficulties (Objectives 1, 2)
3. Complete 10 quizzes on new material: September 18, 24; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20, 27 (if all 11 are taken, the lowest grade will be dropped) (Objectives 1,2)
4. Complete and report on two lexical research projects, one traditional and one Internet (Objectives 1,2)
5. Make a guided visit to the Greek collection in the University of Pennsylvania Museum (Objective 3)
6. Take a final exam which will include: identification of forms, vocabulary, and syntax, scansion of Homeric lines, and translation of and questions about prepared and sight readings. (All Objectives)

Grading

Students will be graded on the quality of their completion of the requirements listed above as follows:

• 40% attendance, participation, preparation *
  
• 25% weekly quizzes
  
• 10% lexical research projects
  
• 25% final examination
  * students who exceed the maximum number of un-excused absences (4 in a 75 minute class) will find their grade negatively affected in this category

Course Policies

Attendance is required, as is appropriate class behavior. Students are expected to meet assignment deadlines: un-excused late assignments will not be accepted. Make-ups will be arranged for students who have medical or other serious excuses. Students are expected to report an illness through proper channels.
Students found cheating or plagiarizing will earn an F for the course. At the beginning of the course, students with documented special needs are expected to inform the instructor of accommodations or services needed for successful academic participation.

Content and Schedule of Assignments

The class meets on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30-11, and once weekly for language lab. The class will regularly meet in its assigned room , except for sessions set aside for computer workshops or video screenings.
The course is devoted to learning Homeric Greek via The Iliad and completing as much of the elementary text in the fall semester as possible. Assignments in the text will be given daily, appropriate in length to the pace and ability of the students, and consonant with the goals of the course.

Week 1: September 4, 6: Introduction to the course, the syllabus, and the fundamentals of Homeric Greek

Week 2: September 11, 13:

Week 3: September18, 20: Quiz 1

Week 4: September 24, 27: Quiz 2

Week 5: October 2, 4: Quiz 3

Week 6: October 9, 11: Quiz 4

Week 7: October 16, 18: Quiz 5

Week 8: October 23, 25: Quiz 6

Week 9: October 30, November 1: Quiz 7; No class on November 1 (NCHC Conference): Read Book 1 of The Iliad

Week 10: November 6, 8: Quiz 8

Week 11: November 13, 15: Quiz 9

Week 12: November 20, 22: Quiz 10

Week 13: November 27, 29: Quiz 11; No class on November 29 (Thanksgiving): Read Book 2 of The Iliad

Week 14: December 4, 6

Week 15: December 11, 13

Week 15: December 18: Final Examination

Intersession Assignment: Read The Iliad Books 3-24 in English