Greek Language I
Greek Language 1 – CX120-15/CX220-15
2026-27
Moodle link: Greek Language 1Link opens in a new window
Induction slides:
Introduction
This intensive module offers you the opportunity to learn the basics of the classical Greek language in a very short period of time. The fast pace of the module will require commitment and consistency on the part of students. A substantial amount of independent study will be required for familiarising yourself with and memorising linguistic forms, patterns and vocabulary (details below). During classes, I will provide guidance on some tricks and 'hacks' to help you make sense of the patterns and memorise forms more easily. This may all sound demanding – But the 'gains' will overcome the challenges when, after only one term, you will be able to read your first Greek texts in the original!
Taking Greek 1 + Greek 2 is a core requirement for students who do not have prior experience of Greek and are on Warwick degree courses in which ancient language is core (e.g. Classics Q800 and variants; Classics and English). For students on other degrees, Greek 1 and Greek 2 are optional.
The department also welcomes enquiries from students outside the Classics Department. Potential non-classicists should email the module convener to communicate their interest. Because Classical Greek is a demanding language, we will need to see evidence that you will be able to meet the demands of the course so we will discuss your previous language learning experience.
Before the start of term, all students proposing to take this course should learn the alphabet and ideally practice some simple reading exercises. This will make it much easier to start learning the fundamentals of the language. Classical Greek grammars (see resources below) are a good place to start. For exercises, refer to the coursebooks (e.g. Taylor and Wilding). Please do not hesitate to contact the module convenor for advice regarding resources/ preparatory work.
Aims and objectives
This intensive module aims to introduce a complete beginner to the main elements of the structure of Classical Greek in a logical and systematic way and so enable them to read and translate passages of adapted Greek with accuracy and confidence.
By the end of the module, all students should expect to:
- know fundamental Greek forms, patterns (nouns, verbs), some syntax and essential vocabulary
- have developed good translation skills
- have cultivated their capacity for analytical and logical analysis
- most importantly, have reached a level of linguistic knowledge which will allow them to read original texts in Greek.
Students are encouraged to use the help that is always available to sort out any points of difficulty that arise and not get behind. Please, do ask for help is you feel lost, the pace of the module will not allow for long discussion on single topics in class, but I remain available for any question/issue during catch-up/consolidation and office hours.
You may feel that the fast pace of the module is very challenging, but the objective is to give you all the skills you need to start reading exciting ancient Greek texts, and this after just one term!
Assessment
Assessment for Greek 1 is organised as follows:
- two tests taking place in Week 4 and 7 weighted respectively at 20% (Week 4) and 30% (Week 7)
- Week 10: 50% final exam
Essentials
Grammars
It is highly recommended that you get hold of a copy of a Classical Greek grammar for use during the module:
- Morwood, J. Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek, OUP 2001. Accessible and well-designed for beginner and intermediate level Greek.
- Coderch, J. Classical Greek: A New Grammar: Greek grammar taught and explained, with examples, 2012. Clear, thorough, and includes lots of authentic examples. http://coderch-greek-latin-grammar.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/8/5/11853710/greek_grammar.pdf
Also good, especially at a higher level (Greek Literary Texts and beyond).
- Abbott and Mansfield, A Primer of Greek Grammar, Bristol 1977 (and following reprints). Old and outdated in terms of visual design but detailed and referred to in e.g. Wilding's coursebook (which is designed to be used alongside it).
- Smyth, H. W. Greek Grammar. Revised by Gordon M. Messing. Harvard University Press, 1956. VDetailed, thorough, and traditional. Less accessible.
- van Emde Boas, E., Rijksbaron, A., Huitink, L., and de Bakker, M. The Cambridge Grammar of Classical Greek. Cambridge University Press, 2019. New, detailed. More detailed than needed at Greek 1 and 2 level (but you will need to refer to this one in Greek Literary Texts). Expensive but available online.
Course Books
During the module, we will make reference to a variety of coursebooks. We will refer to these for grammar tables and explanations, as well as practice exercises. It is not necessary to purchase these.
- John Taylor, Greek to GCSE Part 1 and 2, second edn. Bristol 2003–2008. Accessible and clear. Answer keys are available for independent study.
- L.A. Wilding, Greek for Beginners, London/Boston 1973 (and following reprints).
When needed, work in class will be supplemented by material from further readings. Supplementary materials will be distributed in class and uploaded onto Moodle.
Independent Study and Attendance
The course prioritises translation from Greek into English. Teaching hours are organised as such: 3 hours/week for explanation and in-class exercise; plus a fourth hour for catch-up/consolidation (not optional!).
You need to develop strategies to memorise new vocabulary and a significant number of patterns and endings.
The classes need to be backed up by a significant amount of independent study. 3/4 hours a week of in-person teaching are only a minimal part of the study time required to successfully complete the module and master the fundamentals of Greek language.
You should expect to:
- work on the materials at the fast pace of this intensive module;
- spend at least 4-5 hours between each class on independent study;
- revise (not study from scratch!) over vacations,
- set aside time for 150 hours of study over the term in total.
Attendance is required at all classes, unless there is a very good reason you cannot attend. If you have an appointment you cannot miss, please discuss this in advance. If you are ill, you should email as soon as possible (on the day) giving a brief explanation of why you could not attend. In the absence of any such email, attendance will be noted as unauthorised in the register. Our experience is that regular attendance is one of most important factors for success on this module (the other one being independent study, memorisation, and exercise).
Most importantly, please communicate proactively with the module convenor and your personal tutor since it is easy to fall behind in such a situation and catching up becomes progressively harder.
Office Hours and Catch-up/Consolidation
Office/consolidation hours are an important part of the module, offering students the opportunity to sort out areas of uncertainty as the module progresses. Often a quick, well-directed question can sort things out quickly and put your mind at rest. Office hours are particularly important where you have missed a class.
As explained above, besides my office hours, there is going to be a fourth teaching hour each week referred to as catch-up/consolidation. This is an essential opportunity to revise, practise, and ask questions.
Preparatory Materials
Before the module starts: familiarise yourself with the Greek alphabet (letter shapes and corresponding sounds in English).
Once you are familiar with the alphabet try these reading/transcription exercises:
Try a taster of the language here.
Module convenor: Dr Emily CliffordLink opens in a new window
Email: emily.clifford@warwick.ac.uk