Aims

CAG1002 follows on from CAG1001, introducing more complex grammatical patterns and structures.

The overall aim of the Beginners’ Greek modules is to allow students to engage with what ancient authors wrote in their own words, and to introduce them to the study of Greek literary texts in the original languages.
The linguistic aims of CAG1002 are to:
1. instil the acquisition and consolidation of core linguistic skills and knowledge (words and their various forms; clauses, sentences, and their structures; strategies for reading and translating);
2. train students in the use of linguistic reference tools such as the LSJ dictionary.

The aims of the 'In-Action' sessions are:
1. to help students to solidify and extend their working knowledge of basic vocabulary and its usage;
2. to give students an opportunity to put their developing knowledge of key grammatical patterns and syntactical structures into practice;
3. to help students to develop their ability to analyse and appreciate the effects of different modes of expression in the language, including differences of meaning and style, without the aid of a published translation;
4. to train students in the application of language skills to literary analysis, and in critical reading of texts in the original language;
5. to assist students in developing and applying increasingly nuanced translation strategies based on the foregoing skills; and
6. to enhance students' ability to read classical literature more meaningfully by applying all these skills to unfamiliar texts in the original language.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module introduces students to key grammatical patterns and structures of Greek, which will
enable students to identify the function performed by the individual words in a Greek sentence. It
also trains students in 'dictionary skills': how to work back to the form of a Greek word to be looked
up, from its form in a text; how to take into account the range of meanings and connotations many
Greek words carry.

CAG1002 focus primarily on the acquisition and consolidation of core linguistic skills and knowledge (words and their various forms; clauses, sentences, and their structures; strategies for reading and translating).
With some devoted time to Greek or Latin ‘in Action’.

Several methods are used in supporting the module's aims, as appropriate to the level, the readings, and the specific grammatical elements being learned. ‘In Action’ class exercises and assessed assignments are usually based on the close study of one or more short passages of text in the original language. Methods may include translation of passages into English; translation from English into Greek; comparison of published translations; stylistic analysis; scansion of passages of verse; memorisation of short excerpts; recitation.
Both the 'In Action' sessions and other languages classes will introduce students to skills and techniques of Greek dictionary usage.
Students will be expected to complete regular homework exercises.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

General rationale: This set-up aims to preserve as much of the (traditional) method for from-scratch language teaching which has worked so well over the past years, and has been commended by students.

The three taught classes per week introduce, explain, demonstrate, and give students the opportunity to apply under guidance, the knowledge of the Greek language and the approach to reading Greek texts which the module aims to instil. Time is set aside in each session for students to ask questions.

In private study, students consolidate knowledge imparted in the taught classes, further practise applying that knowledge to set exercises, and learn to use their language skills to think in analytical and constructive ways about original Greek texts. Written exercises are set in order to aid students review, apply, and consolidate their linguistic knowledge.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Written examination: An examination is still inevitably the best way of testing students' assimilation of linguistic knowledge and skills, and their translation skills in both seen and unseen texts, without the use of aids (e.g., grammar charts etc.). It is thus the ideal format for assessing the students' assimilation and command of the taught material.

The tests ensure students’ constant review of the material covered in the module, and allow the teacher to detect difficulties early on in the semester and provide students with constant feedback on their progress.
Machine-marked tests will be offered on Canvas to help students revise new material on a regular basis and prepare them for the in-class test of the following week.

Short homework exercises help students review and consolidate the material introduced to them in the previous session.

The formative language skills exercise will test students' ability to understand and critically analyse a text.

Submitted work tests intended knowledge and skills outcomes, develops key skills in research, reading and writing.

This module cannot be made available to Study-abroad, non-Erasmus exchange and Loyola students under any circumstances.

All Erasmus students at Newcastle University are expected to do the same assessment as students registered for a degree.