Basic Classical Language Sequences

The Department of Classics offers language courses in ancient Greek and Latin that will fulfill this requirement. No previous experience with either language is necessary.

GR 101 and 102. INTRODUCTION TO GREEK I and II
GR 201 and 202. INTERMEDIATE GREEK I and II

LAT 101 and 102. INTRODUCTION TO LATIN I and II
LAT 201 and 202. INTERMEDIATE LATIN I and II

The Latin and Greek introductory sequences are designed for students who are beginning the study of ancient Greek and Latin. The basic Greek courses introduce students to ancient Attic Greek, rather than the later Koine Greek of the bible.  For both languages, a grammar-based approach is used to help students read; one corollary of this approach is that it addresses issues of English grammar that students may never have encountered previously. These texts, which the students use for four semesters, are:

LATIN: Susan Shelmerdine, Introduction to Latin (Revised and Corrected)

GREEK: Anne Groton’s  Alpha to Omega 3rd ed.

In Latin and Greek 101 students study chapters 1 through 13 of the basic grammar texts.  In Latin/Greek 102 students complete Chapters 14-28. In a typical class, the instructor might explain a new grammar concept, the students would get some practice at reading Greek or Latin aloud, and they would all translate sentences or short passages, explaining the grammar of the words in their assigned sentences.

In Latin/Greek 201 (intermediate year) students continue with the grammar texts, completing them during this term. The students then start to read actual passages in ancient Greek and Latin; some of these are in the grammar texts, but the instructor may also provide extra material.

In Latin/Greek 202, students read passages from ancient authors and continue to solidify their understanding of grammar.  The instructors may assign a variety of texts, from various authors and periods, but also may focus on the works of a specific author. At this level, students are expected to be able to read passages of Latin or Greek that they have not previously studied (at sight). They also might write a short paper or two on a literary or cultural topic. Students who complete these four semesters are ready for a Latin/Greek 300 level course — a focused study of a specific ancient author or genre of literature.