Fall 2003

GK 502 • First-Year Modern Greek I

Course Description

This is the first of a four course sequence.  Its immediate sequel, GK503, will be offered in spring 2004.  When taken in the appropriate number of semesters, Modern Greek satisfies the language requirements of all colleges of the University. Modern Greek is the language of Greece, the major language of the Republic of Cyprus, and of emigrant Greeks in this country and throughout the world.  The language is evolved from ancient Greek, but is sufficiently different in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to require separate study.  The aim of First-Year Modern Greek (GK502 and GK503) is to teach beginners to read, speak, and understand the language to a level that would allow, for instance, fuller enjoyment of a visit to Greece or Cyprus, or for those of Greek ancestry, who may want to revive something of their background or who seek to improve on informal learning of the rudiments of the language.

GK502 would be of special interest and value to others as well: those who seek to use Modern Greek as a bridge to the study of New Testament or ecclesiastical Greek; classics students who want to develop an understanding of the history of the Greek language; students interested in archaeology, art history, or anthropology, especially those who contemplate field work in Greece or Cyprus; and students of modern and contemporary European history, culture and literature [Kazantzakis (Zorba the Greek), Vassilikos (Z), Cavafy (poems "Waiting for the Barbarians," "Ithaca"), and Seferis (Nobel prize in poetry)].

Grading Policy

Grades will be assessed as follows: quizzes (25%), homework (20%), midterm (25%) and final (30 %).

Texts

Arvanitakis & Arvanitakis, Epikoinoniste sta Ellinika (Communicate in Greek) Pring, The Pocket Oxford Greek Dictionary

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