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Why Study Ancient Greek?

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Courses

Ancient Greek! The language of Aeschylus, Aesop, Alexander the Great, Archimedes, Aristophanes, Aristotle, Euclid, Euripides, Hippocrates, Homer, Pericles, Plato, Ptolemy, Sophocles, Thales, Thucydides, Xenophon, and lots of other famous characters from our Western heritage. It's also the language of the Greek New Testament.

Why Study Ancient Greek?  First: If you are interested in ancient Greek literature, you could be reading it in the original language.  So much is lost in translation!  Second: Vocabulary building and improved grammar comprehension in English—Spelling and syntax in English improved.  The reason?  Ancient Greek is the foundation of many English words, from alpha 'adamant' to zeta 'zodiac'. In fact, roughly 60% of all English words and 90% of technical and scientific terms are derived from ancient Greek and Latin. And, if you are interested in a career in law or medicine, you will benefit enormously from the vocabulary building you will gain in the ancient Greek classes.

How is Ancient Greek Different? Ancient Greek lives on in modern Greek, but we learn ancient Greek primarily to read and study ancient texts written orginally on papyrus (papyrology), on stone monuments (epigraphy), or coins (numismatics). A person who studies ancient Greek & Latin literature is called a philologist. From ancient written sources we have a good idea of what the dialects of ancient Greek sounded like, but you will not be learning how to speak Greek in this course; rather, you will learn the grammar and syntax through  oral and written drills. The goal of a course in ancient Greek is to learn enough grammar and vocabulary to be able to read ancient Greek literature: poetry, prose, and the Greek New Testament.

Are there other ancient non-spoken languages to learn? Yes! Many other ancient (pre-modern) languages are taught at universities around the world: Latin, Sanskrit, Arabic, Pali, Persian, Old Tamil, Coptic, Hittite, Sumerian and Akkadian Cuneiform, Egyptian Heiroglyphics, and Old English. Many of these languages are taught at our neighboring institutions:  U of I,  and U. of Chicago.

Many of IWU's best students in majors as diverse as English, Computer Science, Biology, Music, Religion, and Philosophy have taken Greek. Some of their comments include:
 

"I read English very differently now--I am much more aware how my own language works and see nuances of meaning that I never noticed before."	"I recommend this course for pre-meds because of the vocabulary building. tachycardia? echolalia? osteophyte? Got 'em covered."
"As a computer science major I am amazed at the similarities between the language of computers and the language of the Greeks."	"I've always been fascinated by Greek culture, and learning the language has helped me to understand their lasting contribution to our own."

Ancient Greek Courses at IWU:

Greek 101 and 102 Introduction to Attic Greek

 No previous knowledge required for 101. Students learn the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax needed to read ancient Greek authors in the original language. Textbook: Athenaze, Vols. 1 & 2. Prerequisite for 102: Greek 101 or equivalent. Greek 101, 102, 201 are offered in a continuous loop. 
 

Greek 201 Intermediate Greek  (LA)

Selections from several authors, mainly of narrative and dialogue, to be read both as an introduction to the variety of Greek styles and for practice in translation and review of grammar. Texts may include selections from Xenophon, Plato, and the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: Greek 101-102 or equivalent.

Greek 399  Independent Study

Reading of selected texts in Greek at the 4th semester level, in consultation with instructor.  By permission.
 

Visit the Greek & Roman Studies Bulletin Board on 2nd floor of BUCK HALL

For more information, contact Professor Nancy Sultan

Back to Classical Studies at IWU