Ancient Greek
About the major
An Ancient Greek major allows you to read, in the original, works of immense cultural and literary significance by the great writers of the ancient Mediterranean world. The study of philosophy, history, drama, lyric, epic, the novel, and oratory begin in Greece, and Greek contributions to world literature are undisputed models of perfection in every later age. Reading the actual words of Homer, Euripides, Plato or the New Testament is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
You will study a wide variety of important texts from key periods and genres in the development of this hugely influential literature, gaining an understanding of its themes, preoccupations and complex reflection of Greek (particularly Classical Athenian) culture. Your linguistic ability will develop as you progress through a series of units that introduce, practise and then analyse in context Greek morphology and syntax. You may begin either at introductory level, if you have no prior knowledge of Greek, or at intermediate level if you have studied Greek to HSC-level (or equivalent).
The culmination of this major is in-depth study and nuanced appreciation of works of celebrated Greek authors. It will also help you to develop key skills including the ability to carefully analyse language and to construct clear and persuasive arguments both orally and with the written word.
The Ancient Greek major opens pathways to careers in journalism, law, publishing, teaching, government and research, among others.
Requirements for completion
The Ancient Greek major and minor requirements are listed in the Ancient Greek unit of study table.
There are two pathways through a major or minor in Ancient Greek: one if you have not studied Greek to HSC-level, or equivalent (the non-HSC stream); and one if you have studied Ancient Greek to HSC level (the ex-HSC stream). Non-HSC students begin at 1000-level in their first year; ex-HSC students at 2000-level.
Learning outcomes
| No. | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Demonstrate an extensive knowledge of Ancient Greek literature and critical approaches to it, and of the morphology, grammar and syntax of the Ancient Greek language. |
| 2 | Demonstrate a detailed familiarity with grammatical concepts and terminology commonly utilized to discuss the Ancient Greek language and a broad knowledge of important and influential works of Ancient Greek literature in the original language. |
| 3 | Demonstrate the ability to write grammatically correct Ancient Greek and to read, translate and discuss the grammatical features of Ancient Greek poetry and prose from Homer to the Hellenistic Age. |
| 4 | Demonstrate competency in the critical terminology and theory utilized in the academic study of Ancient Greek literature, and an understanding of the ways in which Ancient Greek literature reflects the cultural and political concerns of Ancient Greek society. |
| 5 | Critically analyse and research complex works of Ancient Greek literature in a range of genres with personal integrity both independently and collaboratively. |
| 6 | Construct and defend a valid argument about Ancient Greek literature and its interpretation in written and oral form. |
| 7 | Demonstrate dexterity and integrity in handling diverse cultural materials and the ability to explain these materials in collaborative contexts. |
| 8 | Apply the knowledge of Ancient Greek language and literature to address issues encountered in an interdisciplinary context. |
Advanced coursework
A fourth year of Advanced Coursework is not offered in Ancient Greek, but a major in Ancient Greek, and the completion of a second major, will permit students to undertake Advanced Coursework in Ancient History.
Honours
An extra year of Ancient Greek allows students to specialise in a particular field and to write a major piece of research. The honours year can be the culmination of your study of Ancient Greek or a pathway to further research in our postgraduate program (though in this case you should also consider doing at least two years of Latin). Our program consists of two seminars, an unseen translation exam and a thesis of 15,000 words on a topic decided by you in consultation with your supervisor.
Honours admission requirements
Admission to Honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires the completion of a major in Ancient Greek with an average of 70% or above.
Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major.
If you are considering an honours year in Ancient Greek, it is best to seek early advice on all the pathways open to you and the skills you will need to do your best. The Honours Coordinator can advise you on acceptable equivalents to our standard requirements.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Ancient Greek honours unit of study page.
Honours in Classics (joint Greek and Latin)
Undertaking Honours in Classics
An extra year of Classics allows students to specialise in a particular field and to write a major piece of research. The honours year can be the culmination of your study of Classics or a pathway to further research. Our program consists of two seminars, and a thesis of 18-20,000 words on a topic decided by you in consultation with your supervisor.
Qualifying for Honours in Classics
If you are considering an Honours year in Classics it is best to seek early advice on all the pathways open to you and the skills you will need to do your best.
- Admission to Honours in Classics is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies and requires:
- (i) a major in Latin with an average of 70 percent or above plus 18 additional senior credit points of Greek (including GRKA2601 Intermediate Greek 2); or
- (ii) a major in Ancient Greek with an average of 70 percent or above plus 18 additional senior credit points of Latin (including LATN2601 Intermediate Latin 2); and
- (iii) completion of all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and a second major, prior to commencing Honours.
Full details of the program, its prerequisites and its relationship to other majors taught by the department can be found on the Department of Classics and Ancient History website.
Contacts and further information
More information and current contact details for academic coordinators may be found on the Department of Classics and Ancient History website.
The Department of Classics and Ancient History is administered by the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry (SOPHI).
Example pathway
Sample Pathway - Ancient Greek major (non-HSC stream)
You can enter this stream either as a first-year student (and complete the 1000-level units coded GRKA1600 Introduction to Ancient Greek 1 and GRKA1601 Introduction to Ancient Greek 2) or as a second- or third-year student. The latter option allows students who have decided to major in ancient history, classical archaeology, philosophy and other fields to gain the competence in Greek that they need to complete or complement their own studies.
| Non HSC pathway | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Semester | Units of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Ancient Greek major GRKA1600 Introduction to Ancient Greek 1 |
Elective | Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major GRKA1601 Introduction to Ancient Greek 2 |
Elective | Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 | |
| 2 | 1 | Ancient Greek major GRKA2600 Intermediate Greek 1 |
Open Learning Environment units |
Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major GRKA2601 Intermediate Greek |
Open Learning Environment units |
Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 | |
| 3 | 1 | Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Table S major 2 / elective | Minor / Table S major 2 |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Ancient Greek major GRKA3999 project unit |
Table S major 2 / elective | Minor / Table S major 2 | |
Sample Pathway - Ancient Greek major (ex-HSC stream)
| HSC pathway | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Semester | Units of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Ancient Greek major GRKA2600 Intermediate Greek 1 |
Elective | Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major GRKA2601 Intermediate Greek |
Elective | Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 | |
| 2 | 1 | Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Open Learning Environment units |
Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Open Learning Environment units |
Elective | Minor / Table S major 2 | |
| 3 | 1 | Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Table S major 2 / elective | Minor / Table S major 2 |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major 3000 level unit |
Ancient Greek major GRKA3999 project unit |
Table S major 2 / elective | Minor / Table S major 2 | |
Sample Pathway - Majors in Ancient Greek and Latin, Honours in Classics
| Honours - Classics: 2nd major Latin | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Semester | Units of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Ancient Greek major | Elective | Elective | Latin major |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major | Elective | Elective | Latin major | |
| 2 | 1 | Ancient Greek major | Open Learning Environment units |
Elective | Latin major |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major | Open Learning Environment units | Elective | Latin major | |
| 3 | 1 | Ancient Greek major | Ancient Greek major | Latin major | Latin major |
| 2 | Ancient Greek major | Ancient Greek major | Latin major | Latin major | |
| 4 |
1 | Classics Honours 4000-level seminar unit | Classics Honours 4000-level thesis unit | ||
| 2 | Classics Honours 4000-level seminar unit | Classics Honours 4000-level thesis unit |
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