CLS 112 Introduction to Homeric Greek 2 (Aims Category F)
Dr. Ann R. Raia, Associate Professor of Classics
Office: Castle 323, Phone: 636-5398, Email: araia@cnr.edu
Office Hours: W 12-1, F 11:30-12:30, and by appointment

Description

This is the second semester of a course in beginning Greek for those with no prior knowledge of the ancient language. In this semester students complete their acquisition of pre-classical Greek grammar and syntax, master foundational Homeric vocabulary and scansion of dactylic hexameter, and are introduced to the conventions of oral epic poetry and its Bronze Age context, through readings from both the Iliad and Odyssey in the original Homeric Greek and in English.

Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes

At the end of the semester students will demonstrate:

1. the ability to read Homeric Greek aloud, write Greek script, scan epic hexameter, and translate both adapted and original Homeric Greek with appropriate assistance
2. competence in foundational Homeric Greek vocabulary, forms, and syntax, as well as skill in identifying English derivatives
3. acquaintance with the time, place, individual and social values, and culture of the Mycenaean period, with insight into the differences from and similarities to contemporary American culture.

Materials of Instruction

Required course text: Clyde Pharr, Homeric Greek: A Book for Beginners. Revised by John Wright (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1985)
Required Collateral Readings:
Homer, The Iliad in English (translations recommended are by Richmond Lattimore, Albert Cook, Robert Fitzgerald, Robert Fagles); The Odyssey in English (recommended translators are: Lattimore, Fitzgerald, Fagles)
Dictionaries:
G. Autenrieth, Homeric Dictionary; R. Cunliffe, Lexicon of the Homeric Dialect (Gill Library)
Internet:
On-line Perseus for Greek texts, grammar, dictionary, and images; Greek Grammar on the Web; Ancient Greek Tutorial; Greek, Too!; Ancient Greek Sites on the Web; Metis
Bibliography:
The Iliad, The Odyssey, and Homeric epic
Handouts, guides, xeroxed materials, slides, videos, overhead transparencies

Methods of Instruction

Class time will be spent on:
-- student recitation; drill of vocabulary and forms; analysis and interpretation of syntax and content; reading aloud metrically and translating Homeric Greek, assigned and at sight; reciting memorized lines from The Iliad; weekly quizzes; student reports
-- special sessions for workshops, slide and video presentations;
-- joint guided visit to the University of Pennsylvania Museum's Greek collection with the elementary Greek class from Saint Joseph's University.

Requirements and Assessment Methods

Students are expected to:

1. Attend all classes prepared and participating fully in recitation, exercises, workshops, and writing (All Objectives)
2. Complete and submit all assignments, using on-line resources, email communication, and individual appointments beyond class meetings to resolve difficulties (Objectives 1, 2)
3. Complete weekly quizzes on grammar and vocabulary (Objectives 1,2)
4. Complete and report on two research projects, one lexical and one literary (Objectives 1,2)
5. Join the guided museum visit (Objective 3)
6. Take a final exam which will include: identification of forms, vocabulary, and syntax, scansion of Homeric lines, and translation of and questions about prepared and sight readings. (All Objectives)

Grading

Students will be graded on the quality of their completion of the requirements listed above as follows:

• 60% attendance, participation, preparation, weekly quizzes *
  
• 15% lexical research projects
  
• 25% final examination
  * students who exceed the maximum number of un-excused absences (4 in a 75 minute class) will find their grade negatively affected in this category

Course Policies

Attendance is required, as is appropriate class behavior. Students are expected to meet assignment deadlines: un-excused late assignments will not be accepted. Make-ups will be arranged for students who have medical or other serious excuses. Students are expected to report an illness through proper channels.
Students found cheating or plagiarizing will earn an F for the course. At the beginning of the course, students with documented special needs are expected to inform the instructor of accommodations or services needed for successful academic participation.

Content and Schedule of Assignments

The class meets on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30-11 in Chidwick 206. The class will meet in its assigned room, except for sessions set aside for workshops or video screenings.
The course is devoted to learning Homeric Greek via Homer's Iliad and to completing Book I in the original Greek. Assignments in the text will be given daily, appropriate in length to the pace and ability of the students, and consonant with the goals of the course.

Weeks 1-2: January 29-February 7: Review of the grammar and translations completed in the fall semester: Lessons 1 through 22; quizes on declensions and verb forms

Week 3: February 12, 14: Lesson 23-24; Quiz on vocabulary

Week 4: February 19, 21: Lessons 25-26; Quiz on vocabulary

Week 5: February 26, 28: Lessons 27-28; read and outline Iliad 3 through 12 in English; class discussion of characters, epithets, formulae, language, narrative, metaphors, similes.

Week 6: March 5, 7: Lessons 29-31; read and outline the Iliad 13 through 19 in English; class discussion of plot structure, epic style, heroic warrior values

Spring Break: Finish reading and outlining the Iliad 20 through 24 in English;

Week 7: March 19, 21: Lessons 32-35; class discussion of cyclic plot, tragic theme, character development, saga of the Trojan War

Week 8: March 26, 28: Lessons 36-38

Week 9: April 2, 4: Lessons 39-41; review quiz on verb forms and vocabulary

Week 10: April 9, 11: Lessons 42-44

Week 11: April 16: Lessons 45-46

Week 12: April 23, 25: Lessons 47-52

Week 13: April 30, May 2: Lessons 53-55.
Excursion to University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthrolopogy.
Viewing of video and discussion of the plot, structure, characters, and themes of the "Odyssey," as well as two assigned articles: D.H. Garrison, "The Great Wanderings of Odysseus: Theme and Structure," and P. A. Marquardt, "'Love's Labor's Lost': Women in the Odyssey," both in Daidalikon: Studies in Memory of Raymond V. Schoder, S.J., ed. R. Sutton, Jr.

Week 14: May 7, 9: Lessons 56-60

Final Exam: May 14: Lessons 61-63. Iliad I: Oral sight scansion, translation, grammatical and literary analysis.