Dialogues with Antiquity
Greek Language & Civilization Courses
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This project offers modern and ancient Greek language courses designed as a comprehensive journey into the cradle of Western thought. Moving beyond grammar, the program uses language as a key to unlock philosophy, drama, history, and democracy in their original forms. Participants will engage with the living continuity of Greek, from the epic verses of Homer to the vibrant spoken language of Greece today, fostering a deep, nuanced understanding of a culture that fundamentally shaped the modern world.
CORE OBJECTIVES:
1 • Linguistic Proficiency: Provide structured pathways in either Modern Greek (for communication and contemporary culture) or Ancient Greek (for textual study), focusing on reading, writing, and comprehension skills appropriate to the chosen track.
2· Cultural & Philosophical Immersion: Contextualize language learning within the major achievements of Greek civilization-tragedy and comedy, Socratic dialogue, historical writing, and political theory.
3· Critical Engagement with Primary Sources: Empower participants to analyze fragments of original texts (e.g., a passage from Plato’s Apology, a lyric by Sappho, a New Testament verse) to appreciate nuance, rhetoric, and original meaning.
4• Bridge Past and Present: Demonstrate the profound influence of Greek language and concepts on English vocabulary, scientific terminology, and modern democratic ideals.
KEY ACTIVITIES & METHODOLOGY:
1• Track A: Modern Greek: Focus on conversational skills, contemporary grammar, and understanding modern Greek media, music, and social culture.
2· Track B: Ancient Greek: Focus on grammatical mastery, translation skills, and guided reading of curated texts from epic, historical, philosophical, and koine (Biblical) genres.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
1• Students of Classics, Philosophy & Theology: University students and lifelong learners seeking to fulfill language requirements or deepen their direct engagement with primary sources.
2· Writers, Artists & Thinkers: Individuals interested in the foundations of storytelling, drama, and Western thought.
3· The Greek Diaspora Community: Individuals wishing to reconnect with or strengthen their modern Greek language skills and cultural heritage.
4• Travelers & Cultural Enthusiasts: Those planning travel to Greece or Cyprus who wish to move beyond tourism to meaningful cultural connection.
INTENDED OUTCOMES:
1• Defined Language Skill: Participants achieve a beginner or intermediate level of proficiency in their chosen track, measured through written and oral assessments.
2· Enhanced Analytical Ability:
Developed skill in close reading and contextual analysis of foundational Western texts.
3· Cultural Fluency: Participants
gain an empathetic and informed perspective on Greek history and its contemporary society.
4• Community of Learners:
Establishment of a vibrant, intellectually engaged group that continues to explore Greek culture beyond the classroom.
