CLAS 101G: GREEK 1  

The Professor can also be reached by e-mail at: john.p.adams@email.csun.edu

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

• (1) ATTENDANCE: The attendance policy of the Department of Foreign Languages is that all classes must be attended. However, it is understood that this is sometimes impossible, and so the student is allowed three (-3-) "unexcused absences". Beyond three unexcused absences, the Instructor is entitled (but not required) to lower the student’s grade by as much as one full grade (e.g. from B- to C-). Students should keep close watch on their own attendance. This is not the Instructor's responsibility. There will be a sign-up sheet at each class which the student is responsible for signing; the sheet must be signed in the classroom during the class period. "Excused absences" do not count, if the excuse is presented in writing, with documentation, and it is found by the Instructor to be an acceptable excuse (illness, appearance in court, job interview (a limited number of times), kidnapping [if reported to the FBI] are examples of ‘excused absences’) Unacceptable excuses include: sleeping-in, meeting relatives at the airport, missed a ride. Car trouble is negotiable. There is no credit given for attendance.
  
  
• (2) CLASS PARTICIPATION: The student should be prepared to volunteer, or accept being volunteered by the Instructor in any class at any time. Learning a language is not a cram situation; it requires continuous attention. Up to 10% of the final course grade. This may include drills through computer programs, which are available in the Barbara K. Ward Language Center (Jerome Richfield Hall, 316).
  
  
• (3) QUIZZES: There will be regular quizzes, announced the class before the quiz. The quizzes will have to be at the end of the class hour. So make arrangements about lateness with your instructors if you have a class at the nest hour. The number of quizzes will depend upon the speed of your progress in Greek. All together, the quizzes will be worth approximately 40% of the final course grade (thus, the more quizzes, the less any one quiz damages your grade).
  
  
• (4) THE MIDTERM (an academic tradition): Comprehensive. 50 minutes. In the 8th week of the class (probably the Friday of that week). Approximately 20% of the final course grade.
  
  
• (5) THE FINAL. Comprehensive. On the day specified in the "Course Schedule". Non-negotiable, unless you have 3 exams on the same day. Exams cannot be given early, by university regulations. So plan your Christmas holiday trips accordingly. The FINAL will be worth about 25-30% of the final course grade. 1 1/2 hours max.
  
  

GOALS OF THE COURSE: (first semester)

• -Acquire a basic knowledge of ancient Greek Grammar, in the indicative mood and the three declensions, with adjectives and adverbs as appropriate.
  
  
• -Acquire a basic working knowledge of ancient Greek Vocabulary, some 500-700 words in most common literary use.
  
  
• -Acquire basic skills in translating simple (prepared) Greek sentences and short paragraphs into English; this will aid in refreshing each student’s knowledge of English grammar and syntax as well.
  
  
• -Acquire some knowledge, through word study, of ancient Greek institutions and ways of thought (the cross-cultural component).
  
  
• -Note that, inasmuch as our Native Speakers are all deceased, there is not much call for speaking Classical Greek. Classical Greek is NOT the same as modern Greek (either katharevousa or demotiki). Speaking Classical is not a component of Greek 1.
  
  

READING LIST:        Course Readings