001-Complete Course in Ancient Greek (Homeric/Attic/New Testament): Preliminary Remarks

Summary

This video script discusses an innovative approach to teaching ancient Greek, starting with Homer's 'Iliad' instead of traditional methods. The rationale is that engaging literature can make learning more effective. The speaker recommends 'Homeric Greek: A Book for Beginners' and Smyth's 'Greek Grammar' for a comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the importance of review and practice to combat forgetfulness in mastering the language. The script also advises on learning materials such as legal pads for notes and flashcards for vocabulary.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses an alternative approach to teaching ancient Greek, focusing on Homer's 'Iliad' as a starting point for beginners.
• 📖 The method was introduced by 'Farace' in his book 'Homeric Greek: A Book for Beginners' and was previously outlined in a journal article titled 'A Year or More of Greek'.
• 🎓 Traditionally, first-year Greek students were introduced to the language through Anacreon's dialogues and Plato's works, aiming to start reading literature with Xenophon's 'Anabasis'.
• 🌟 Farace argued that Homer's 'Iliad' is a more engaging text for students to encounter in its original form compared to Xenophon's 'Anabasis' or elementary Greek textbooks.
• 📘 Farace's rationale was that by using explanatory notes, students could start continuous reading from an interesting Greek text after just a few preliminary lessons.
• 📝 The course covers elementary morphology and syntax and progresses through the 'Iliad', effectively covering one and a half years of collegiate study in Greek.
• 📘 The course is not strictly a New Testament Greek course, but it can serve as an introduction, as students would be able to read the Gospel of Mark or Luke halfway through.
• 🔍 Farace emphasizes the importance of a working knowledge of the layout and contents of a Greek textbook, as it is essential for a lifelong reading of Greek literature.
• 📚 The speaker recommends using 'Homeric Greek: A Book for Beginners' by Farace and 'Smyth's Greek Grammar' as primary resources, available in PDF or hard copy.
• 💡 The speaker advises against using cheaper reprint editions of 'Smyth's Greek Grammar' as they may have outdated section numbers that won't match the lectures.
• 📝 Learning materials suggested include legal pads for note-taking, flashcards for vocabulary, and a good writing instrument to facilitate learning through writing, speaking, and repetition.
• 🗓 The speaker plans to publish lessons every Tuesday and Thursday, encouraging students to engage with the material regularly.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the script for teaching ancient Greek to beginners?

The main argument is that beginners should be introduced to ancient Greek through Homer's Iliad rather than the traditional Golden Age form, as it is a more engaging text that can be encountered in its original form with the help of explanatory notes.

What was the rationale explained in the journal article 'A Year or More of Greek'?

The rationale was that starting with Homer's Iliad and its dialect would be more beneficial for both the cause of Greek and first-year students, as it provides a more riveting and authentic text for learning the language.

What was the traditional approach to teaching ancient Greek to first-year students before Farace's method?

The traditional approach involved starting with the Golden Age form of Greek, using Anacreon's dialogues, Plato, and Xenophon's Anabasis, which were considered dreary and forbidding.

Why does the script suggest that Homer's Iliad is a better starting point for learning ancient Greek?

Homer's Iliad is considered a more intrinsically interesting and primary text, which can captivate students' interest and provide a worthwhile experience in reading Greek literature.

What is the significance of using explanatory notes according to the script?

Explanatory notes are significant as they allow students to start continuous reading from a Greek text after just a few preliminary lessons, thus making the learning process more engaging and less reliant on detached sentences.

What does the script suggest as the best way to learn and retain Greek language knowledge?

The script suggests that learning and retaining Greek is a war against forgetfulness, requiring constant reviewing and practicing, with the use of a university-level grammar as an essential tool for life-long reading of Greek.

Which two books are most recommended for use in conjunction with this course according to the script?

The two most recommended books are 'Homeric Greek: A Book for Beginners' by Farace and 'Smyth's Greek Grammar'.

Why is it advised to purchase Smyth's Greek Grammar in hard copy form instead of using a PDF?

A hard copy form is advised because the physicality of a book enables better holistic assimilation of complex subject matter, which is difficult to achieve with a PDF or screen.

What are some additional learning materials suggested in the script for learning ancient Greek?

Additional learning materials suggested include legal pads for note-taking, pre-cut flashcards for vocabulary, and a good writing pencil or pen.

How often does the script plan to publish lessons for this course?

Lessons for this course are planned to be published every Tuesday and Thursday.

What is the script's perspective on the role of Smyth's Greek Grammar in learning ancient Greek?

Smyth's Greek Grammar is considered an indispensable tool for mastering the Greek language, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the language's grammar and is essential for life-long reading of Greek literature.