Greek

Why Study Greek at New College?

The study of the Greek language is foundational for understanding the classical and Byzantine worlds. In addition, knowledge of Greek is valuable for better understanding language in general and English in particular.

Greek Area of Concentration

Greek is a cross-disciplinary area of concentration that consists of six courses or activities. Four must be in Greek language. The remaining two can also be in Greek language, or they can be in classical civilization, or Latin language.

What Can I Do with a Greek AOC?

Faculty

David S. Rohrbacher, Professor of Classics
Carl Shaw, Associate Professor of Greek Language and Literature

Area of Concentration Requirements

Proficiency in Ancient Greek. This is demonstrated by the successful completion of four semester courses or more in the Greek language.
A general knowledge of classical literature, history, and culture. This is demonstrated by the successful completion of two additional language courses in Latin or Ancient Greek literature, or at least two courses, tutorials, or ISPs on topics such as Greek and Roman history, art, philosophy, mythology, and literature.

Academic Learning Compact

Elementary Greek I and Elementary Greek II are offered every year. In addition, Advanced Greek is offered every semester. Recent Advanced Greek classes include Lucian’s True Histories, Euripides’ Cyclops, Plato’s Symposium, Herodotus’ Histories, Sophocles’ Antigone, and Homer’s Iliad.

Expected Outcomes

Students completing a slash AOC in Greek will demonstrate the ability to read and understand original works in Greek. This requires content knowledge and communication skills.
Demonstrate knowledge of the literature, history, and culture of Ancient Greece. This requires content knowledge and communication skills.
Demonstrate the ability to think critically about, and write effectively about, selected topics in Greek studies, using primary sources. This requires content knowledge, communication skills, and critical thinking.

Measures to Track Student Progress

The Greek faculty uses a number of methods to assess the progress of students. Students enrolled in Greek courses are evaluated through their performances on examinations, class presentations, and papers. Many students also pursue independent research projects under faculty direction. These projects are evaluated through written work and one-on-one student/faculty conferences. The linguistic abilities of students are continually monitored through faculty conferences, and students are required to take sufficient numbers of classes in Greek language to ensure proficiency in reading primary texts.

Sample Pathways

New College students must satisfy both the requirements of the Liberal Arts Curriculum (LAC), New College’s general education program, and the specific requirements for the Area of Concentration (AOC). With so many opportunities each term, the pathway below is provided as an example of how a student could complete the requirements for graduation. We’ve put some checkpoints in place so that you make the most of your time at New College. Each term you’ll meet with a faculty advisor to discuss courses, tutorials, internships, or other academic experiences. Schedule a meeting with your faculty advisor to discuss which courses satisfy the LAC and which satisfy the AOC. Each student completes a Provisional AOC Plan in the fifth contract to select an AOC, and each student submits a Thesis Prospectus/AOC Form in the sixth contract.