Biblical and Classical Greek 1

  • Year-long
  • Middle School
  • Upper School
  • Grades 9+
  • M/W 8:00 a.m.

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Greek 1 offers a clear, sophisticated, and imaginative introduction to the Greek language for Upper school students. Students will not only cover the fundamentals of Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, but will study elements of the history and culture of the ancient Greek world. They begin studying and translating simple, fun stories from Greek as well as reading excepts from original Classical and Biblical Greek authors. The aim of Greek 1 is to cultivate delight in the language, which is the key to our literary and philosophical heritage, and enable students to read the authors of the New Testament in the language in which it was first written! The primary text the students use will be the uniquely designed, Athenaze Book 1, the first of two books in the Athenaze series (For a closer look at the text used in this course, please follow this link Athenaze Book1). 

Note: Instructors use a Classical pronunciation, but students with Modern, Koine, or Orthodox pronunciations are welcome.

Placement: This course is designed as an introductory Greek course; no prior Greek instruction is required. However, the course is also recommended for students who have completed some introductory Latin or studied Latin and Greek roots. Students should be able to study independently and be ready to memorize grammar and vocabulary (around 10-15 words per week) besides completing homework assignments.

High School Credit: This course is the equivalent of one high school credit in foreign language.

WATCH: Eddie Kotynski introduces the Classical and Biblical Greek program and Scholé Academy

FAQ: What is the difference between Greek at Scholé Academy and the course at St. Raphael’s?

Scholé Academy’s course is a three-year curriculum that teaches both Classical and Koine Greek. It exposes students broadly to the period of Greek literature from Homer (8th century) through “The Golden Age of Athens” (5th century BC) and into the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC to 3rd century AD, also known as Koine) which includes the New Testament and the writings of many early church fathers. Byzantine literature is also accessible, since Koine, though modified, continued to be the formal language of writing. Scholé Academy uses a ‘reconstructed’ pronunciation similar to that which would have been used in 5th century Athens, though students using a modern pronunciation are welcome. Being part of the ‘Great Hall’, Scholé’s Greek program is meant to be accessible to students from all Christian traditions: Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant.

St. Raphael’s course is also a three-year curriculum that focuses on teaching Koine Greek in the context of the Eastern Church. Students will be reading exerpts from the various services, hymns, prayers, and lives of saints composed in Koine Greek. At Saint Raphael’s School, Koine Greek is taught using the “Modern” or “Received” pronunciation. This pronunciation is identical to that used by speakers of the Modern Greek language today, and it is also the pronunciation currently used for the liturgies and services of the Orthodox Church of Greece, and most of the Orthodox Churches under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch, including The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOARCH).

How to Enroll

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    First, read the available course descriptions, noting prerequisites, target grades, and course objectives. If you think your student is prepared for the course, go ahead and register. After registration, a placement assessment may be provided to students, depending on the course and the student’s previous enrollment with Scholé Academy. Registration is finalized when the student’s placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.

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    This registration will be finalized when the student’s placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.