Biblical and Classical Greek 3

Greek III follows upon Greek II in offering a clear, sophisticated, and imaginative introduction to the Greek language for Upper school students. The bulk of the course will include reading intermediate-to-advanced Classical and Biblical texts, discussing backgrounds as we read the oldest Greek novel, Callirhoe (in English), and solidifying our understanding of the Greek language. The aim of our Greek program is to cultivate delight in the language, which is the key to our literary and philosophical heritage, and to enable students to read the authors of the New Testament in the language in which it was first written! In this course we will be wrapping up our introduction to the grammar of Ancient Greek, reading adapted versions of various fables and myths, and moving on to original texts from Classical, Hellenistic (both biblical and secular), and the Apostolic Fathers. We will also be reading a few books in English to supplement our understanding of language and interpretation.

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

Placement: This course is designed for students who have completed chapters 1-24 of Athenaze with a final evaluation of satis (ἅλις) or better. 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. Because of the time spent in scholarly translation and independent reading, the class will meet once a week live. Office hours and appointments are available for other weekly touch points.

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 excerpts 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).

Quarter 1

1. Greek I-II Review
2. Introduction to Optatives
3. Introduction the Perfect and οἶδα
4. Introduction to the Pluperfect
5. Conditions in Classical and Koine Greek
6. PROJECT: Callirhoe (Greek novel)

Quarter 2

1. Various Readings (Classical and Biblical)
2. PROJECT: Linguistics

Quarter 3

1. Various Readings (Classical and Biblical)
2. PROJECT: Exegesis

Quarter 4

1. Various Readings (Classical and Biblical)
2. Literature: Callirhoe
3. PROJECTS:
   1. Greek Letters
   2. Analysis of Philippians
   3. Word study on Greek synonyms

• Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
• Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
• Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
• Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:
  1. Visit zoom.us/download.
  2. Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
  3. Open and run the installer on your computer.
  4. In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
• Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.