GRE4110 – History of the Greek language
Course description
Course content
The course treats the history of the Greek language in Antiquity, from Bronze Age Mycenaean to the Koiné of Hellenistic times and Late Antiquity until the Byzantine and the Modern Period. The Greek dialects and the use of language in various literary genres (epic, drama, etc.) are also treated. Aside from the study of Greek texts from various linguistic periods, students will also gain deeper insight into the specifics of historical linguistics as a research area.
Learning outcome
Having completed this course, you will be able to:
- recognize typical features and stages in the development of the Greek language.
- identify Greek dialects.
- be familiar with the language of various genres of Greek literature.
- read, understand and evaluate critical reading in the area of historical linguistics.
- independently draft, explore and answer research questions in Greek historical linguistics.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
You must be admitted to Classical Studies (master`s two years) to sign up for this course. Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
At least 80 ECTS credits in Ancient Greek.
Recommended previous knowledge
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with GRE4105 – Spr?klige emner i gresk- Gresk fra det 4. ?rhundre f.Kr I (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with GRE4107 – Greske dialekter (discontinued).
- 5 credits overlap with GRE4108 – Spr?klige emner i gresk- Gresk fra det 4. ?rhundre f.Kr II (discontinued).
Teaching
10 double sessions of seminars. The first four double sessions are common with LAT4100 – Latinsk spr?khistorie.
We expect you to prepare for and participate actively in the seminars.
In order for you to qualify for the final examination, the following compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher:
- attendance in the seminars that are not common with LAT4100. You must attend at least 4 of these 6 seminars.
- oral presentation in class of an ancient Greek text from the perspective of language history
- submission of a draft of the term paper (maximum 2 pages, 2300 characters pr page)
The draft of the term paper is valid only for the semester it has been approved. Approved oral presentation and approved participation in the seminars are valid also the next two times the course is offered.
Examination
Term paper. The paper should be 8-10 pages, 2300 characters pr. page (excl. title page, Greek text, and bibliography).
The paper should be one of the following two types:
- A linguistic commentary on and analysis of a chosen passage from a Greek text, including your own translation. The paper must differ significantly from your oral presentation (i.e. not the same text/dialect/period).
- A critical discussion of a linguistic phenomenon in the history of the Greek language.
In order for you to qualify for the final examination, all compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.