Ancient Greek
Detail of frieze from the Siphnian Treasury at Delphi, c. 525 BC.
Qualifications
Overview
Study of the Ancient Greek language uncovers the origins of many words and ideas in our modern English language, such as within democracy, theatre, rhetoric, and psychology. It also offers insights to contemporary concepts and global issues.
Knowledge of the language offers a richer understanding of Ancient Greece and its history of western politics, architecture, literature, and philosophy that have had such a huge influence on the world today.
Students will also find studying this subject especially useful for postgraduate studies in Classics.
- UC’s Classics language courses enhances understanding of all aspects of these ancient societies, ranging from literature to politics, daily life to philosophy.
- Students read major texts of Greek epic poetry, drama, philosophy, and more under the guidance of staff actively researching in these fields.
- Students have access to the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities which contains artefacts of direct relevance to the literary world of the Greeks.
- Internationally regarded Classics staff include recipients of prestigious visiting fellowships to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, UC Teaching Awards, and internal and external research awards, such as a major Marsden grant for the ground-breaking study of Greek drama. Classics staff and students regularly present at conferences all over the world.
- The Classical Association of Christchurch, which is run by the UC Classics Department, hosts guest speakers from all over the world at public lectures and events.
- The active study club Classoc offers peer language support for beginners and a variety of social and academic events.
No previous knowledge of Ancient Greek language is required for the introductory language courses, however classical studies at high school is excellent preparation.
Students with previous experience of studying Greek may be able to proceed directly to 200-level courses.
UC offers a Certificate in Languages and Diploma in Languages in Ancient Greek.
Students studying subjects in other degrees, such as Classics, may also find it useful to include courses in Ancient Greek alongside their studies.
100-level courses
First year offers two beginner’s courses in Ancient Greek language across two semesters, including reading Greek and grammar:
200 and 300-level courses
At 200 and 300-level, students will have the opportunity to study some of the greatest literary works of the western world in their original language, such as Homer, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Plato, and Thucydides.
Students can develop their own particular interests based on these and other authors and can embark on research projects under the guidance of UC staff.
Graduates of Ancient Greek will find themselves fundamental to a variety of professions needing in-depth knowledge of the ancient culture, such as in museums, academia and school teaching, art and language conservation, publishing, and in many modern industries such as government policy, law, and library science.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
Contact us
Te Kura Kete Aronui | School of Humanities and Creative Arts
Phone +64 3 369 3377
Email artsdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Old Chemistry Building, Arts Centre, 3 Hereford St
Christchurch 8013
Postal address
Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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