Thorough Study of Greek Authors

Teacher(s)

Doyen Anne-Marie;

Language

French

Prerequisites

The course is intended for students who have followed the courses of ancient Greek at Bachelor level, or able to demonstrate a reading level considered sufficient by the lecturer.

Main themes

The course deals with the following themes:
1. The translation of two major works of Classical Greek authors;
2. The problem of establishing the text;
3. Systematic commentary presenting the context of the work, as well as the literary and human values contained therein;
4. Personal translation of a text in Koine Greek (cursory reading).

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	In-depth analysis of works of Classical Greek authors. At the end of this course, the student will be capable to translate, analyse and comment on texts of an advanced level. He will be able to explain the historic and cultural context, to bring out the human values expressed therein, as well to undertake a personal research as an extension of the course.

Content

The course deals with the following themes:
1. The translation of two major works of Classical Greek authors;
2. The problem of establishing the text;
3. Systematic commentary presenting the context of the work, as well as the literary and human values contained therein.
The authors chosen for the course are Thucydides (The Peloponnesian War) and Aeschylus. After an introduction setting the author and his work in their context, the translation will  be the subject of a methodical commentary. The students will be required to prepare a brief personal commentary of the authors and texts studied during the course, which they will present orally during the exam.
At the end of this course, the student will be capable to translate, analyse and comment on texts of an advanced level. He will be able to explain the historic and cultural context, to bring out the human values expressed therein, as well to undertake a personal research as an extension of the course.

Teaching methods

Magistral and interactive lessons.

Evaluation methods

Oral exam covering:
- the texts studied during the course;
- the oral presentation of the personal commentary prepared by the student.

Online resources

D. Planque, Grammaire grecque, 8th édition, Namur, 1977 (pdf version).

Bibliography

Editions:
1. The basic text is that of the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, i.e; mostly the Oxford edition.
2. The Belles-Lettres edition, e.g. :
- Thucydides :  La guerre du Péloponnèse. Livre I. Text and translation by J. de Romilly, Paris, 1953 ; Livre II, id., Paris, 1962.
- Aeschylus, Agamemnon, Les Choéphores, Les Euménides, text and translation by P. Mazon, 4e éd. revue et corrigée, Paris, 1949.
An additional bibliography will be distributed during the course.
Reference grammar:
- D. Planque, Grammaire grecque, 8th édition, Namur, 1977 (pdf version).

Faculty or entity

EHAC