Course Catalogue

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This course will introduce those with very little or no previous knowledge of Koine Greek (the form of the language common in the eastern Mediterranean in the first centuries BCE and CE) to the forms and structure of the language of the New Testament and other ancient texts, enabling them to read selected passages of scripture, to explore the value of being able to do so, and to develop essential research skills for independent postgraduate research.

3 x 1 hour session per week over 20 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. 2 hours of individual project supervision (4 x 30-minute supervisions), arranged individually.

Standard entry to Masters at College level

Introductory Koine Greek for Honours

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Project (2,500 words) - 50% 

■ Written language proficiency assessment (2,000) - 40% 

■ Short homework assignments consisting of language manipulation and translation (best 8 results will be averaged) - 10% 

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If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to key concepts in the study of Koine Greek language

■ familiarise students with the features of the forms and structure of Greek as used in the New Testament and Jewish scripture

■ equip students with a vocabulary targeted at reading the New Testament

■ encourage students to reflect critically upon the value of an ability to read the New Testament in Greek

■ enable students to translate texts from Koine Greek into English and provide critical comments

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ read and understand basic Koine Greek by translating an agreed passage of the New Testament into English with critical comment on why they have chosen to translate as they do;

■ reflect critically upon the insights they gain from reading the New Testament in Greek as opposed to in translation;

■ critically analyse how the process of translating enhances their understanding of the text;

■ analyse and evaluate the social, historical, theological, gendered, political and literary aspects of issues involved with reading and translating texts from the New Testament;

■ engage the critical edition as a key disciplinary tool.

■ reflect critically on the process of translation and grammatical differences between source and target languages.