Head of Department:  D G Hope                          Board:  OCR

The Course The course, which is rewarding in itself, develops ability in the Greek language, building on the basics of grammar and syntax and widening vocabulary to the point where unadapted Greek literature can be appreciated and understood, and an awareness of its historical and cultural context is achieved.

Students of Greek will usually be studying Latin as well, and this is recommended.

A defined vocabulary of 500 words for use in the language papers is prescribed; there will be no coursework.

Students will read adapted and some unadapted Greek literature, both prose and verse, as set texts and will acquire an appreciation of style and literary content.

Assessment There are three written papers as follows:

Paper 1:  Language 1  (25%) Paper 2:  Language 2    (25%) Paper 3:  Prose Literature  (25%) Paper 1:  Verse Literature       (25%) The prose and verse set text questions will be based on a passage or passages which will include some or all of the following:

• Comprehension questions.

• Translation of a short extract or extracts.

• Appreciation of one or more of simile, metaphor, alliteration, assonance, and author’s use of words and word-order; or the expression of personal reactions to a word, phrase or passage.  Candidates will not be expected to use sophisticated techniques, but to express how they are affected in, for example, an emotional or moral context.

• Questions set to test candidates’ understanding of the different way of life, institutions, attitudes and motives of the Greeks as shown by their literature.

• Questions set to test candidates’ overall grasp of the set text, not necessarily confined to the quoted lines.