Bowdoin College Catalogue and Academic Handbook

Greek (GRK)

GRK 1101  (c)   Elementary Greek I  

Every Spring. Enrollment limit: 18.  

Introduces students to basic elements of ancient Greek grammar and syntax; emphasizes the development of reading proficiency and includes readings, both adapted and in the original, of various Greek authors. Focuses on Attic dialect.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.

GRK 1102  (c)   Elementary Greek II  

Robert Sobak.
Every Fall. Fall 2024. Enrollment limit: 18.
  

A continuation of Greek 1101; introduces students to more complex grammar and syntax, while emphasizing the development of reading proficiency. Includes readings, both adapted and in the original, of Greek authors such as Plato and Euripides. Focuses on Attic dialect.

Prerequisites: GRK 1101 or Placement in GRK 1102.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.

GRK 2203  (c)   Intermediate Greek for Reading  

Every Spring. Enrollment limit: 18.  

A review of the essentials of Greek grammar and syntax and an introduction to the reading of Greek prose through the study of one of Plato’s dialogues. Equivalent of Greek 1102 or two to three years of high school Greek is required.

Prerequisites: GRK 1102 or Placement in GRK 2203.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.

GRK 2204  (c, IP)   Homer  

Every Fall. Enrollment limit: 18.  

An introduction to the poetry of Homer. Focuses both on reading and on interpreting Homeric epic. All materials and coursework in Greek.

Prerequisites: GRK 2203 or Placement in GRK 2204.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.

GRK 3303  (c)   The Historians  

Non-Standard Rotation. Enrollment limit: 16.  

Focuses on the histories of Herodotus or Thucydides. Course may be repeated for credit if the contents change. Research seminar.

Prerequisites: GRK 2204 or higher or Placement in GRK 3000 level.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2022.

GRK 3304  (c)   Greek Comedy  

Non-Standard Rotation. Enrollment limit: 16.  

Examines the genre of ancient Greek comedy through the close reading of one play in Greek and additional plays in translation. Considers the history, structure, language and performance of Greek comic plays, the role of comedy in Athenian society, and definitions of comedy and the comic. Explores issues such as comic critiques of contemporary social and political problems, the connection between humor and violence, and questions of universality and specificity in comic humor.

Prerequisites: GRK 2204 or higher.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2021.

GRK 3305  (c)   Greek Tragedy  

Non-Standard Rotation. Enrollment limit: 12.  

Introduces the genre of tragedy through the reading of Sophocles' play “Philoctetes.” Considers the nature of tragedy, the particular style and interests of Sophocles, the place of the play within Sophocles' works, his relationship to other tragedians, and the role of theater in classical Athens. Several other tragedies read in translation. Final portion devoted to a production of a section of the play in Greek.

Prerequisites: GRK 2204 or higher or Placement in GRK 3000 level.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2022.