Practical study of an ancient language I: Greek 2900-HAMC-K2-LANGGR1

The course aims at familiarizing students with the Ancient Greek language as a continuum starting in the Mycenean period and reaching up to the Byzantine period. A coursebook is envisaged accompanied by supplementary bibliography and practical examples to enhance the comprehension.

Moreover, the course will provide students with an overview of the development of Greek script, making reference to the Linear B script and the subsequent adoption of the alphabet to the Byzantine minuscule manuscripts. While the course does not preclude Ancient literary texts, its emphasis is on the more practical aspects of everyday life, as expressed in inscriptions, graffiti, curse tablets, papyri, and other manuscripts. This approach offers the benefit of engaging with genuine texts, complete with their errors or peculiarities, rather than solely with a polished version of the language permeated with centuries of manuscript copying.