Unit outline_

GRKA1600: Introduction to Ancient Greek 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides the essential linguistic foundation to the study of Greek literature, philosophy, culture, and history. No previous knowledge of any foreign language is assumed and all grammatical concepts encountered will be explained. The unit introduces the basics of Greek through the study of grammar, and is valuable for students interested in all aspects of European history, archaeology, language, literature and philosophy.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Classics and Ancient History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
GRKA2620 or HSC Classical Greek or IB Classical Greek
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tamara Neal, t.neal@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam hurdle task Exam
2000 words
40% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test In class Quizzes
Vocabulary, Morphology, Grammar, Translation
15% Multiple weeks 60 words x 6 AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Out-of-class quiz Online tests
Vocabulary, Grammar, Translation
10% Multiple weeks 45 words x 11 AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Portfolio or journal Journal
See Canvas for details.
30% Multiple weeks 160 words x 10 AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Contribution Participation
Participation & engagement. See Canvas for further details
5% Ongoing - AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
Early Feedback Task
0% Week 03
Closing date: 10 Mar 2026
45 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found in the Canvas site for this unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

 

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per week day

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. The Greek language & its dialects; 2. Pronunciation & orthography; 3. Alphabet Lecture (3 hr)  
1. The Greek language & its dialects; 2. Pronunciation & orthography; 3. Alphabet Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 02 1. Accentuation 1; 2. Vocabulary; 3. Morphology & syntax; 4. Accentuation 2 Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Accentuation 1; 2. Vocabulary; 3. Morphology & syntax; 4. Accentuation 2 Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 1. Noun morphology 2nd declension; 2. The article; 3. Uses of the article; 4. Attributive position; 5. Noun morphology: 1st declension 2; 6. 1st/2nd declension adjectives Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Noun morphology 2nd declension; 2. The article; 3. Uses of the article; 4. Attributive position; 5. Noun morphology: 1st declension 2; 6. 1st/2nd declension adjectives Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 1. Noun-adjective agreement; 2. Substantive use of adjective; 3. Subjective/objective genitive; 4. Dative/accusative of respect; 5. Apposition Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Noun-adjective agreement; 2. Substantive use of adjective; 3. Subjective/objective genitive; 4. Dative/accusative of respect; 5. Apposition Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 1. Accentuation: recessive accent; 2. Finite verbs: person, number, tense, voice, mood; 3. Tenses; 4. Principal parts; 5. Omega verbs; 6. Present indicative active omega verbs; 7. Subject-verb agreement; 8. Present middle & passive indicative omega verbs; 9. Particles Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Accentuation: recessive accent; 2. Finite verbs: person, number, tense, voice, mood; 3. Tenses; 4. Principal parts; 5. Omega verbs; 6. Present indicative active omega verbs; 7. Subject-verb agreement; 8. Present middle & passive indicative omega verbs; 9. Particles Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 1. Imperfect active indicative omega verbs; 2. Imperfect middle/passive indicative omega verbs; 3. Present infinitives omega verbs; 4. Future active & middle indicative & infinitive Omega verbs; 5. Future passive indicative & infinitive of Omega verbs; 6. Synopsis 1: present, imperfect, future active, middle, passive indic. pres. & fut. active, middle & passive infinitive Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Imperfect active indicative omega verbs; 2. Imperfect middle/passive indicative omega verbs; 3. Present infinitives omega verbs; 4. Future active & middle indicative & infinitive Omega verbs; 5. Future passive indicative & infinitive of Omega verbs; 6. Synopsis 1: present, imperfect, future active, middle, passive indic. pres. & fut. active, middle & passive infinitive Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 1. Object infinitive; 2. Genitive of agent; 3. Dative of indirect object; 4. Word order Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Object infinitive; 2. Genitive of agent; 3. Dative of indirect object; 4. Word order Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 08 1. New verbs; 2. Contracted verbs Lecture (3 hr)  
1. New verbs; 2. Contracted verbs Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 09 1. Comparison of demonstratives; 2. Partitive genitive; 3. Genitive of value; 4. Substantive use of article; 5. Adverbs, exercises, short readings Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Comparison of demonstratives; 2. Partitive genitive; 3. Genitive of value; 4. Substantive use of article; 5. Adverbs, exercises, short readings Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 10 1. Elision & Crasis; 2. New verbs; 3. Noun morphology: 3rd declension, consonant stems; 4. Relative pronoun/clause, short readings Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Elision & Crasis; 2. New verbs; 3. Noun morphology: 3rd declension, consonant stems; 4. Relative pronoun/clause, short readings Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 11 1. Relative pronoun continued; 2. Enclitics; 3. Short Readings Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Relative pronoun continued; 2. Enclitics; 3. Short Readings Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 12 1. Subject infinitive; 2. Subject accusative; 3. Names of Greek gods; 4. First aorist; 5. Second aorist; 6. Aorist passive indicative; 7. Synopsis 2; 8. Additional uses of aorist indicative Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Subject infinitive; 2. Subject accusative; 3. Names of Greek gods; 4. First aorist; 5. Second aorist; 6. Aorist passive indicative; 7. Synopsis 2; 8. Additional uses of aorist indicative Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 13 1. Revision; 2. Short readings, exercises chapter 5; 3. Exam walk through Lecture (3 hr)  
1. Revision; 2. Short readings, exercises chapter 5; 3. Exam walk through Tutorial (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: students are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board which will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience.
  • Preparation: students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

  • Required textbook: Keller, A. & Russell, S. (2012), Learn to Read Greek. Textbook Pt. 1, (Yale UP)
  • Required workbook: Keller, A. & Russell, S. (2012), Learn to Read Greek. Workbook Pt. 1, (Yale UP)

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate a measurable ancient Greek vocabulary
  • LO2. identify and generate ancient Greek word forms
  • LO3. demonstrate foundational knowledge of grammatical concepts and terminology commonly used to discuss the ancient Greek language
  • LO4. translate, discuss, and write simple (and some complex, e.g., relative clauses) ancient Greek sentences
  • LO5. demonstrate basic proficiency in comprehending short original passages from works of ancient Greek literature
  • LO6. reflect on and evaluate language learning, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for continued development.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Slight changes to assessment weighting and structure have been made since this unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.