Outline

Overview

This is a unit designed for students with a reasonable amount of fluency in Attic Greek. We will focus on extending grammatical knowledge and syntax, in addition to reading selections from a number of important biblical texts, such as the Septuagint, the Gospels and Acts, the Pauline epistles and non-Pauline epistles. We will look in some detail at the literary and historical background, as well as discussing the differences between Septuagint and Koine Greek. Interpretation as well as translation will play a major part in the unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Classics and Ancient History
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	GRKA2600 or MGRK2603
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	James Collins II, james.collins@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Peter Brown, peter.brown@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Final exercise final exercise	50%	Formal exam period	2000wd/2hr	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	2x Unseen quiz Unseen quiz Week 7 & 10	12%	Multiple weeks	each 100-word equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short assignment Short assignment	8%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Jul 2026	300 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Essay	30%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Nov 2026	2000wd	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

See Canvas for details.

You are required to submit all assessments for this unit or risk receiving an absent fail.

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:

Penalty Rate: 5% per calendar 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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	An introduction to Biblical Greek. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Comments on the Septuagint Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Grammar of the Septuagint. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	A Brief Historical Overview of the Inter-testamental Period. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Literary Koine. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	Some brief comments on History and Language. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	A Brief Introduction to the Greek of the New Testament. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 08	Further Comments on New Testament Greek Grammar. Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	The New Testament Writings (1) Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	The New Testament Writings (2). Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	The New Testament Writings (3)	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	The Didache (if there's time) Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	The Didache (if there's time) Text Discussion 2 HR Grammar/Background Discussion 1 HR	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 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. The Examiner’s Board 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.
Late Penalties: 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 may be awarded.
Assessment summary: Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. You are required to submit all assessments for this unit or risk receiving an absent fail.

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.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. This course will provide an examination to the Greek language in which the New Testament and Septuagint (LXX) were written.
LO2. Students will concentrate on the development of the Greek language from the Classical form to that dialect of Koine Greek used as the medium for the biblical texts.
LO3. Students will read a variety of texts chosen from both the NT and the LXX with particular emphasis on points of linguistic, grammatical and historical interest
LO4. Students will gain an appreciation of the development of Greek language from the Classical to the Koine dialect by a number of formal lectures, and some sample short readings from various sources.
LO5. There will also be some emphasis on the historical background to the language as well as religious and philosophical influences.
LO6. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the development of the New Testament texts within their historical contexts.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Updated for 2024 offering - assessment dates, learning activities, etc.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

GRKA3601: The Language of the Greek Bible

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links