Welcome to Homeric Greek!
This term we will read some selections from Homer's Odyssey in Greek, read the entire poem in English, and engage in some projects to help us learn more about the earliest literature in Europe. We will read the poetry aloud, practicing the dactylic hexameter; we shall translate literally and artistically; we shall examine the mythology of the epic; we will analyze Homeric grammar; we shall create a non-literary project that arises from our studies.
Texts
1. Stanford, W. B. editor: The Odyssey of Homer, books I-XII.
2. Any good English translation of the Odyssey (I recommend Stanley Lombardo's translation)
3. Severy, Beth editor. Homer Odyssey I, VI, IX (Bryn Mawr Commentary)
4. Monro, D. B., Homeric Grammar
5. Cunliffe, Richard J. ed. Lexicon of the Homeric Dialect
Secret Words
Each student will be responsible for giving the etymology of a word at the beginning of each class. Words presented so far will be given on this site.
The Odyssey is Poetry.... Listen and Read Aloud
The Didaskalos has made some recordings of our readings, so students may practice reading aloud in meter. Click here to listen.
Mnemosyne, Muse, Invocation
All students in this course will memorize the first ten lines of the Odyssey: the invocation to the Muse and outline of the poem. We will practice this together in class until every student can recite it. This will help students with the Memorized Recitations. All students will recite it aloud by Friday, 16 February.
Memorized Recitations
Students in the second half of the course will choose a few lines from the first, sixth, or ninth book of the Odyssey to memorize, and recite these lines to the class, without telling the class the context. The class will then have to recognize the words and context just by listening to the student reciting, just like an ancient audience.
I Can't Believe I Read the Whole Thing
Yes, all students in this class will read the entire Odyssey in English by the fifth week of classes. It is an epic undertaking; we will discuss two books per class, and students will hand in responses to 'study questions' posed by the Didaskalos, as the basis for discussion. This will give us a chance for an overview of the entire work, as we read the Greek at a slower pace. It is important that we "not miss the forest for the trees." Questions are HERE.
Written Translations
In the second half of the course, students will choose a short passage from any book of the Odyssey, and make two translations of the passage. The first translation will be literal, taking into account every point of grammar and syntax. The second translation will be 'artistic' or 'literary' and need not slavishly relate to the text. This is an opportunity to be creative, and get the 'spirit' of the passage across to the modern reader. For details and a sample, click here.
Non-Literary Project
In addition to the textual work we will do, students will produce non-literary projects based on something in the Odyssey. This project may be a sculpture, painting, photography project, collage, video, musical and/or theatrical composition/performance, dance, computer software, web page, or other creative/artistic endeavor. All Final Projects must be approved by the professor by the tenth week of classes.
Grades
Course grades will be based on hour examinations (25%), class presentations/written assignments (25%), final projects (20%), secret word presentation (5%), and class preparation/participation (25%).
Hour Examinations
The hour examinations will consist of passages of the text to translate into English, as well as a few lines of the epic to scan metrically. In addition, there will be questions about grammar. Passages will be both from what we have read in class, and 'isght' passages which we do not read together.
Bad Weather Policy
Your instructor will be here when the University is open. If a student is prevented by weather from reaching class, the absence will be excused, and the work will be made up without penalty.
Contacting the Didaskalos
Daniel B. Levine, Professor, Classical Studies
Office: Kimpel Hall 502, Office Phone: 575-5937; Home Phone: 521-3294
FAX: 575-6795, EMAIL: dlevine@uark.edu
Office hours: MWF 9:30-10:20 and by appointment.