Module manager: Regine May
Email: r.may@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Beginners Ancient Greek or equivalent competence
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module enables students with some prior knowledge of Ancient Greek to develop and apply their language skills as tools for postgraduate research in Classics, Ancient History, or Medieval Studies. It is designed to support students in consolidating and extending their lexical, grammatical, and syntactic knowledge through guided reading, analysis, and interpretation of ancient primary sources in the original language, and in integrating linguistic evidence more fully into their own independent research. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Through attendance at intermediate-level language classes, alongside dedicated postgraduate small-group seminars and individual guidance tutorials, students will strengthen their linguistic competence and apply it critically to Ancient Greek texts relevant to their research interests. The module develops sensitivity to literary, historical, and cultural contexts while placing particular emphasis on the methodological role of ancient languages in postgraduate research.
With a particular focus on the close reading and research potential of selected texts, students will refine their linguistic awareness and develop the ability to deploy linguistic knowledge critically and independently in the analysis of primary evidence.
The module is designed to support students in integrating Ancient Greek more fully into postgraduate research practice, enabling them to evaluate linguistic evidence, interpret texts with increasing precision, and apply language skills as part of a coherent methodological framework for advanced study in the ancient world.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to, as appropriate to their linguistic level:
1. Translate selected Ancient Greek texts of moderate complexity, demonstrating interpretative judgement in the use of linguistic resources.
2. Analyse lexical, grammatical, and syntactic features of Ancient Greek texts as evidence for textual interpretation at an intermediate level.
3. Contextualise Ancient Greek texts by relating linguistic evidence to genre, authorship, and historical and cultural frameworks in support of independent postgraduate research.
4. Reflect critically on the role of language study and the use of primary sources in the original language in research at an intermediate level.
5. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from primary and secondary sources in support of independent postgraduate research.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Practical | 40 | 1 | 40 |
| Seminar | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Private study hours | 251 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 49 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students’ progress will be monitored through regular participation in language practicals and postgraduate small-group tutorials. Students will receive ongoing formative feedback on their homework submissions, class participation, and language exercises, supporting the development of their linguistic competence and interpretative skills. In addition, formative guidance will be provided through tutorial discussion of students’ engagement with ancient texts relevant to their research interests, including advice on translation strategies, contextualisation, and the integration of linguistic evidence into postgraduate research. Students will be encouraged to attend their tutors’ office hours to discuss progress, assessment preparation, and the application of language skills to their wider programme of study.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Reflective Assignment | 34 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 34 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 66 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 66 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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