Herodotus and the problem of history before his own time
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: RG442
- Dates: 15/07/24 - 05/08/24
- Time: 14:00 - 16:00
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Sean Gabb
Course Code: RG442
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course aims to enhance your understanding of the Greek language by translating selected chapters taken from Book I of Herodotus' Histories. You will revise grammar structures and improve your knowledge of the Ionic dialect in which the Histories are written.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
We will translate selected passages from Herodotus' Histories, Book I. Please contact the tutor through the Classics department 7-10 days before the start of the course in order to obtain the material necessary for the first class. Copies will also be made available in class on the day of the first lesson.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- analyse and translate passages of Herodotus' Histories.
- appreciate the linguistic characteristics of Herodotus' language.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for intermediate/advanced students who have completed the study of the grammar. Passages from the Histories will be read in the original language. Teacher’s instructions and group discussions will be in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Whole class work. Reading and translating passages from the Histories, tutor posing questions and answering questions raised by the students. Students are asked to prepare the translation of selected passages before each class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. The material will be provided by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any upper intermediate/advanced Classical Greek class from September.
Sean has been teaching Greek and Latin for a very long time, and he loves what he does. While not doing that, he's made the time to write around forty books. These include twelve historical novels, by "Richard Blake," and published by Hodder & Stoughton. They also include editions of Book VI of "The Aeneid," the "Historia Langobardorum" of Paul the Deacon, and various parts of St Jerome's Latin version of The New Testament. One of his science fiction novels was nominated for the 2015 Prometheus Award.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.