New Testament Greek 1: module 1

What is the course about?

The purpose of this course is to begin to learn Koine Greek, the language in which the New Testament and other early Christian texts were written. Though the New Testament is the main focus, other texts will be referred to, such as the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures read by early Christians) and the Apostolic Fathers (early Christian texts from during and just after the time of the New Testament). This course will set a very good ground in Greek grammar, including introducing the more recent academic discoveries about how New Testament Greek worked, concerning tense and aspect.

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 start with the alphabet and pronunciation, learning about how New Testament Greek is usually pronounced in universities, but also its likely historical pronunciation. Then we will begin to understand how nouns, pronouns and verbs work. This will be cemented by reading many unadapted passages from the New Testament right from the start, including portions of John 15 and 16.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Read the Greek alphabet and pronounce it in the system of your choice.
- Understand how Greek nouns work, including the meaning of all of the cases.
- Understand how Greek verbs work, including the distinction between tense and aspect.
- Know what it feels like to read the New Testament in its original language, getting a hint of the wonders that await if you decide to continue.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You do not need to have any knowledge of Ancient Greek or ancient languages in general to attend this course, but trying to memorise the Greek alphabet ahead of time will help. As the class is taught in English, you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and also take part in class and group discussions on readings. Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support with your English skills to help you take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The tutor will use the textbook, handouts and other teaching aids, and patiently work through the material taking questions and discussion, encouraging students along the way, in an open and productive manner that follows a pace set by the students. Questions and discussion are genuinely encouraged. You will need to do 30 minutes to an hour of homework minimum each week, but the more you put into it the more you will get out of it!

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

- Reading Koine Greek by Rodney Decker (Baker Academic: Grand Rapids, 2014).
- The New Testament text can be found at gntreader.com, but advice will be given on which editions are best to buy when the time comes.
- Good online dictionaries can be found at philolog.us and billmounce.com, but advice will be given on which dictionaries are best to buy when the time comes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

New Testament Greek 1: module 2.