Classical Greek / Levels 9 and 10 / Engaging with texts / Accessing the ancient Greek world through Classical Greek texts
Content description
Read, analyse and interpret Classical Greek texts, using vocabulary, grammar and textual cues, to engage with the ancient Greek world
Elaborations
predicting the context and content of Classical Greek texts through initial holistic reading, by identifying key words and phrases, for example, οἱ βάρβαροι μάλα φοβούμενοι
inferring meaning using knowledge of the text type and the author’s purpose and technique, for example, νῦνοὖνἀτεχνῶςἥκω παρασκευασμένος/βοᾶν, ὑποκρούειν, λοιδορεῖντοὺςῥήτορας/ἐάν τιςἄλλο πλὴν περὶεἰρήνηςλέγῃ. (Aristophanes’ Acharnians)
investigating and explaining the effect of word order in Classical Greek in producing emphasis and tone, for example, indignation, anger, suspense
examining and interpreting complex sentence structures, such as the use of the optative mood in indirect statements, for example, ὁ στρατηγὸς εἶπεν ὅτιοἱσύμμαχοι δ’ ὁλίγουνικήσοιεν
reflecting on the particular use of tenses in Classical Greek and making comparisons with English, such as use of aspect, vivid use of the present in indirect speech, or use of the aorist in gnomic statements, for example, παθὼν δέ τε νήπιος ἔγνω
explaining how the coherence of complex texts relies on devices that signal text structure and guide readers, for example, οὖν, γάρ. μέντοι, δήπου
discussing conventions of Classical Greek texts, such as the inclusion of speeches in historiography
investigating how different conjunctions are used in complex sentences to extend, elaborate and explain ideas, for example, εἴχομενἡμεῖςΠύδναν καὶ Μεθώνην καὶ πάντα τὸντόπον τοῦτον
explaining allusions to historical or mythological characters who exemplify Greek virtues, such as Achilles, Hector, Theseus, Solon, Socrates
recognising positive and negative connotations implicit in Classical Greek words, for example, τύραννος, δαίμων
examining cultural assumptions that influence ways in which meanings are expressed or interpreted, for example, the use of pompous or tragic language for comic effect in Aristophanes’ plays
discussing the function and power of cultural representations such as symbols, for example, the gorgon/aegis, the omphalos, Asclepius’ wand, the owl
justifying interpretations of texts, using examples or quotations from or references to the text, such as line numbers or a paraphrase of a longer section of text
constructing, editing and presenting interpretations of and responses to literary Classical Greek, using ICT collaboratively
