Language of Virtue, Language of Wisdom. The Lyceum Institute’s Greek program is designed to help participants read and translate works of Ancient Greek. Our Greek program focuses primarily on a study of works from the classical period of Ancient Greek (works composed c. 500–300 BC) which are written in the Attic dialect (the dialect used by authors such as Aeschylus, Plato, and Aristotle). That said, participants who complete our program are well-prepared to comprehend the Greek of other time periods and dialects, such as the early Koine Greek of the New Testament or the other dialects of Ancient Greek.
Our Greek program consists of two modules: first, a three-course Foundations sequence; second, several individual courses devoted to the study of more sophisticated Greek texts.
The Foundations sequence consists of three courses: Greek I, II, and III. Taken together, these courses introduce participants to the fundamental grammar and essential vocabulary of Attic Greek. Upon completion of this sequence, successful students are prepared to engage with simple Greek texts with minimal need of external aids. This sequence is designed to instruct beginners, including those who need to fulfill a university language requirement. So too, it is well-suited both for those who possess some limited knowledge of Greek and for those who have studied Greek some time ago but desire some refresher courses.
We shall offer the complete Foundations sequence once again in 2027.
We also offer courses for those with intermediate or advanced Greek skills; these courses focus on the translation of selected Greek passages from a specific author, literary genre, or time period. In these courses, participants not only read and translate these works, but also develop the skills to critically analyze texts in terms of grammatical and rhetorical figures of speech; poetic meter; historical, societal, mythological and religious dimensions; and philosophical or theological terminology.
In 2026, we shall offer a Greek Readings course introducing Plato’s Apology.
FAQ
Is there a fee to enroll in your Greek courses?
Those enrolled in any of our membership plans may take all Greek Foundations courses without an additional charge. There is a fee to enroll in Selected Readings courses; as with our philosophy seminars, the pricing for these courses is structured on the principle of financial subsidiarity.
Which type of Greek is taught at the Lyceum?
It may help to clarify some terminology. First, the Greek language is distinguished in terms of time periods: Ancient, Medieval/Byzantine, and Modern. Further, Ancient Greek is subdivided roughly into the Mycenaean, Archaic and Classical forms. Second, Greek features many dialects; within the Classical period, several dialects were spoken, such as Attic Greek.
With these distinctions in mind: our Foundations courses focus on the Attic Greek (dialect) of the Classical period. This is the Greek used by most famous Ancient Greek poets, playwrights, philosophers, and scientists. These courses also feature some selections from the early Koine dialect— chiefly, passages from the New Testament. Readings courses will also focus on Attic Greek, but we may offer specific studies in Koine or Homeric Greek depending on participant demand and proficiency.
Will a study of Attic Greek prepare me to read Koine Greek and/or other dialects and periods?
So long as you master a relatively small number of important grammatical differences between the two and recognize that each dialect favors different vocabulary, yes: study of Attic Greek is a perfectly suitable (and advantageous) preparation for work with Koine Greek. While there are real differences between Attic and Koine, Koine developed out of Attic and is in many ways a refinement and continuation of Attic. A study of Attic Greek also prepares participants well for the study of other dialects and time periods.
Which pronunciation do you use?
Participants may use either Classical (“Erasmian”) or Modern pronunciation; both styles are explained.
How is Greek taught at the Lyceum? Do you use a particular teaching method?
Key to each our Greek program is the weekly class session, in which small groups (3-10 people) meet on Microsoft Teams for about an hour to read and translate a chapter or passage from the selected text. Courses last between nine and ten weeks, with a weeklong break scheduled near the midpoint of each course. In addition to attending the class session and tending to daily study, participants are encouraged both to make use of our digital resource library and to engage with our community of fellow Greek students throughout the week. The instructor is often available throughout the week to meet one on one with participants.
Most Lyceum members choose to study Greek not to speak the language fluently, but to read Greek writings. As such, our pedagogical approach is designed to take the best of the so-called “natural” and “grammar-translation” methods. From the beginning, participants are introduced to extended passages of Greek prose to help develop their ability to grasp new vocabulary and grammar intuitively. However, participants are provided extensive grammatical notes and expected to be able to translate these passages into English. We value the skill of translation not only as a means of demonstrating participants’ comprehension of vocabulary and grammar, but also to help participants develop and refine their reading proficiency.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in Greek I?
Participants must be sufficiently familiar with the fundamentals of grammar. Thus, as a prerequisite, participation in Greek I requires at least one of the following: completion of our Latin I course; completion of our Trivium: Grammar I course; or satisfactory completion of a placement exam.
Can I test out of one or more Foundations courses?
Yes. Our Greek program is designed to be taken sequentially: beginners must complete each Foundations course satisfactorily (chiefly, passing both quizzes and the exam) before they may advance to the various Selected Readings courses, which may be taken in any order. That said, members possessing sufficient familiarity with Greek may test out of one, two, or all three of the Foundations courses. To request a placement exam, contact either the program director or the Greek instructor.
May I take Greek and Latin in tandem?
Yes; however, those who wish to take Greek and Latin courses concurrently must receive approval from the instructor(s) of each language course.
Is there a deadline for enrolling in a Greek course and/or taking a placement test to enroll in a Greek course?
Yes; as successful language study depends in large part on adequate, timely mastery of previously introduced material, potential participants must enroll and/or take a placement test before the third class session of any Greek course. (See the “Greek Schedule” section above for the specific deadlines for each course.)