Look here at what previous students have to suggest:
University of Arkansas students in the spring of 2005 wrote advice to future students of Greek 1003 (you!). Here is what they said…
Image: The Amazon Cyme. After 190 BCE. Silver
Attic tetradrachm from Cyme (on the coast of Asia Minor, between Pergamum
and Phocaea). Obverse of coin, showing the head of the Amazon Cyme, her
hair bound with riband, waved and curled. In legend the city was founded
by the Amazon Cyme, of whom there is no account. [from: Norman Davis, Greek
Coins and Cities: Illustrated from the Collection at the Seattle Art Museum.
London, 1967.]
Dear Student in Greek 1003,
I am completing my second semester of Classical Greek at the University of Arkansas, and would like to offer some advice for the first year of your Greek studies, based on my own experience.
[Here follow a dozen students’ advice to you…]
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Student #1: Learn all the endings and parts and forms and conjugations when you encounter them. Keep up! Do all of the reading and assignments before each class.
Student #2: XAIPE! Welcome to your first semester of this exciting, thought-provoking language! Greek is a wonderful experience that you will carry with you for a long time and see in almost daily life. Succeeding in this class is also something you should take on daily. This class is fun, but requires hard work and perseverance. Learn vocabulary; learn grammar; learn to translate! Always listen to your teacher; he has the knowledge and experience you will need. Most of all; have fun and immerse yourselves in the Classics through this class!
Student #3: I have enjoyed this class tremendously. Dr. Levine is by far the best teacher I have ever had, and I’m a biochemistry major. I must admit, however, that this class is not a walk in the park. Dr. Levine is always available and fair, but trust me, that’s not enough. You must be willing to come to class EVERY DAY! You’ll enjoy it though. I promise. Secondly, you must complete your homework. Don’t put it off or leave it incomplete because if you truly try and work hard, the homework will pay off. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask Dr. Levine for help at any time. He truly wants everyone to succeed and learn!! Good luck and enjoy your learning experiences. I am proud to be a Greek student.
Student #4: Be prepared to study! Learning Greek requires plenty of effort and richly rewards those who give it (in both stickers and knowledge). The best part is that it’s so much fun you won’t mind the work. I actually look forward to going to this class. Attendance is a must or you will be lost class is both enjoyable and extremely helpful. Keep up with vocabulary. Endings can be confusing since there are so many, so those tedious verb charts are good things to have around at least until you get used to them. The secret to both class and life? XAIPETE!
Student #5: Don’t get behind. Study vocabulary intensely and continuously. Do as much reading/translating as possible. Don’t despair, but relax and enjoy. The result of diligent study is the ability to read ancient Greek. You will really enjoy Dr. Levine’s class. He makes coming to class worthwhile. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Student #6: Greek is fun. No, seriously it is. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a lot of work and you’re going to have to put forth some effort, but you’ll be able to read things that were written a REALLY long time ago. My favorite is the new Testament. Think about it. You’re going to be reading the NT in its ORIGINAL LANGUAGE! Now THAT is cool. Plus, what other language can you learn in which you learn to talk about farmers, slaves and wolves before you learn to say “yes” and “no”? Work hard and learn it and it shall be awesome. Have a good year studying Ancient Greek.
Student #7: Make sure to do your homework daily. Stay patient and it will come. Practice your endings and it will help tremendously. Ask plenty of questions.
Student #8: Getting your homework done is the most important thing; that and do it in pencil. Forming study groups for larger and more complex assignments, because the rules seem to instill better in group discussion than just reading. Make use of the smaller quizzes, vocabulary, etc. These grades will help keep up your overall grades.
Student #9: As you begin your journey into ancient Greek, always remember to be patient with yourself. Avoid frustration by memorizing tenses and declensions early in the semester. Memorize vocabulary as you go along it will make translating much faster and easier. As you encounter tiny words (3 or fewer letters), write them on your own reference list (you will thank me for this later). Allow yourself plenty of time to do your assignments and study.
Student #10: Words of modest wisdom: * Read with your lips, * Attend every class, * Set aside at least one hour each night for homework, * Don’t be scared off by the language it’s not so difficult, * Memorize the endings vocab. will come later, * Pay attention in class, * Ask your questions wisely.
Student #11: Take your time and finish your assignments in whatever speed you need. If you rush through them, you definitely won’t understand them.
Student #12: You are about to embark on an adventure full of friendship and sound learning. This may very well be a defining moment in your life, so take it seriously. You can gain an infinite amount of wisdom if you follow these easy steps.1) Study ends of all words to know the gender, number, and case. 2) Complete all homework assignments, late if you have to. 3) GO TO CLASS!!
I know that if you are reading this letter, you want to succeed in Greek 1003, so do it. Don’t fall behind and go to class. Good luck.
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