Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module THEO1161: NEW TESTAMENT GREEK

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1161: NEW TESTAMENT GREEK

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To give the students a grounding in New Testament Greek and a knowledge of the basic tools of translation.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of Greek texts at level 2.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge ancillary to other modules which they are taking or will take.

Content

  • This course aims to help the absolute beginner, with no knowledge of New Testament Greek, to master the elements of the language, and to acquire a reading ability of relatively simple New Testament texts. Options in second and third years will build upon these skills.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A basic knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • The ability to translate New Testament Greek and to identify grammatical forms.
  • The ability to read and understand basic New Testament texts in the original.
  • The ability to read Greek aloud with good pronunciation, fluency, and expression.
Key Skills:
  • Generic linguistic skills.
  • Skills in language learning, and in reflection on one's own learning, including setting appropriate goals and evaluating one's own achievement in relation to process as well as outcome.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Grammar and Translation Classes introduce students to the language and the texts, convey information and enable the students to develop their linguistic skills in a supportive environment.
  • Tests and language exercises permit staff and students to assess progress in learning of the language, and to identify areas for remedial work.
  • Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, and in this module especially assess subject skills.
  • One-to-one meetings and short written assignments are used to develop students' planning and reflection on their own approaches to language learning.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Grammar and Translation Classes 66 3 times/week 1 hour 66
Individual Meetings 1 As needed 20 minutes 0.3
Preparation and Reading 133.74
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Examination 10 minutes 100%
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 1500 words 100%
Component: Written Examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Frequent, short class tests in grammar and vocabular; weekly written exercises in translation. One written examination (50 minutes). Three short pieces of reflective writing (500 words) on personal goals and achievements in the context of the course, with a one-to-one conversation about the last of these, as a basis for the formative.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University