Undergraduate Programs
Ancient Languages
Language units are not necessary for 200 or 300 level study in Ancient History for the BA Degree, but a minimum of 4 credit points in an ancient language are recommended for those considering a coherent study in Ancient History at 300 level (12 credit points), and are expected for entry to the Honours program in Ancient History. The Honours degree of Bachelor of Ancient History requires 16 credit points in language units. Language study is also an essential prerquisite for entry to postgraduate research programs in Ancient History (MPhil, PhD) and is recommended for students undertaking coursework MA programs in Ancient History, Egyptology, and Early Christian and Jewish Studies. If you have ambitions to take your Ancient History beyond 200 level, you should give serious consideration to the study of relevant ancient languages. Even if, at this stage, you have no such ambitions, you will find the language units beneficial as they are designed to complement the historical units we offer and they will give a new depth to your understanding of the all-important source materials. In addition, language units give a good grounding in traditional grammar which can lead to improvement in your written English.
See below for the Diploma and Certificate in Ancient Languages.
AHST205 Ancient Greek A (4 cr points)
(Dr Plant)
An introduction to the classical Greek language for students who have not
previously studied Ancient Greek. This unit also serves as an introductory
unit for New Testament Greek. A further half year study of Ancient Greek
can be taken in AHST206 for which AHST205 is a prerequisite. Students wishing
to take a Certificate or Diploma in Ancient Languages should contact the
Ancient History Office.
AHST206 Ancient Greek B (4)
(Dr Plant)
This unit is designed to follow directly on the work done in AHST 205. A
selection of graded Greek texts from a number of authors will be studied
to build skills in reading Greek. Greek C and D are offered as topics in
AHST280 and AHST380.
AHST280 Greek C (Ancient History Special Topic A) (4)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed AHST206 or equivalent.
It aims to develop the skills of history students in order to support advanced
study of ancient Greek. The unit offers a systematic analysis of grammar
(especially the structure of sentences) and detailed investigation of original
texts. The texts studied include Lysias, Herodotus, Plato, and documentary
papyri, and bring out the concepts of dialectal variation and historical
development in the classical and post-classical periods.
AHST380 Greek D (Ancient History Special Topic C) (4)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed the Greek C
option of AHST280 or AHST281 or its equivalent. It aims to help history
students develop advanced skills in ancient Greek. The unit completes the
systematic analysis of grammar (especially the structure of sentences)
begun in Greek C and investigates a range of original texts. The texts
studied include Thycydides or Demosthenes, Homer, Xenophon, the Septuagint,
and documentary papyri and inscriptions, and bring out the concepts of
dialectal variation and historical development in the classical and post-classical
periods.
AHST207 Latin A (4)
(Professor Nobbs)
An introduction to the classical Latin language for students with no prior
knowledge. A further half year study of Latin can be taken in AHST208 for
which AHST207 is a prerequisite, and Latin C and D are offered as part of
AHST280 and AHST380. Students interested in Medieval Latin should take this
unit. Students wishing to take a Certificate or Diploma in ancient Languages
should contact the ancient History Office.
AHST208 Latin B (4)
(Professor Nobbs)
The unit is designed to follow on the work done in AHST207 Latin A. We shall
read a wide variety of Latin, both literary texts (prose and poetry) and
documentary texts, and may include Classical and Medieval Latin.
AHST280 Latin C (Ancient History Special Topic A) (4)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed AHST208 or equivalent.
It aims to develop the skills of history students in order to support
advanced study of ancient and medieval Latin. The unit offers a systematic
analysis of grammar (especially the structure of sentences) and detailed
investigation of original texts. The texts studied include Cicero, Virgil,
Bede, and documentary texts, and bring out the concepts of historical development
and diversity in the classical and medieval periods.
AHST380 Latin D (Ancient History Special Topic C) (4)
(Professor Nobbs/Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed the Latin C
option of AHST280 or AHST281 or its equivalent. It aims to help history
students develop advanced skills in ancient and medieval Latin. The unit
completes the systematic analysis of grammar (especially the structure
of sentences) begun in Latin C and investigates a range of original texts.
The texts studied include Tacitus, Caesar, Catullus, Pliny, Gervais of
Tilbury, the letter of Cornelia, and documentary tablets and inscriptions,
and bring out the concepts of historical development and diversity in the
classical and medieval periods.
AHST241 Classical Hebrew A (4)
(Dr Llewelyn)
An introduction to classical Hebrew for students who have not previously
studied Biblical Hebrew. This unit provides students with an introduction
to the Hebrew alphabet, and to the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew
for the study of a number of biblical texts. Students work through Page
H. Kelley, Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar.
AHST242 Classical Hebrew B (4)
(Dr Llewelyn)
This unit extends the student's grasp of Biblical Hebrew by working through
the second half of Page H. Kelley, Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar.
The students will also read prose texts in Biblical Hebrew taken from the
Old Testament and the documents of Qumran.
AHST280 Coptic I - Sahidic (Ancient History
Special Topic A)
(Dr Behlmer)
An introduction to the Coptic script and language. Sahidic is the
oldest written Coptic dialect, chosen for the official translation of the
bible made by the church at the end of the 2nd century AD. It was the standard
literary dialect until the 10th century.
Coptic I - Bohairic
(Dr Behlmer)
An introduction to the Coptic script and language based on the Bohairic
form of Coptic. Bohairic, alongside Sahidic, is the most important dialect
of the Coptic language and preserved in a variety of texts from early Bible
translations to Medieval sermons and saints' lives. It is still in use today
as the liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
AHST281 Coptic II - Sahidic (Ancient History
Special Topic B)
(Dr Behlmer)
This unit builds upon Coptic I. It will offer students the opportunity to
consolidate their knowledge of the Coptic language through a study of a
range of Sahidic texts.
Coptic II - Bohairic
(Dr Behlmer)
This unit builds upon Coptic I - Bohairic. It offers students the opportunity
to consolidate their knowledge of the Coptic language through a study of a range
of Bohairic texts.
Akkadian I
(Dr Weeks)
An introduction to the Akkadian (Babylonian-Assyrian) language and
the cuneiform script for students without previous experience of either.
Students will work through the basic grammar of the language and the most
common signs of the script.
AHST380 Advanced Coptic Texts (Ancient
History Special Topic C)
(Dr Behlmer)
This unit will cover a wide variety of Coptic texts and discuss the history
of Coptic literature.
Egyptian Hieroglyphs
See Egyptology Units AHST260, AHST360, AHST363, AHST364, AHST380.
Diploma/Certificate in Ancient Languages
The Diploma and Certificate in Ancient Languages are 'stand alone' awards, for students who wish to study ancient languages without necessarily completing a coherent study program in Ancient History or who wish to extend their studies during or after completion of their BA Degree. The Diploma in Ancient Languages, which is open to students eligible for admission to a degree program at Macquarie or another approved institution. The Certificate in Ancient Languages has no admission criteria. Both awards are HECS-based. Transfer is possible from the Certificate to the Diploma, and from the Diploma to a Degree. The languages offered are: Ancient Greek, Latin, Egyptian Hieroglyphs, Coptic and Classical Hebrew.
Diploma in Ancient Languages
The program for the Diploma consists of 2-3 years part-time study and requires
24 credit points, a proportion of which must be at advanced level.
Certificate in Ancient Languages
The program for the Certificate consists of 1-2 years of part-time study
and requires 12 credit points, a proportion of which must be at advanced
level.
To apply for the Diploma or Certificate in Ancient Languages, contact the Ancient History Department or the Undergraduate Studies Section. Certificate and Diploma Application forms.
Language Skills
The Department of European Languages offers reading courses in German and French. These may be required for students taking a research degree. They can be included in a BA program for credit. They provide students with the skills to read works on ancient history in these languages.
Last updated October 2008