About our program
Since their founding over fifty years ago, the Workshops have successfully guided thousands of students to basic proficiency in Greek and Latin. Our formula prepares students to enter directly into upper-level language classes, or simply to continue reading texts on their own.
Replacing more than two semesters of regular language work, these immersive ten-week programs require a significant commitment of time and intellectual energy. In the first six weeks, students master the essentials of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary; in the last four weeks, they put their new knowledge to work reading selected ancient texts in the original Greek.
After completing the Greek Workshop, students will be prepared for a third-semester college Greek course, which usually work through a piece of Attic oratory and a work of Plato, or, in many cases, upper-level reading courses such as those focused on Herodotus, Homer, or tragedy.
Life during the Workshop
There are no prerequisites for enrollment in the Workshop other than a general commitment to the work. In addition to six hours of class work every day in Part 1, students are expected to spend several hours daily in study and homework preparation. It will be very difficult to succeed in the Workshop while maintaining other commitments such as other coursework or employment.
While the Greek Workshop requires a concerted commitment, the experience is rewarding and invigorating. The classroom environment is intense but supportive; instructors are available for office hours daily, and can be reached by email into the evening for assistance. Moreover, students report that the friendships they make in the Workshop have been lasting and valuable.
On certain Friday afternoons throughout the summer, Berkeley faculty members deliver lectures for the Greek & Latin Workshop students on topics related to their world-class research; these provide an opportunity for students to see the language skills they are developing put to use in scholarly contexts. These lectures are a great way to end a busy week, and to socialize with students from the Latin Workshop as well.
Outside of classwork, students have all of Berkeley and San Francisco to explore.
Header: amphora (c. 540 BCE)