Basic Program in Greek

In the first six weeks of the summer, students work through the entirety of Hansen and Quinn’s Greek: An Intensive Course. During this time, students master the forms and syntax of the language while reading relatively simple selections of unadapted prose and poetry.

In the final four weeks of the course, students read longer texts in the morning and, in the afternoon, survey major authors and genres ranging from the Archaic through the Hellenistic periods. They also have two opportunities each day for additional readings at sight. Core texts in the basic Greek program include Plato’s Ion and Euripides’ Medea. Supplementary lectures (e.g., on textual criticism, the history of the Greek language, meter, rhetoric) provide further enrichment. The program concludes with a two-week elective in which students choose an author to read and analyze in even greater depth.

Greek Institute

Required of all students.

• Attic Prose: Plato—A close translation and examination of the syntax, style, and rhetoric of Plato’s Ion.
• Survey of Greek Prose and Poetry—Representative selections of Greek prose and poetry of the Archaic and classical periods will be studied with emphasis on rhetoric, metrics, the development of style and dialectical differences.
• Greek Tragedy: Euripides—Extensive selections from Euripides’ Medea are read with a view toward an appreciation of Euripides’ style, rhetoric, meter, and poetic technique.
• Greek Prose Composition—Simple and complex English sentences are translated into Greek with a threefold purpose: 1) to review basic rules of syntax, 2) to expand knowledge of Greek syntax by applying basic rules previously learned to more intricate constructions, and 3) to call attention to matters of word order, style, and prose rhythm in order to create a sensitive response to the art of Greek prose.

Greek Institute Electives

Each student will choose one two-week mini-course (18 class hours). A minimum of three of the following will be offered.

• Greek Epic—Homer
• Greek Historiography—Thucydides
• Greek Philosophy—Aristotle
• New Testament Greek—Selections from one of the Gospels

Apply Now

All in-person classes for the Latin/Greek Institute (LGI) are held at the CUNY Graduate Center in Midtown Manhattan. While studying at the LGI, students are enrolled for the summer at Brooklyn College and receive Brooklyn College credits.

The following steps are required for successful application and, if accepted, enrollment in the Latin/Greek Institute:

1. Complete the application below.
2. Send transcripts from every secondary institution attended directly to the office (mail or e-mail). College freshmen and sophomores, and those who have never attended college, must also send high school transcripts.
3. One letter of recommendation from any instructor who can attest to the applicant’s seriousness of purpose, classroom performance, and command of the language. This form will auto-generate an e-mail to your reference to submit a reference on your behalf. Please inform your recommender of the request.
4. Once you receive notification of your acceptance to the Latin/Greek Institute, you must register with and pay tuition to Brooklyn College, using the CUNYfirst online system. Instructions will be provided. Proof of tuition paid in full must be presented to the LGI before the first day of class.

Mail may be addressed to:

Latin/Greek Institute
CUNY Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016

It is preferred that all supporting documents be sent by e-mail. Any materials sent by hard copy are collected bi-weekly.

If we have any questions about your application, we may request additional information and/or contact you for an interview. We are very committed to your success in learning Latin and Greek.

Application Deadline

Application deadline for all summer 2025 programs is March 10 (February 24 for students requiring a Brooklyn College-sponsored international student visa).

Application Form

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