There are three levels of study in Ancient Greek: Elementary/“Intro” (first year), Intermediate (second year), and Advanced (third year and beyond). See the explanations below, and see also our Guide to Latin and Ancient Greek at Penn.
Yes! Please see the course listings at the Penn Language Center.
In Elementary ancient Greek you learn the basics of the language and begin reading simple inscriptions and passages: GREK 0100 Elementary Classical Greek I (fall) followed by GREK 0200 Elementary Classical Greek II (spring). If you are looking to save time, an intensive one-semester equivalent of these two courses is GREK 0110 Accelerated Elementary Classical Greek (semester varies). After completing Elementary Greek, the sequel courses are in Intermediate Greek (below).
The accelerated/intensive course is not always offered and is not for everyone, since it moves at double the regular pace of a regular course and also meets more often. This course is ideal, however, for a student who has prior experience in learning Latin, Greek, or another language and is familiar with the concepts and the learning methods that help speed your progress. It is also perfect for the student who studied this language previously but would benefit from a rapid review before moving forward.
Technically, a student who has completed GREK 0110 is ready to register in 0300 (fall only). But a student who completes the accelerated course with a grade of A- or higher may also place directly into GREK 0400 (spring).
In Intermediate ancient Greek you begin continuous reading of whole literary works in both prose and poetry: GREK 0300 Intermediate Classical Greek I (fall) followed by GREK 0400 Intermediate Classical Greek II (spring). After completing Intermediate Greek, the sequel courses are in Advanced Greek (below).
You read both primary texts and secondary literature on a specific author or theme and conduct analysis, interpretation, and research. Courses are numbered GREK 3000+ and are offered in fall and spring. The topic of the advanced course is different each semester, and you may take as many advanced courses as you wish during your time at Penn. Recent topics have included: Plato on Poetry, Sophocles: Antigone & Oedipus, Herodotus, Apollonius, Argonautica, Socrates, Hymnic Poetry, The Myth of Prometheus, Thucydides, Alcibiades, Greek Dialogue, Helen of Troy, Demosthenes, Ancient Ideas on Myth, Greek Prose Composition, Greek Parody. An additional advanced course on a two-year rotation is GREK 3801 Advanced Greek Language and Composition (upcoming in spring 2027, 2029, 2031)
This course is offered over and above the regular 3000-level courses in Greek. It is an opportunity for students to boost their vocabulary, grammar and practical skills in the language, including skills relevant to becoming a teacher of the language. Latin and Greek are taught in every other spring semester: LATN 3801 Advanced Latin Language and Composition (upcoming in spring 2026, 2028, 2030) alternates with GREK 3801 Advanced Greek Language and Composition (upcoming in spring 2027, 2029, 2031).