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2. Course Overview
Comprehensive Description: Participants will engage with key astronomical texts from Ptolemy, Geminus, Aratus, and Eratosthenes in the original Ancient Greek. Part 1 focuses on foundational observational concepts: defining the main circles of the celestial sphere (equator, zodiac, horizon, meridian), exploring mythological catasterisms, tracking seafaring navigation via constellations, and examining the introductory principles of Ptolemy's Almagest. The seminar balances exact philological parsing of technical vocabulary with clear conceptual explanations of early mathematical and spherical models, illustrating the historical shift from historia to philosophia. Students will analyze how ancient tools, such as the plinth, were used as ancestors to the sextant to calculate solar declination and terrestrial latitude.
3. Proficiency & Requirements
Language Level:
Framework Reference: Advanced (Post-Athenaze II or equivalent).
General Description: Designed for intermediate and advanced students of Ancient Greek who are capable of auditory comprehension and participating in discussions conducted entirely in the target language.
Estimated Self-Study Time:
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours per week.
Preparation Type: Review and refine readings from the prior session to reinforce technical vocabulary and prepare for cumulative discussion. No preliminary translation of new texts is required.
4. Materials & Bibliography
Required Textbooks: None. All primary source selections and structural diagrams will be provided digitally by the instructor.
Further Reading (Bibliography):
Ptolemy, Almagest (Greek text: Heiberg; English translation: Toomer).
Geminus, Eisagoge (Introduction to the Phenomena).
Aratus, Phenomena.
Eratosthenes, Catasterismi.
Homer, Odyssey (Book V).
5. ATTENDANCE, CERTIFICATION AND RECORDINGS
By enrolling, you agree to our standard academic regulations. These guidelines include the minimum attendance required to earn a Certificate of Completion, policies regarding lesson recording availability, mandatory parental consent for minors, and intellectual property protections. Please read our complete Attendance, Certifications, and Recordings Policy herefor full details on attendance, certifications, session recordings, user privacy, intellectual property rights, and special learning accommodations.
