The Language of Homer

A linguistic introduction to the history of the Greek language by way of focussed readings and intensive analysis of Homeric poetry. Attention will be given to problems of diachronic change, including developments in morphology tied to the demands of the hexameter; phenomena related to loss of digamma, vowel contractions, and diectasis; particle usage; development of the definite article; preposed relative clauses; and the dialect mix represented in the Homeric Kunstsprache. In addition to 80-100 pages of densely-packed handbook reading each week in English, students will be expected to complete weekly reading assignments in either French or German, and required reading of appx. 300 lines of Greek per session.