Explore Ancient Greek and Japanese in new University of Exeter sixth form courses

Teenagers can explore the extraordinary world of the Ancient Greeks and the intricacies of Japanese culture as part of two exciting new courses for sixth formers at the University of Exeter.

The courses are part of the university’s suite of evening language programmes, which are open to all and include European languages as well as Arabic, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin Chinese, British Sign Language and Cornish.

By the end of the ten-week, ten hour, programmes those aged 16 to 18 will have learned simple language skills and experienced an introduction to the history and culture of Japan and Ancient Greece.

Astrid Hermes, University of Exeter Evening Language Programme Coordinator, said: “These exciting courses offer those aged 16 to 18 the chance to gain exposure to a language and culture for the first time. Discovering and learning new languages is so beneficial, giving access to new cultures, enhancing creativity and supporting academic performance in other subjects. In an increasingly interconnected world language skills can open doors to international careers.”

The non-credit bearing weekly courses are intended for motivated sixth formers and are taught by experienced and DBS-checked tutors via seminars, with practical exercises and group work.

By the end of the Ancient Greek course students will be able to understand basic syntax and grammar. They will have also gained an appreciation of 5th century Athenian culture and history and the contribution made by ancient Greeks to today’s world.

Ancient Greek was used from 1500 BC to 300 BC and words can be found in English and other languages. It was the language of Homer and Athenian historians, playwrights, and philosophers and has been a standard subject of study in educational institutions of the Western World since the Renaissance. Ancient Greek has influenced the naming of technical terms in many European languages, and it’s possible to find modern works translated into Ancient Greek, including some volumes of Asterix and even Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

By the end of the course in Japanese students will be able to start interacting in the language, including introducing themselves and others and asking and answering questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have.

There are around 124,000,000 native speakers of Japanese. The writing system makes use of two sets of syllables: Hiragana for pure Japanese words and Katakana for borrowed words. Both are used together with Kanji, which is composed of characters from Chinese. The written language is also closely tied to iconic elements of Japanese culture such as manga.

The cost for the sixth form courses, which are taught online in the evenings, is £80. Book at https://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/flc/evening/languages/ or the university’s online store.

For further details contact elp@exeter.ac.uk