Greek and Latin

Classical Greek and Latin, the languages of ancient Greece and Rome, formed the foundation of Western civilization. They cradled Europe's oldest philosophy, history, literature, politics and laws, and contributed significantly to the emergence and development of Christianity: Greek, the language chosen to write the scriptures in the New Testament, became the language of the Eastern Orthodox Church, whereas Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, retained its status in the Roman Catholic Church. Liberal arts too have their origins in classical antiquity, and the humanities, *literae humaniores*, emerged during the Renaissance ("rebirth of Greek antiquity") as the study of the Greek and Roman classics. Thus university learning per se originates in ancient Greece and Rome. Latin language has a special importance at Keio too: the University has for its motto *Calamus Gladio Fortior* (the Pen is Mightier than the Sword) ; and the inscription carved above the East Gate reminds the University members of the celebrated dictum of the founder Yukichi Fukuzawa: *Homo nec ullus cuiquam praepositus nec subditus creatur* (the Heaven does not create one man above or below another) -- an opening statement from An Encouragement of Learning.

Studying Classical Greek and Latin is also beneficial for learning modern European languages. Classical Greek evolved into Modern Greek, while Latin developed into the Romance languages, such as Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian. Other European languages, including English and German, also owe much of their vocabulary, style, and rhetoric to Classical Greek and Latin. The concept of Indo-European languages, and thereby the comparative linguistics, began with the comparison of Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit. The benefits of learning Greek and Latin are immeasurable.

The Greek language thrived in the Middle Ages as the official language of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, surviving through the Ottoman period to the present day. It stands as one of the few modern languages with a history that can be traced back for millenia. Today, it is the official language of the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus and a co-official language in parts of the Republic of Albania. In addition, native speakers of Modern Greek can be found in countries such as Turkey, Italy, Australia, and the United States. In Japan, Greek culture has gained reputation through works of great artists, e.g. the novels by Kazantzakis, the poems by Seferis and Cavafy, and the films by Angelopoulos.

Keio is the only Japanese university whicn offers courses on Modern Greek. Native-speaking instructors are eager to teach grammar, reading, speaking, and writing, step by step.

Classical Greek, Modern Greek, and Latin are offered as elective courses. Classical Greek Elementary and Elementary Latin are offered at both Hiyoshi and Mita campuses, and students can begin their studies at any time, regardless of their year of study. All Modern Greek courses are offered at Mita campus.

Students learn the main parts of elementary grammar in one year. They also learn about ancient Greek culture and history through the language. Classes are held once a week. The course is available at both the Hiyoshi and Mita campuses.

Students learn grammar in greater detail and practice reading relatively simple passages from classical texts. Offered on weekly basis at Mita Campus.

Students engage with classical works by such authors as Plato, Xenophon, and Euripides in the original Greek. Courses for both verse and prose are offered. The seminar-style program provides a multifaceted approach to classical studies, encompassing not only grammar and lexicography but also historical and literary contexts, the transmission of texts, and textual criticism. Offered on weekly basis at Mita Campus.

Students learn the main parts of elementary grammar in one year. They will also learn about ancient Roman culture and history through the language. Offered on weekly basis, at both Hiyoshi and Mita.

Students learn grammar in greater detail and practice reading relatively simple passages from classical texts. Offered on weekly basis at Mita Campus.

Students engage with classical works by such authors as Cicero, Caesar, Virgil, and Ovid in the original Latin. Courses for both verse and prose are offered. This seminar-style program provides a multifaceted approach to classical studies, encompassing not only grammar and interpretation but also historical context, literary significance, the transmission of texts, and textual criticism. Offered on weekly basis at Mita Campus.

Note: The original texts in Classical Greek and Latin are also treated in courses offered by the Western History Major and Philosophy Major. Furthermore, the "Classical Studies" and "Seminar in Classical Studies" offer a comprehensive study of ancient Greek and Roman works (knowledge of Classical Greek or Latin is not required).

Students will acquire a beginner's level of Modern Greek. They learn basic grammar and acquire elementary conversational skills. The course aims to prepare students for the A1 (Beginner) level of the Certificate of Attainment in Greek. Classes are held once a week at Mita Campus.

Students will acquire an intermediate level of Greek. They will continue their study of grammar and work to improve their conversational abilities. The course aims to prepare students for the A2 (Upper-Beginner) level of the Certificate of Attainment in Greek. Classes are held once a week at Mita Campus.

Students will read simple texts on subjects such as mythology and history. They will also learn the fundamentals of writing in Greek and study modern Greek culture and society. Classes are held once a week at Mita Campus.

Studying Classical Greek or Latin in your youth is an asset that will last a lifetime. We invite you to experience the joy of listening to ancient voices from across the millennia and the joy of connecting with the timeless sentiments of those who painstakingly preserved their words for future generations. Ars longa, vita brevis (Art is long, life is short).

Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, Greece has long enjoyed a vibrant exchange with the Slavic cultural sphere and the Middle East, making it a country of unique charm as a crossroads of diverse cultures. By studying Modern Greek with the native speaking instructors, we invite you to learn about the abundant attractions of Greece that extend far beyond the Parthenon and the Aegean Sea.