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Greek Philology

Major

Important information at a glance

Degree: Bachelor of ArtsLanguage of Instruction: GermanStart of studies: Winter and summer semesterAdmission: Unrestricted admissionCombined subjects: Combined bachelor's degree (major)Standard period of study: 8 semestersSemester abroad: Recommended

The bachelor's program provides comprehensive education in Greek philology as the major subject, with a general focus on classical antiquity studies. It serves as a foundational academic training for various career paths. The study of Greek philology aims to enable students to understand the distinctive character of ancient culture and contribute to a historically grounded critical understanding through knowledge of cultural-historical connections between Greco-Roman antiquity and subsequent periods of European culture, as well as through comparative analysis. This field is closely connected to other disciplines within classical antiquity studies but is distinguished by its primary focus on linguistic and literary perspectives and its unique methods, which also link it to other linguistic and literary disciplines.

The bachelor's and master's programs in Greek philology at Frankfurt are structured according to the "4+1 concept." The classical philology programs are coordinated with the other classical antiquity studies at Goethe University, which also follow an eight-semester bachelor's program and a two-semester master's program structure.

Structure and content

Greek philology can be studied as a major or minor.

Major
Minor

Course of study

Foundation Phase

Module I:

  • Introduction to Greek Philology I

Module II:

  • Introduction to Greek Philology II

Module III:

  • Greek Prose I

Module IV:

  • Greek Poetry I

Module V:

  • Greek Language

Module VI:

  • Independent Translation I

Module VII:

  • Neighboring Disciplines I  

Module VIII:

  • Latin Philology

Development Phase

Module IX:  

  • Greek Prose II  

Module X:  

  • Greek Poetry II  

Module XI:  

  • Greek Language and Its Didactic Placement  

Module XII:  

  • Excursions  

Module XIII:  

  • Horizons and Application of Academic Work  

Module XIV:  

  • Neighboring Disciplines II  

Module XV:  

  • Independent Translation II  

Module XVI:  

  • Academic Translation and Work  

Module XVII:  

  • Bachelor’s Thesis

The foundational phase (1st–4th semesters) consists of eight modules: two "Introduction" modules, two literary modules focusing on Greek poetry and Greek prose (acquisition of basic knowledge/skills and further exploration), one linguistics module, one "Independent Translation" module where students independently work through a designated text corpus, one crossdisciplinary module on "Neighboring Disciplines," and one module on "Latin Philology."

The advanced phase (5th–8th semesters) includes nine modules: two literary modules focusing on Greek prose and poetry, one module on the Greek language and its didactic communication, one excursion module, one hands-on module on career horizons and applications of academic work, one crossdisciplinary module on "Neighboring Disciplines," one "Independent Translation" module where students independently work through a designated text corpus, one examination module, and the module for the "B.A. Thesis."

Independent study, which requires significant time and effort, is an essential component of philology studies from the very beginning. It not only supports the preparation and follow-up of courses and the completion of term papers but is also crucial for acquiring a reliable knowledge of Greek literature, of which only a small portion can be covered in the courses. This is addressed through the "Independent Translation" modules included in both the foundational and advanced phases.

For more information about the major in Greek Philology, please visit the department's webpage.

Study regulations

The study regulations govern the structure, organization, and content of the degree program as well as the examination system. They form the basis for your studies at Goethe University.

Study regulations