Hello everyone,
Welcome to online Greek! The course will not start until a few weeks from now, but there are a few things worth noting at this point.
1. A draft syllabus is available on the course website. It will be updated in minor ways in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please take a look at the syllabus, paying particular attention to the weekly schedule and the kind of time commitment this course will require.
2. Two conference calls (one on Tuesday and another on Thursday) will be required of all students. Available times are listed in a Google document under "Resources." Please consult your schedule, determine which time will work best for you, and sign up for your preferred conference call.
3. Please be sure to buy the primary textbook for this course. The Croy textbook will be our primary resource throughout the semester. Also, we will be using Bible software in this class, and it will be helpful in your future classes as well. Please purchase Bible software and start familiarizing yourself with it. More details are available on the course website. You will also notice a few recommended textbooks. These are excellent resources though they may not be necessary for all of you.
The lexicon by Bauer and Gingrich is the standard dictionary for the study of Greek. It is also rather expensive. If you are very serious about Greek study, the dictionary (in print or digital format) will be indispensable. However, you may wish to hold off on this purchase for a few weeks. We can talk more about the lexicon in our conference calls.
The Lamerson textbook is an excellent resource if the vocabulary of grammar is unfamiliar to you. Do you know the difference between a subject and an object? A direct and indirect object? Do you know the difference between an independent and dependent clause? If you're not sure how to answer these questions, Lamerson might be a great choice.
Metzger's textbook would probably be a useful resource for everyone as you work through the vocabulary for this class. It is also rather inexpensive.
Last, the Nestle-Aland is the standard NT Greek text. It is now in the 28th edition. If you have or can buy a 27th edition, that will be fine too. If you buy Bible software, buying a printed Greek NT might not be entirely necessary for you. You may wish to hold off on this purchase as well.
4. Last is that I would recommend that you start learning the Greek alphabet as soon as possible. Learn the names of the letters, how they are pronounced, and how they are written. Learning this sooner rather than later will help you start the class successfully from the first.
That should be all for now. This is a difficult but exciting class. I can't wait to get started in our work together. Please let me know if you have other questions. Blessings.
Dr. Barreto