ANCIENT GREEK LANGUAGE COURSES
AT THE PALLADION, Fall 2026
ANCIENT GREEK LANGUAGE COURSES AT THE PALLADION, Fall 2026
In the fall of 2026, the Palladion is offering two Ancient Greek language courses at beginner and intermediate levels, each meeting twice a week for 75 minutes (Mondays and Thursdays, beginning September 21) and an advanced Greek reading seminar meeting once a week for 90 minutes (Wednesdays, beginning September 23). The courses are hybrid, open to participants at any location via the Zoom software, and available in-person in Budapest. Each course lasts for 12 weeks.
Why learn Ancient Greek in the 21st century?
A thorough training in Ancient Greek will enable students to read key texts of history, literature, philosophy, and religion from Classical and Late Antiquity and the Byzantine Era in the original. Studying these texts firsthand opens new perspectives for understanding and reflecting on the roots of our modern world in the Iron Age, in Classical Athens, Early Christianity and beyond.
What do we offer?
In the long term, participants will gain a sound knowledge of the Ancient Greek language, i.e. an ability to read, analyze and interpret primary source material written in Greek. After four terms (two years) of study, participants should be able to study Greek texts independently with the help of dictionaries and commentaries, critically evaluate modern translations of Ancient Greek works, or attend Greek reading seminars in higher education institutions.
How are the courses structured?
All courses are offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend online via Zoom, or in-person in Budapest. Regular homework assignments are an important part of the learning process. Students should expect to spend ca. twice as much time preparing homework as they spend attending class sessions.
To participate effectively, participants will need a computer (not just a smartphone, since course material will be shared through Zoom) with a stable internet connection. An online discussion platform to facilitate communication and support collaboration between the participants will be created during the first weeks of the course.
See below for detailed information about the courses; our previous courses are listed at the bottom of the page.
In the fall of 2026, the Palladion is offering two Ancient Greek language courses at beginner and intermediate levels, each meeting twice a week for 75 minutes (Mondays and Thursdays, beginning September 21) and an advanced Greek reading seminar meeting once a week for 90 minutes (Wednesdays, beginning September 23). The courses are hybrid, open to participants at any location via the Zoom software, and available in-person in Budapest. Each course lasts for 12 weeks.
Why learn Ancient Greek in the 21st century?
A thorough training in Ancient Greek will enable students to read key texts of history, literature, philosophy, and religion from Classical and Late Antiquity and the Byzantine Era in the original. Studying these texts firsthand opens new perspectives for understanding and reflecting on the roots of our modern world in the Iron Age, in Classical Athens, Early Christianity and beyond.
What do we offer?
In the long term, participants will gain a sound knowledge of the Ancient Greek language, i.e. an ability to read, analyze and interpret primary source material written in Greek. After four terms (two years) of study, participants should be able to study Greek texts independently with the help of dictionaries and commentaries, critically evaluate modern translations of Ancient Greek works, or attend Greek reading seminars in higher education institutions.
How are the courses structured?
All courses are offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend online via Zoom, or in-person in Budapest. Regular homework assignments are an important part of the learning process. Students should expect to spend ca. twice as much time preparing homework as they spend attending class sessions.
To participate effectively, participants will need a computer (not just a smartphone, since course material will be shared through Zoom) with a stable internet connection. An online discussion platform to facilitate communication and support collaboration between the participants will be created during the first weeks of the course.
See below for detailed information about the courses; our previous courses are listed at the bottom of the page.
COURSES ON OFFER
Each course lasts for twelve weeks.
Proposed schedule: Monday – Thursday 19:00 – 20:15 CET
In the beginner course we will work through one chapter of the textbook Reading Greek (Joint Association of Classical Teachers’ Greek Course, 2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 2007) in each class. This will help participants to become familiar with the Greek alphabet, reading and writing, as well as the basic grammatical structures. In addition, we will read individual sentences or very short passages from ancient authors. These selections will introduce students to the diversity of the ancient Greek language (dialects, periods, styles) and prepare them to read authentic Greek texts. The grammar volume of Reading Greek will be used for review, consolidation, and practice of the grammar introduced in each session.
Proposed schedule: Monday – Thursday 17:30 – 18:45 CET
The intermediate course is open to everyone with a basic knowledge of Ancient Greek (1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions; the active and middle voice indicative conjugation of -ω verbs in present, imperfect, and aorist tense; the present and aorist participles; the concept of the passive voice; and a basic understanding of the optative forms). The course is designed for participants who wish to improve their reading skills and knowledge of grammar through close analysis and discussion of ancient Greek works. Working in a small group encourages active participation, allowing everyone to share comments, ask questions, and address gaps in their understanding of both the language and the culture of Antiquity.
The primary objective of the course is to enable participants to read relevant ancient Greek source texts on their own (with the help of dictionaries and commentaries). To this end, we will read and discuss excerpts of literary, philosophical, historical, or religious works, analyzing each sentence in detail, clarifying grammatical phenomena, and discussing the underlying ideas. The course will also introduce more advanced aspects of grammar (passive aorist and future forms; perfect tense; conjugation of -μι verbs; morphology and use of the subjunctive mood; elements of Greek syntax).
Tentative readings for this term include a passage of Plato (e.g. Lysis, Alcibiades, or Euthyphro), a section of a comedy (Aristophanes or Menander), and a chapter of the New Testament (e.g., from the Gospel of John). The list of the works and the excerpts to be read will be finalized together during the first weeks.
Proposed schedule: Wednesdays 17:00 – 18:30 CET
For the first time, the Palladion will offer an advanced Ancient Greek reading seminar in Fall 2026. The course is intended for participants with a firm knowledge of ancient Greek grammar and considerable experience in reading Greek sources. We will focus on close reading and discussion of the selected text (grammar will be addressed only to the extent it is necessary for understanding).
We particularly welcome former Classics students who no longer work in the field but are still interested in Greek culture; historians, philologists, or philosophers who regularly encounter Greek sources and would like to explore texts beyond their immediate research interests; or anyone with an advanced knowledge of Ancient Greek who enjoys reading and discussing Greek texts in a group.
The text for the seminar will be selected later, depending on the interests, experience and preferences of the participants.
Proposed schedule: Monday – Thursday 19:00 – 20:15 CET
In the beginner course we will work through one chapter of the textbook Reading Greek (Joint Association of Classical Teachers’ Greek Course, 2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 2007) in each class. This will help participants to become familiar with the Greek alphabet, reading and writing, as well as the basic grammatical structures. In addition, we will read individual sentences or very short passages from ancient authors. These selections will introduce students to the diversity of the ancient Greek language (dialects, periods, styles) and prepare them to read authentic Greek texts. The grammar volume of Reading Greek will be used for review, consolidation, and practice of the grammar introduced in each session.
Proposed schedule: Monday – Thursday 17:30 – 18:45 CET
The intermediate course is open to everyone with a basic knowledge of Ancient Greek (1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions; the active and middle voice indicative conjugation of -ω verbs in present, imperfect, and aorist tense; the present and aorist participles; the concept of the passive voice; and a basic understanding of the optative forms). The course is designed for participants who wish to improve their reading skills and knowledge of grammar through close analysis and discussion of ancient Greek works. Working in a small group encourages active participation, allowing everyone to share comments, ask questions, and address gaps in their understanding of both the language and the culture of Antiquity.
The primary objective of the course is to enable participants to read relevant ancient Greek source texts on their own (with the help of dictionaries and commentaries). To this end, we will read and discuss excerpts of literary, philosophical, historical, or religious works, analyzing each sentence in detail, clarifying grammatical phenomena, and discussing the underlying ideas. The course will also introduce more advanced aspects of grammar (passive aorist and future forms; perfect tense; conjugation of -μι verbs; morphology and use of the subjunctive mood; elements of Greek syntax).
Tentative readings for this term include a passage of Plato (e.g. Lysis, Alcibiades, or Euthyphro), a section of a comedy (Aristophanes or Menander), and a chapter of the New Testament (e.g., from the Gospel of John). The list of the works and the excerpts to be read will be finalized together during the first weeks.
Proposed schedule: Wednesdays 17:00 – 18:30 CET
For the first time, the Palladion will offer an advanced Ancient Greek reading seminar in Fall 2026. The course is intended for participants with a firm knowledge of ancient Greek grammar and considerable experience in reading Greek sources. We will focus on close reading and discussion of the selected text (grammar will be addressed only to the extent it is necessary for understanding).
We particularly welcome former Classics students who no longer work in the field but are still interested in Greek culture; historians, philologists, or philosophers who regularly encounter Greek sources and would like to explore texts beyond their immediate research interests; or anyone with an advanced knowledge of Ancient Greek who enjoys reading and discussing Greek texts in a group.
The text for the seminar will be selected later, depending on the interests, experience and preferences of the participants.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Ancient Greek Language Course for Beginners
Mondays and Thursdays 19:00–20:15 CET. 12-week course, first class: 21 September 2026.
An Introduction to Reading Greek Sources
Mondays and Thursdays 17:30–18:45 CET. 12-week course, first class: 21 September 2026.
Thematic Reading Seminar in Ancient Greek
Wednesdays 17:00–18:30 CET. 12-week course, first class: 23 September 2026.
If you are interested in one of our courses, but have difficulty adjusting your schedule, please indicate your preference in the Comments field, and we will try to find a solution.
VENUE
Budapest, Kacsa utca 22. I/11
and/or online via Zoom.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
A maximum of 10 people can participate in the course, registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Sámuel Gábor
philologist, translator
In recent years, Sámuel has taught Ancient Greek (CEU, Palladion), Latin (KRE), Philosophy, and held outreach courses at CEU’s Socrates Project. His interests focus on ancient literature, philosophy and arts, as well as the problems of modern art and society.
CONTACT
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the course at the links below:
• The Palladion
• Sámuel Gábor
DONATE
We kindly invite you to consider making a donation to support Palladion's Greek courses. Your contribution will help sustain courses that would otherwise be underfunded and support the organization of future Greek (and other public) courses.
SHARE
REGISTRATION
Participation is subject to registration, please fill in the form below.
Before registering, please do read the information concering the course fee, and indicate your choices accordingly.
We kindly ask you to register at your earliest convenience to allow for planning, preferably no later than 14 September 2026.
After receiving your registration, we will send you a confirmation email. The exact format and schedule of the course will be finalized in consultation with the participants and tailored to their needs. Payment is due after the first session, once all details have been confirmed. The course fee is payable by bank transfer upon receipt of an invoice.
COURSE FEE
The course fee depends on the number of participants and the language level. Please refer to the table below for details.
Registration is for the full course only, the tuiton fee can be paid either in full or in monthly instalments. The prices below are gross amounts given in HUF (365 HUF ≈ 1 EUR).
The first class is free of charge for new participants.
| Participants → Level ↓ | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Beginner course, fee/class in HUF | 15.000 | 10.000 | 7.500 | 6.000 | 5.000 | 4.300 | 3.750 | 3.350 | 3.000 |
| Beginner course, fee/full course in HUF | 360.000 | 240.000 | 180.000 | 144.000 | 120.000 | 103.200 | 90.000 | 80.400 | 72.000 |
| Intermediate course fee/class in HUF | 18.000 | 12.000 | 9.000 | 7.200 | 6.000 | 5.200 | 4.500 | 4.000 | 3.600 |
| Intermediate course, fee/full course in HUF | 432.000 | 288.000 | 216.000 | 172.800 | 144.000 | 124.800 | 108.000 | 96.000 | 86.400 |
| Advanced reading seminar, fee/class in HUF | 21.000 | 14.000 | 10.500 | 8.400 | 7.000 | 6.000 | 5.250 | 4.700 | 4.200 |
| Advanced reading seminar, fee/full course in HUF | 252.000 | 168.000 | 126.000 | 100.800 | 84.000 | 72.000 | 63.000 | 56.400 | 50.400 |
REGISTRATION FORM
Please complete this form to apply, selecting all options that are suitable for you. You are welcome to provide any additional information, questions, or remarks in the comment field. The final format and schedule of the courses will be determined based on participants’ preferences. All registrants will receive an email with the details prior to the start of their course.
By registering you accept our Terms and Conditions.
Previous courses
In the late spring of 2026, Palladion is offering a six-week course in ancient Greek at intermediate level. The course is hybrid, available in-person in Budapest, and open to participants at any location via the Zoom software. The course is in Hungarian.
What are the objectives of the course?
The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of Greek grammar and strengthen their reading skills. It is intended for those with a basic knowledge of ancient Greek (see below), and prepares them to participate in Greek reading seminars in the future or to read original Greek texts on their own.
What does the course look like?
This is a hybrid course, held in Budapest and accessible worldwide via Zoom. Each 75-minute session (held twice a week) begins with a brief review and discussion of the assigned homework, which mainly consists of grammar exercises. Regular homework is an integral part of the course; participants should expect to spend roughly twice as much time on preparation as they do in the online sessions themselves. For online participation, a computer (rather than a smartphone) and a stable internet connection are required, as all participants will need to follow shared materials (especially the whiteboard) on Zoom.
What is the course about?
The course is based on Chapters 8 and 9 of the coursebook Reading Greek (Joint Association of Classical Teachers, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2007). These chapters present adapted passages from classical Greek literature, accompanied by vocabulary and grammatical explanations tailored to learners. The material focuses primarily on Greek comedy, especially excerpts from Aristophanes’ Birds and Wasps. Key topics include the use of Greek cases, an introduction to moods (with particular attention to the optative), basic syntax, as well as participles and infinitive forms. In addition to the coursebook material, we will read short passages from original Greek texts to observe the diversity of the ancient Greek language (dialects, periods, and styles) and to prepare students for the challenges of reading works of ancient authors in the original.
Who can participate?
The course is open to everyone with a basic knowledge of ancient Greek (at least one year of study). We expect students to be familiar with the three declensions; the present, imperfect, and aorist tense indicative conjugation in active and middle voice; the personal, demonstrative, interrogative, and indefinite pronouns.
Ancient Greek Reading Seminar 2026 Winter
Sophocles: Philoctetes
„… I see with mortal men
the tongue, not action, rules in everything.”
The Palladion Reading Course of Winter 2026 proposes a fresh examination of one of the most polyvalent classical tragedies, Sophocles’ Philoctetes. Written in Athens during the late – but not yet fatal – years of the Peloponnesian War, the play revisits the world of Homer by bringing on stage three celebrated heroes of the Trojan War: Odysseus, Neoptolemos, and Philoctetes. However, the playwright looks at the bygone events through such a strong moral lens that the heroic acts of Homeric reality evoke pressing dilemmas of contemporary Athenian politics and philosophy, as well as fundamental aspects of human existence: obedience and integrity, choice and responsibility, fate and free will.
During the course, we will read and discuss key scenes of the drama: the dispute of Odysseus and Neoptolemos over the means of obtaining the famous bow, the encounter between Neoptolemos and Philoctetes, the rise of hope followed by painful disillusionment, Neoptolemos’ transformation from Odysseus’ companion to Philoctetes’ admirer, and finally, the protagonist’s desperate protest against his fate. Through close reading, the course aims to observe the motives and reasoning behind human actions, and to understand how the web of lies woven by the witty Odysseus to hunt down the lonely Philoctetes becomes in fact a catch for the honest but naïve Neoptolemos.
The reading course is open to any participants with a sound knowledge of Ancient Greek morphology (declensions, conjugation of ω-verbs, and basic vocabulary), and some prior experience in reading Ancient Greek texts. Throughout the course, we will read, analyse, and interpret selected dialogues, speeches and choral songs of the drama, with an emphasis on precise grammatical analysis and careful contextual interpretation. More advanced grammatical topics will also be introduced as needed, in response to the interests and abilities of the participants.
Suggested text editions to be used:
- R. C. Jebb (ed., introd., comm.): Sophocles’ Philoctetes. Cambridge University Press, 1898.
- S. L. Schein (ed., introd., comm.): Sophocles’ Philoctetes. Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics, 2013.
Suggested works about the Philoctetes:
- Oliver Taplin: The Mapping of Sophocles’ Philoctetes: Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies 34, 69–77.
- M. H. Jameson: ’Politics and the Philoctetes’: Classical Philology 51/4 (1956), 217–227.
- Charles Segal: ’Philoctetes and the Imperishable Piety’: Hermes 105/ 2 (1977), 133–158.
- Thomas M. Falkner: Containing Tragedy: Rhetoric and Self-Representation in Sophocles’ “Philoctetes”: Classical Antiquity 17/1 (1998), 25–58.
- Gordon M. Kirkwood: ’Persuasion and Allusion in Sophocles’ ‘Philoctetes’: Hermes 122/4 (1994), 425–436.
In the beginners’ Greek course we work through one chapter of the textbook Reading Greek (Joint Association of Classical Teachers’ Greek Course, 2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 2007) in each class. In addition, we read sentences or (very short) excerpts from ancient authors to highlight the diversity of the ancient Greek language (dialects, periods, styles) and to prepare students for reading authentic Greek texts. The grammar volume of Reading Greek is used for overview, memorization, and practice of the grammar introduced in each session.
Expected prerequisite knowledge: basic knowledge of noun declension (1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions); present-tense active and middle indicative verb conjugation; recognition of the forms of the most common pronouns (personal pronouns, demonstrative pronouns). This corresponds to the material covered in chapters 1–3 of Reading Greek.