Yes, speaking and hearing ancient Greek is a good thing. And now – a workshop specifically designed to grow oral fluency in Koine Greek, run by the Biblical Language Center. Teaching Greek in Greek at the rate of natural speech offers advantages in efficiency, attainment levels, and broader student success throughout the various stages of language learning. However, there is a prerequisite to build our skills in this area of rapid, classroom communication in Greek. This workshop is designed to help Greek teachers bridge a gap from typical Greek training to the needs of immersion methodologies.
Second Language Acquisition studies have shown that speaking a language is a catalyst for truly internalizing a language. In addition to maximizing internalization, the workshop will also work on skills necessary for effectively applying Communicative Language Teaching methods to the classroom. The workshop will be run “immersion” style, with the entire day, 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM, including lunch, taking place in Koine Greek. Both full group sessions and several smaller groups with ‘facilitators’ will provide maximum personal attention and practice.
Dates: Wednesday August 3 (6PM) to Thursday August 11 (11:30 AM), 2011.
Location: California State University, Fresno (CSUF), Fresno, CA.
The workshop is sponsored by the Biblical Language Center and Fresno Pacific University.
Cost: $1070 (including registration fees and accommodations, with early registration rate)
Accommodations: The workshop will be held on the campus of California State University – Fresno. Participants will be housed in the student-housing suites and will benefit from having access to university’s numerous services (internet access, fitness gym, pool, library, health center, etc.). The suites are air-conditioned and comprise a small living area with an adjoining bedrooms and washroom. The living area is comprised of a sofa, table, and is equipped with a small fridge, microwave and TV. Towels, linens and pillows will be provided. In addition to several eateries on campus (Starbucks, Panda Express, Subway, etc.) there are also several small shopping malls and restaurants within walking distance. Fresno is in the center of California’s San Joaquin Valley and is the gateway to three national parks, including Yosemite.
Price list:
- Registration: $750 (until Apr 1st; $825 until May 1st; $900 thereafter)
- Accommodations (double occupancy; lunch included): $320
- Accommodations (single occupancy; lunch included): $550
- Lunches only (required for local participants not requiring accommodations): $80
- Lunch for the last day, Thursday August 11: $10
- Breakfast add-on (for entire stay from August 4-11, non-refundable for missed meals): $65
- Supper add-on (for entire stay from August 3-10, non-refundable for missed meals): $100
Lunch meals will be taken together in the university’s cafeteria as they are an integral part of the workshop. The cafeteria is smorgasboard-style with multiple options to suit various tastes and diet requirements. For breakfast and supper, participants are on their own but can opt to also have them in the cafeteria for an additional cost as listed above.
Registration:
- Registration deposit: $300
- Registration deadline: July 12th
- Full payment deadline: July 12th
Please note the early registration discounts listed above for registering early. The deposit itself is non-refundable (unless one registers after the workshop is already full, in which case it will be refunded in full) but is applied to the balance due.
NOTE: For the purpose of maximizing the effectiveness of the workshop, space will be limited. Generally speaking applicants will be accepted on a first come first served basis. However, since the workshop is aimed primarily at Greek-teaching faculty, priority will be given to them until March 1st. Other applicants (graduate students, TA’s, pastors, etc.) will receive confirmation of their acceptance on that date with priority given to those who applied the earliest. Should the workshop already be full and an applicant not be accepted, their deposit will be refunded in full.