CLASSICS 30. Greek and Latin Elements in English Vocabulary (aka Word Roots)
(3 Units)
Valentina Popescu, Lecturer (vpopescu@ucdavis.edu)
Approximately 65% of English vocabulary comes from Greek and Latin. If we consider the specialized terminology of law, medicine, biology, and other sciences, this share goes as high as 90%. By learning the ancient elements that combine to form English words, students will dramatically expand their understanding of the English language and their ability to use it effectively in speaking and writing.
A workbook helps students memorize word elements and expand their English vocabulary. Classroom workshops demystify the rich offerings of a good English dictionary while also reviewing grammar and the structure of English sentences. Lectures introduce the history of the English language and tell the stories of unusual (sometimes downright weird) word origins.
This class emphasizes words useful for the study of biological sciences.
Grading: Weekly Quizzes, Short Homework Exercises, and Final Exam.
Prerequisite: None. (Knowledge of Greek and Latin NOT required.)
GE credit (New): Arts & Humanities.
Textbook:
- Waldo E. Sweet and Glenn M. Knudsvig, A Course on Words (Univ. of Michigan Press, 1989)