The course aims to equip you with the background information and critical skills you need to be able to engage confidently with Greek literature in translation, with a particular view to the more specialised literary courses available in years 2 and 3. The emphasis is on learning to read independently with confidence and understanding across the whole range of Greek literary texts. Lectures offer a comprehensive historical and critical survey of classical Greek literature from Homer to Heliodorus; seminars and online activities help with hands-on reading experience. No previous knowledge is assumed, and all texts are studied in translation.