Gorgon's head on a silver coin of Naples
permission to use image granted
Classics 227:
 

Greek Civilization
 

Fall 2004

The god Apollo on a gold coin of Syracuse
image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen, #3803

Instructor: Dr. Victor A. Leuci

Link: Web resources for Greek Civilization
 
  • Texts:
    • Objectives: The course is a survey of ancient Greek life and thought. Our goals are to: Relationship to the General Education Curriculum:Greek Civilization 227 satisfies one of the two courses required within the Historical Perspectives Context of Tier II. As stated in the course objectives, Greek Civilization 227 provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the ancient Greek culture and daily life, learning how it evolved politically, socially, culturally, and economically over time. Mastering an understanding of a culture’s art, architecture, literature, philosophy, science, economics, politics, and religion offers opportunities for reflection on varying cultural, social, and historical traditions including work, family, voluntary associations, government. The course will also foster an awareness of the role of values in decision making, search for meaning and identity, and the ethical issues of society. Students should also gain insight into ways their culture is similar to and different from the ancient Greek culture. It is intended that students will acquire a deeper understanding of the breadth of our human experience and heritage over the expanse of Greek history. Also intended is the understanding of the interrelationships of the political, social, artistic, cultural, intellectual, religious, and scientific aspects of life in ancient Greece. Finally, it is expected that students will gain a greater respect for other peoples and cultures because of their study of ancient Greek civilization. Through this course, students will develop a propensity for historical methods of study that lead to an understanding of patterns and meaning in history. The teaching and use of historical methods will be key for much of the above discussions, examinations, and analysis. It is expected that the students will be able to reach and defend their own positions based on careful analysis of primary sources (keeping in mind that many of our ‘primary’ sources for this time period are, in fact, secondary to varying degrees) and thoughtful and judicious use of secondary sources.

    Writing-Intensive Option:Different types of writing will be part of the course: short papers and exams that are predominately essay (two of which must be the take-home versions). Seven short papers will be assigned as a means to help participants come to a better understanding of important themes, ideas, and concepts. The first short paper will be revised on the basis of a conference with me. Two other short papers must be revised on the basis of conferences with me and with a tutor at the Writing Lab. Note: when turning in the final copy of a paper, the draft with comments by me and/or the writing lab must be turned in at the same time--it goes without saying that the final paper must be revised based on the comments and conference(s) on the draft(s). A critique and conference after the completion of a paper may also occur. In general, participants in the class should highly consider using the services of the Writing Lab and especially the Lab tutors, who can be of tremendous assistance.

    Format:  The course will consist of both lectures and discussion. The class will occasionally be divided into small groups to treat discussion topics that will most often be based on readings from ancient authors. Short papers may be assigned based on the results of the small group discussions. These are especially designed to facilitate the learning of important details and concepts of the course. They may represent the first opportunity to come to grips with an important block of material or ideas which we will treat from several different perspectives or in several different contexts.

    Grading:

    Honor Code: All students and faculty must adhere to the Honor Code; please see the Student Life Handbook for the full description  of the Honor Code--p. 21 in the Student Life Handbook gives a short definition: "No Westminster student shall commit any act of academic dishonesty in order to advance her or his own academic performance, or to impede or advance the academic progress of others," but the sections on plagiarism and cheating are especially important (see Honor Commission Constitution, Article IX).

    ADA Accommodation: Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.  At that time, we can discuss the course format, anticipate your needs, and explore possible accommodations. Westminster's ADA policy can be found at the College's website (click here)

    Exams:


    Papers:

  • Content: Each short paper will focus on a specific question based on your readings or possibly on a web site. The questions will typically be narrow in focus, and your paper should follow suit. The thesis you maintain in your paper should be supported with facts from the readings and from quotes where appropriate, both the facts and the quotes need citations. The paper, however, should not be one long quotation.
    • Attendance:  Regular attendance and participation are essential for the success of the whole class.  More than two unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence past two will result in a deduction of 6 points from the total number of points one has at the end of the semester. If you are ill, e-mail me before class, if possible, or as soon as you are able.

    Assignments:  The assignments given below are not "set-in-stone," and may vary depending on how each class period goes. The syllabus will be updated as needed.

    Unit I: From the Stone Age to the Archaic Age

    Unit II: From the Archaic Age to the End of the Peloponessian War Unit III: From the Fourth Century to the Hellenistic Age