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CLA 228 Roman Civ.
Syllabus Spring 2014
CLA 228 Roman Civ.
Syllabus Spring 2014
Dr. Victor A. Leuci
Kamm, Anthony The Romans: An Introduction. 2nd edition. New York: Routledge. 2008. Print
C. Scarre. The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome. New York: Penguin. 1995. Print.
Shelton, Jo-Ann. As the Romans Did. 2nd edition. New York: Oxford Univ. Press. 1998. Print.
Website accompanying Kamm's text: click here
The course is a survey of ancient Roman life and thought. Our goals are to:
(Tier II: Historical Perspectives.)
As stated in the course objectives, Roman Civilization 228 provides students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the ancient Roman 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. Much of this will be accomplished through the study of certain "archetypal" individuals from the time period covered. Students should also gain insight into ways their culture is similar to and different from the ancient Roman culture. It is intended that students will acquire a deeper understanding of the breadth of our human experience and heritage over the expanse of Roman history. Also intended is the understanding of the interrelationships of the political, social, artistic, cultural, intellectual, religious, and scientific aspects of life in ancient Rome. Finally, it is expected that students will gain a greater respect for other peoples and cultures because of their study of ancient Roman 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.
Different types of writing will be part of the course: short papers and exams that are predominately essay. Six short papers will be assigned as a means to help participants come to a better understanding of important themes, ideas, and concepts. Several of the short papers will be revised based on a conference with me or with a tutor from the Writing Lab (see below for more details). 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 tutors, who can be of tremendous assistance.
Note: when turning in the final copy of a paper, the draft with comments by me and/or the writing lab tutor must be turned in at the same time -- it goes without saying that the "suggestions" noted on the draft must be incorporated in the final version of the paper for it to count as revised.
Option 2:
The course will consist of both lectures and discussion. More than two unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences.
Exams: 4 total; 70 points each; your lowest score will be dropped.
Papers: 6 total; 30 points each; your lowest 2 scores will be dropped; 600-1000ish words in length. These may form an important part of class discussion. Extra option: count all 4 exam scores and 2 paper scores (i.e. dropping 4 papers but keeping all 4 exams).
Final: The final is exam 4 (see above).
Class Participation: 30 points. There may be posts in a class discussion folder in Moodle required for certain assignments. Posts or other types of assignments are required for all excused absences -- check Moodle for what will be required.
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).
check pdf in Moodle or the Student Life Handbook for the following: ADA/Equal Access Policy, Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, College Duty, Emergency Procedures.
In-class version: The exams will be a combination of fill-in the blank and/or matching (20 pts) and one essay (50 pts). The essay must be well written in standard multiple paragraph format and replete with pertinent facts to support your thesis. The length for the essay should be 400-600 words --i.e. one to two full pages depending on how large you write, what type of margins you use, etc. -- but the key is an essay with a good thesis and good supporting facts. A review sheet will typically be available as an html file in Moodle and as a link from the syllabus one week before the exam as an aid in your preparation.
Take-home version: You may choose a take-home option on exams 3-4. This will involve writing either one 1200-1800 word essay or two 600-1000 word essays. The topics for these essays will be provided at the same time and places as the review sheet for the in-class exam.
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 suite. 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 in-text citations. Direct quotes should comprise no more than 20% of your total words.
Formatting::
Submission:: A paper copy is due at the beginning of the class period (failure to turn in a paper copy will result in a two letter grade deduction for that paper unless there are extenuating circumstances). An electronic copy of each paper is also required and should be submitted within 24 hours of the due date for the paper copy; note that there is a four letter grade deduction for failure to submit an electronic copy.
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 5 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.
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.
Reading Assignments from:
Reading Assignments from:
Reading Assignments from:
Reading Assignments from: