INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL
STUDIES: GREECE (CLST 1003)
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
FALL SEMESTER, 2007
Professor Daniel B. Levine
ILLUSTRATION: From Herodotus Histories,
book 1, Croesus the Lydian king on the pyre at the order of Cyrus the Great
of Persia. Croesus remembers the words of the wise Athenian Solon, just
as the flames approach him. What can save Croesus now? (Attic red-figure
amphora, attributed to Myson, perhaps 500-490 BCE. Paris, Louvre.)
Welcome to Classical Studies 1003!
In this class we will look at the ancient Greeks through
Words and Dirt. Namely, the physical remains of their culture
which we find buried in the soil, and the literary creations which have
become the foundation of western culture. This class will require the students
to read, to write, to think, and to participate.
The professor will endeavor to combine lecture, class discussion, and reading
assignments to give students an impression of what these ancient people
were like, how they lived, and what they have bequeathed to us.
Daily Assignments (a.k.a.
‘Study Questions’)
In order to help students complete their reading assignments,
the professor has written “Study Questions”
which will form the basis of class discussions. These study questions
will be posted on the course web site. Students will hand in typed
answers to several of these Study Questions for each class.
The last digit of the University of Arkansas ID number
will determine which questions students will hand in. For example, students
with “4” as the last ID# digit will hand in written answers to
questions 4, 14, 24, etc. Students should type these answers and bring
them to class on the day they are due. Students may modify their answers
in class if they need to, without penalty. Answers will be graded on accuracy,
completeness, spelling, grammar, and clarity/insight. The professor will
not accept late answers. Each set of questions not handed in on time
will receive the score of zero (0). The professor will drop the three lowest
study-question scores for each student.
Student Presentations
“Classics in Our World”
Our language and culture is permeated by the classical
past. During the course of this semester, students in this class will present
some examples of the relevance of Classics to modern life and language.
In groups of two, students will make brief (2 minute) presentations in class,
telling about some word, expression, art form, or literary conceit that
we owe to the Greeks. The Professor will assign these words in the first
week of classes. Further explanation and list of words are here.
Language and culture are so closely interconnected! To
understand Greeks best, we should know their language. Since our time is
limited this semester, we will at least learn the Greek alphabet
as a step towards our goal of assimilating as much ancient Greek civilization
as we can this term. You will find the Greek alphabet (capitals and lower
case) as you will write it
at this site, and some practice exercises
here
(at the bottom of the page). Please write out the whole Greek alphabet
as I have written it — at least ten examples of each letter, upper and
lower case. It’s fun!
Students will use their knowledge of the Greek alphabet
at several points in the semester, including your presentations on Classics
in Our World.
Students enrolled in CLST 1003 H will complete all the
assignments for CLST 1003. In addition, they will meet with the professor,
and in consultation with him complete an honors project.
Grades
Grades in this class will be determined as follows:
(A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%)
25% Daily Assignments
(including Study Questions; Professor will drop three lowest scores)
15% Class Presentations and Participation (includes “Classics in Our World”, attendance,
active participation, and good citizenship).
20% Essay. NO
LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED. Look Here
for a description of the Iliad Essay Assignment, Due Monday, October
1, 2007 (not later).
20% Midterm Examination
(Examination #1) 28 September, 2007.
20% Examination #2
WORKING TOGETHER AND ACADEMIC HONESTY
I want you to work together. However, the products of student
work must be personal. That is, if you study together, do not copy what
your study partner has written. The main point is that you do your own work,
and do not steal someone else’s. Identical work will arouse the suspicion
of academic dishonesty. If you have questions about the University’s policy
on Academic Honesty, look in the University of Arkansas Catalog.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Please use the following editions, as the daily
study questions will be based on these editions. Also, bring the relevant
book to class with you when we will be discussing its material. Thanks!
- THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF GREECE
(Cornell) second edition. William Biers. - ILIAD HOMER (Hackett) Stanley
Lombardo, translator. - HESIOD WORDS AND DAYS & THEOGONY (Hackett) Stanley Lombardo, translator.
- THUCYDIDES PELOPONNESIAN WAR (Hackett)
Steven Lattimore, translator. - HERODOTUS THE HISTORIES (Oxford)
Robin Waterfield, translator. - AESCHYLUS ORESTEIA (Hackett) Peter Meineck, Translator.
- ARISTOPHANES CLOUDS WASPS PEACE (Loeb Classical Library,
Harvard U Press) Jeffrey Henderson, translator.
REACHING ME
My office hours are MWF 1:30 -2:20, and by appointment,
in Kimpel Hall 502. I want to be available to you. My office telephone is
575-5937, and my home number is 521-3294 (only before 9:00 PM, please).
Other ways to reach me: FAX: 575-6795; email: dlevine@uark.edu.
You may send me things by Campus Mail to “D. Levine, Foreign Languages,
KIMP 425.” You may also leave messages in my mailbox in Kimpel Hall
425. (Department of Foreign Languages).
Inclement Weather Policy
When the University is open, I will meet classes. If serious
weather prevents a student from making it to class, I will permit that student
to make up the day’s work without penalty.
I look forward to exploring the world of ancient Greece
with you!
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