Greece 2001: Suggestions for
Effective On-Site Reports
University of Arkansas
A. Identify your site and compile a bibliography.
1) Skim handbooks treating your site
2) Check what the ancients said about your topic. Pausanias’ Description
of Greece, and commentary by J. G. Frazer
3) Locate an up-to-date atlas or topographical dictionary to get an overall
sense of your site, and scour it for bibliography. Check out The Princeton
Encyclopedia of Classical Sites, J. Travlos, Pictorial Dictionary
of Ancient Athens.
4) Consult our trip bibliography for Greece 2001.
5) Consult Daniel Levine and George Paulson for other help.
B. Research your topic.
1) Read original excavation reports, books, articles which mention your
site, and the latest works.
2) Identify problems inherent in your topic. What is in dispute?
3) What are the recurring themes in the articles and books you read?
What do scholars focus on?
C. Report Preparation
1) Focus your report on the most significant aspects of the topic. Tell
the group why we came 6,000 miles to see this site/monument.
2) Answer the basics: where? when? why (function)? how? (plan, style,
tactics). MOST IMPORTANT: Why is your site/monument important in the overall
history of Greek civilization?
3) Try to relate your site or monument to other similar ones which we
will see on the trip.
4) Make photocopies of a one-page handout to distribute. Consult with
Daniel Levine and George Paulson on what to include.
D. Delivery
1) You will have a few minutes to orient yourself on the site, so you
will know where things are. We will help you get oriented.
2) You are the teacher. What must we understand about your topic? This
is your site; do it justice.
3) Do not read your report. Use an outline, or note cards.
4) Speak to the group, not to the monument.
5) As you talk, point out relevant features of your site/monument.
6) Rehearse and time your talk; try to keep it to 20 minutes.
7) Make us remember your report!
Na matheis, kai na matheis!
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