| Professor Gilbert
L. Gigliotti 304 Willard Hall 860/832-2759 gigliotti@ccsu.edu |
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Homer, Iliad
Hesiod, Theogony, Works and Days
Selections, Greek Lyrics
Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound, Agamemnon
Sophocles, Oedipus the King, Antigone
Euripides, Hippolytus
Aristophanes, Lysistrata
Lucretius, De Rerum Natura
Vergil, Aeneid
Horace, Odes
Description of Approaches and a Few Exhortations
Aiming at a thorough understanding of the texts written by the authors of classical
Greece and Rome, the predominant mode of instruction is class discussion (including
oral presentations, group work, and in-class
writing) accompanied by directed lecture. Due to the very cooperative approach
to learning, regular class attendance (no more than three absences) and participation
is greatly encouraged (and fully expected).
Nota Bene: Since this single course must allow the student to experience the
great depth and sweep of TWO complex and fascinating ancient literatures, students
should not take this class unless they are willing
and able to complete the many (and substantial) reading assignments in a consistently
timely manner.
All writing assignments will be evaluated using the Diederich Scale (see attached sheet).
All assignments are due ON THE DATES LISTED in the syllabus. Since these dates
are neither "suggested" nor "target" dates, please
plan accordingly. Unexcused tardiness will be penalized.
Grading
Paper I 10%
Paper II 15%
Paper III 20%
Thesis and Annotated Bibliography 5%
Final Exam 20%
Local Museum Project 15%
In-class writing 5%
Class Participation and Attendance 10%
Assignments
Paper I: A brief description and analysis (2-3 pages) of any contemporary
American appropriation of a classical Greco-Roman image, theme, or
story. The paper should discuss the source of the image or tale and
analyze its meaning within our culture.
Paper II: A focused examination (4-5 pages) of the use of a classical
literary form by any British or American author. The central question of
the paper should be: How does the authorÕs employment of the classical
form reflect the writerÕs (mis)understanding of the ancients?
Assignments (continued):
Paper III: A researched literary discussion (10-12 pages) of some
significant aspect of one of the following works:
"The Shield of Heracles"
Sappho, a selected poem
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus
Euripides, Medea
Aristophanes, The Frogs
Catullus, a selected poem
Plautus, The Menaechmi
Ovid, The Metamorphoses
Juvenal, a selected satire
Seneca, The Apocolocyntosis of Divine Claudius
Thesis and annotated bibliography:
a focused and well-articulated statement of the topic for the research paper together with a targeted bibliography of appropriate and applicable sources. In addition, for each source, the student must write a brief summary (no more than three or four sentences) of the significant ideas and arguments presented by the author.
Local Museum Project:
An examination (3-4 pages) of any artistic rendering at a local museum or gallery of a Greco-Roman object or myth. The paper should relate both the original story as well as any modifications or adaptations fashioned by the artist and, possibly, necessitated by (or accommodated for) the age in which it was created.
Final Exam:
A comprehensive take-home test that focuses
upon the
comparison and contrast of Greek and Roman genres, authors, and texts.