GMU Classics-250 CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY - SYLLABUS:
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Instructor: Dr. Olga R. Arans (oarans@gmu.edu)
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Office: 234-B Thompson Hall.
TEXTS:
Required:
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S.L. Harris & G. Platzner, Classical Mythology: Images and Insights.
Mayfield Pbl., 1998
Recommended:
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Hesiod, Theogony; Works and Days. Transl. by M.L. West
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Ovid, Metamorphoses. Transl. by A.D. Melville
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E. Tripp, The Meridian Book of Classical Mythology (Dictionary of
myths)
Aim of the Course:
Classics 250 introduces students to the myths of
classical antiquity as the source of artistic inspiration and literary
genius of ancient Greece and Rome, which sets the foundation of the entire
Western civilization. The lecture-discussions will pursue the four distinct
targets of the course:
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Familiarity with the characters and stories of the classical myths, which
supply the endless and ever-adaptive arsenal of European arts, literature
and thought.
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Myths in the cultural context of ancient Greece and Rome.
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The elements of comparative mythology as a way of analysis of classical
myths.
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The basic theories of myth and their applications to the study of classical
mythology.
This course may be taken in partial fulfillment of the university's literature
requirement.
Format:
Classics 250 is an introductory-level course, and
prior acquaintance with the subject is not required. A large amount of
class time will, of necessity, be devoted to lectures outlining the contents
of classical myths; their archetypal nature, comparative analysis and modern
interpretations. Class sessions will occasionally be supplemented by visual
data on classical mythology.
Since the course is structured as lecture-discussions, students' participation
is encouraged, solicited and appreciated. Students, thus, are urged to
participate by posing questions, offering alternative or additional interpretations,
sharing perspectives or adding their own observations to the data discussed
in class.
Students' Responsibilities:
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Attendance: Since Classics 250 is organized on the basis of lectures
and in-class discussion (cf. above), there is no substitute for attendance.
For the record, attendance will be taken every class. Both attendance and
attention at all classes are essential for successful completion of the
course (i.e. any grade above D).
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Attentive and considerate class conduct: Please come to class on time;
do not bring food or drinks, and do not socialize in class. Food consumption
or talking during a lecture interferes with your attentiveness and distracts
your neighbors.
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Preparation and Review: Students' overall assignment, in lieu of small
homework assignments from class to class, is to read through the relevant
chapters in the textbook (consult the handout with the Thematic Outline),
before a particular topic is discussed in class. Since lectures focus
on the ideas underlying individual myths or figures, students must familiarize
themselves with stories and plots on their own. After a particular topic
has been covered, students should go over their class notes and the chapter
in the textbook once again, to solidify their knowledge and understanding
of the material. (This is also an excellent preparation for exams
and makes "cramming" unnecessary.) Students are responsible for all
materials dealt with in class and for the readings assigned.
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Taking Tests. There will be three tests of 30 minutes each and the Final
exam. All tests have to be taken at their scheduled times. Students with
learning disabilities who want to take exams at the Disabilities Support
Service Office must provide me with a copy of the Faculty Contact Sheet,
available from Disability Support Services, by the end of the second week
of the semester, and with the Test Form no later than five working days
before an exam.
Testing:
No term paper is required. All tests are based
on class lectures and assignments and will include identifications of names,
terms, concepts, etc. Outside aid in preparation for exams, such
as reviewing materials with others or additional readings, is perfectly
acceptable; however, no aid is permitted during any exam (cf. below under
Honor System). Students whose native language is not English and who foresee
difficulties understanding the English of the tests may receive permission
to use a dictionary (e.g. English-Spanish) if they explain their need for
a dictionary to me before the end of the second week of the semester.
Since grades in all Classics courses are exclusively
based on students' performances, you are yourself solely responsible for
your grade in this course. In effect, you -- and only you! -- grade yourself.
For the sake of fair treatment of all students, graduating seniors and
those who must maintain a certain grade point average, e.g. to keep a scholarship
or to be admitted to an advanced degree program, should not expect special
consideration from the instructor but should work particularly conscientiously
instead. The responsibility not to jeopardize your GPA or your graduation
rests solely with you.
Grading:
The three exams (non-cumulative) count 50 points
each; the Final Exam (comprehensive) counts 100 points. A grade of Incomplete
will be given only in accordance with university regulations.
Breakdown by percentages:
0-59% = F
60-69% = D
70-77% = C
78-79% = C+
80-82% = B-
83-87% = B
88-89% = B+
90-92% = A-
93-100% = A
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Weighted grade ingredients:
Intermediate exams average = 60%
Final Exam = 25%
Class participation = 15%
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The university allows only an instructor's
legitimate error as the basis for changing a course grade after it has
been submitted to the registrar's office. No later work can therefore
be accepted to improve a grade.
Honor System:
George Mason University participates in an honor
system which has existed in Virginia since 1842. The GMU Honor Code,
to which you have agreed to conform with your application for admission
to the university, provides that a student's word is a declaration of good
faith acceptable as truth in all academic matters. Specifically,
the Honor Code applies to all your written work submitted for a grade.
By putting your name to your exam you certify that you are the only person
who has produced the work you hand in. Students are expected, but
faculty is required to report violations of the Honor Code to the university's
Honor Committee. If you are caught, do not expect or ask for forgiveness.
Your
enrollment in this class constitutes your acknowledgment that you have
received fair warning that cheating, plagiarism, and other kinds of intellectual
dishonesty are unacceptable. For details of the Honor System and
Code consult the appropriate pages in the current Undergraduate Catalog.
A Final Note:
If I can be of any assistance to you, please do
not hesitate to get in touch with me. You are welcome to stop by my office
and chat about the field of Classical Studies and/or Humanities in general.
And take a look sometime at the GMU Classical Studies internet Homepage
at http://patriot.net/~lillard/cp/
with information on the program and a wealth of links to classical and
related sites all over the world (museums, universities, images, texts,
etc.)
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