CLAS 360 is a survey of myths and legends based on the works of ancient Greek (and a few Roman) writers.These authors will be our primary source of information.In addition to learning about myths and legends, we will also explore the ways in which these ancient yet timeless tales have made their way into our lives today

CLAS 360 fulfills a Segment II GE requirement in the “Humanities and Creative Arts: Area A - Masterworks in the Humanities and Creative Arts.”It also fulfillsa requirement in the Liberal Studies program, in “Area of Emphasis Beyond the Core: Area I, Communication, Language and Literature, Area A: Literature.”

In order to benefit from this class and to succeed in it, you should have good reading and writing skills.English 214 (or its approved equivalent) is a prerequisite for all upper-division courses.

General Objectives:

To read, discuss, analyze and compare classical myth within the Greek and Roman traditions; to understand the nature and function of myth in society; to explore the ways in which mythology illuminates ancient Mediterranean cultures.

Specific Goals:

To explore possible answers to the following questions:

1. What were some of the important myths and legends of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds (e.g., settings, characters, plots)?

2. What themes or ideas appear frequently in myths and legends?

3. What meaning or importance did myths and legends, gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, have in ancient society?

4. What relationship, or even what value, do these myths and legends have to our lives today?

Requirements and Grade Assessment:

Reading  A schedule of lecture and discussion topics and reading assignments is attached.In addition to assignments from the required texts, I will distribute additional material throughout the semester.Be sure to have the reading assignments completed before class discussion.If you miss any handouts, pick up what you missed during my office hours.

Unannounced in-class quizzes, writing assignments, participation (25%) - this work is done in class.Participation may include reading aloud and small group projects.If you are not present, you cannot fulfill these assignments.There is no “make-up” work or “extra credit.”I will not accept writing assignments due in class by e-mail, nor will late work slipped under my door or into my mailbox receive credit.These writing assignments are each worth 10 points and are usually a one-page essay on a topic related to course material.At the end of the semester, depending on the total number of points possible, I will drop your 2 lowest  grades.

Scheduled exams (50%) - see the assignment schedule.There are two exams, one at the beginning of Week # 3 and one at the end of the semester (to be given at the time scheduled for the final exam). The second exam will be on material covered during the second half of the semester. I do not give make-up exams, except in the case of a documented medical emergency.

Scheduled writing assignments(25%) - see the assignment schedule. There are two short, formal papers, of 3-4 pages each (Paper 1; Paper 2), based on specific topics and instructions that I will distribute during the semester.I do not accept late papers under any circumstances.

Attendance and timely arrival to class - if, on occasion, you are late in arriving to class, please be considerate enough to make your grand entrance as quietly as possible.

Space permitting, auditors are welcome but must enroll as auditors and obtain prior approval of instructor.

Required Texts:

Barry Powell, Classical Myth(fourth edition))

Last Words

The College of the Humanities requires that I alert you to the consequences of plagiarism:
        Plagiarism is a form of cheating or fraud; it occurs when a student misrepresents the work of another as his or her own.  Plagiarism may consist of using the ideas, sentences, paragraphs, or the whole text of another without appropriate acknowledgement, but it also includes employing or allowing another person to write or substantially alter work that a student then submits as his or her own.  Any assignment found to be plagiarized will be given an "F" grade.  All instances of plagiarism in the College of the Humanities will be reported to the Dean of the College, and may be reported to the University Judicial Affairs Officer for further action.
        These comments derive from the College of the Humanities - Plagiarism Resources.  Consult the Plagiarism Resources site for any questions you might have regarding how to know what needs to be cited.  You can also check out my homepage for related sites that demonstrate how to cite texts and web sites appropriately.  Look under "Resources for C/WL Majors and Minors."