Course Objectives
- To develop a basic understanding of the grammatical structure of the Greek language
- To master basic ancient Greek vocabulary
- To gain exposure to ancient Greek culture, literature, and history through the study of the language
- To become comfortable reading aloud, writing, and translating a foreign language
- To have fun while doing all of that!
Textbooks
- Reading Greek (texts)
- Reading Greek (exercises, vocabulary, grammar)
Assignments
Attendance and participation
Since we will all be members of a learning community this semester, enthusiastic class participation is essential. We will discuss what makes a positive learning environment for you during the first week of class. My own expectations for participation are:
- Informed, thoughtful, and respectful engagement in discussions, activities, and in-class assignments
- Listening to the professor and the other students
- Completion of homework and preparation of class materials
- One in-class presentation on an author, geographical area, or person related to the readings
- Daily attendance. More than three absences will severely affect the participation grade.
Quizzes
Students will take a 5-10 minute quizzes on vocabulary and grammar twice a week.
Exams
Students will take three exams in the course. Dates of exams will be announced in advance. They are not on the syllabus, because the pace of our progress through the course material will determine their timing.
Grading and Evaluation
Class participation will be graded according to the following criteria. More than three absences, or disruptive/disrespectful behavior will result in lower grades.
A Reserved for excellence.
B The student consistently completes homework, and the student’s contributions demonstrate consistent preparation of course materials. Student’s participation demonstrates competence in the material and understanding of the language expected at this level, even if pronunciation, translations, answers to in-class assignments, etc., are not always correct.
C Student has usually prepared for class.
D Student is at times unprepared for class and shows minimal competency in the language.
F Often attends class without completing homework and preparing for class.
Exams will receive percentage grades with corresponding letter grades. Quizzes will receive a cumulative percentage grade (with corresponding letter grade) for the semester.
Final course grades will be calculated as follows:
- Participation and attendance22.5% (including homework)
- Quizzes 22.5%
- First exam 15%
- Second and third exams 20% each
A student who does not take all three exams cannot pass the course. A student taking the course pass/no-credit must achieve at least the College-mandated grade of C- to pass the course.
Policy on Make-ups, Extensions, and Late Assignments
Quizzes cannot be made up. Make-up exams will be provided only in emergencies (e.g., death in the immediate family, severe illness, etc.) or with advance notice for unavoidable conflicts with another required university commitment (such as an athletic competition). Students with an emergency should contact the professor to make alternative arrangements as soon as possible. Athletes, debaters, etc., should provide me with a copy of their schedule of conflicts at the beginning of the semester.
Academic Integrity
I take academic integrity very seriously. As your professor, I pledge to be honest with you, and I hope that you will do the same for me as well as your peers.
Students are expected to understand and follow the University’s Honor Code. I encourage any student with questions about academic integrity, plagiarism, or the Honor Code to ask me for clarifications.
For this course, academic dishonesty includes any violations covered by the Honor Code (including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and lying to receive a higher grade), as well as submitting one’s own prior work for a new assignment—prior work from this course or another course, and prior work in whole or in part. (Specifically assigned revisions to paper drafts are exempt.) We will discuss plagiarism and citations in class.
Any alleged or suspected violations will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs. All students who violate the Honor Code will receive a minimum penalty of a zero for the assignment or exam; a serious violation will merit failure of the course.
Resources
Tutoring
Check with Dr. S to learn if there is a tutor available for Greek this semester.
Library Resources
- The Oxford Classical Dictionary, REFERENCE DE5.O9 1996. One of the premier reference sources for quick information about texts, authors, terms, concepts, historical events, and geography from the ancient classical world.
- Guide to the Ancient World, DE25 .G72 1986, a reference guide to place names in the classical world.
Internet Resources
Disability Resources
Any student with a physical disability or with a learning disability needing accommodations should register with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, in Bannister Hall. The office will assist with any needed accommodations. Please see me at the beginning of the semester to discuss needs for this course. The OSSD website is http://web.pacific.edu/x10591.xml. |
