- Autumn 2018
Syllabus Description:
CLAS 101 A Latin and Greek in Current Use
Autumn 2018, T/Th 8:30-9:20 AM, CLK 219
Instructor: Emma Brobeck
Email: ebrobeck@uw.edu
Mailbox: Classics Dept. Office, Denny 262
Office: Denny Hall 400 K
Office Hours: T/Th 10:30-11:30 AM, and by appointment
Department Phone: 2065432266
Required Text:
- William J. Dominik, Words and Ideas (Bolchazy Carducci)
Recommended Reference Texts:
- Any reputable English dictionary with etymological entries, such as The American Heritage Dictionary (3rd ed.), or Webster’s New World Dictionary.
- The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is also available free online: go to http://lib.washington.edu/ and log in → “Start Your Research” → “Articles & Research Databases” → click “Oxford Dictionaries.”
Course Aims:
The aims of the class are twofold. First, we will seek to improve and increase English vocabulary through a study of the Latin and Greek elements in English, with emphasis on words in current literary and scientific use. The Latin and Greek elements learned in this course will help you better understand how many English words have evolved, and prepare you to continue expanding your English vocabulary well after the class is over. Second, we will examine the ever-changing relationship between language and ideas in order to better understand the continuing impact of classical Greece and Rome on modern culture. This course aims to give you a sense of the words, ideas, and stories that we have adopted from the ancient Greeks and Romans, and to help you identify classical influence when you encounter it.
Class Conduct:
Out of courtesy to your classmates and to me, please come to class on time and prepared to contribute. Cellphones and other such electronics must be silent or off. I strongly encourage you to take notes by hand — it will help you remember the material better. University conduct and scholarly integrity codes should be followed at all times.
If absence is unavoidable due to illness or other legitimate circumstance (e.g. family emergency, religious or cultural obligation, court date, university-sponsored competition or field trip), please contact me via e-mail to let me know before class. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed in class, to catch up on any missed homework, and to schedule make-ups for any quizzes or exams.
I cannot discuss grades during class or via e-mail due to university policy, but only during office hours and by appointment only. If a student has questions regarding assignments, tests, homework or any other matter, I will be more than happy to discuss that in my office.
Department Course Coordinator:
Professor Stephen Hinds, 262 Denny Hall, Department of Classics, Email: shinds@uw.edu
Grading:
Homework/Participation: Active classroom participation is important. The first step in participating in class is regularly attending. Beyond simply showing up, I expect everyone both to be prepared (by having read the assigned material and completed any homework assignments) and to participate actively in class discussions and activities. Completion of homework assignments will count for 30 points, as will regular participation in class, for a total of 60 points. Homework and participation account for a large portion of your grade – if you were to get a zero in this category, the highest course grade you could receive is a 3.1!
Quizzes: There will be three quizzes worth 80 points each given over the course of the term (see schedule below for dates). You will be given the whole class period to complete them. Make-up opportunities will only be given due to a legitimate absence, as defined above, and then only if the absent student promptly e-mails me to reschedule. I strongly recommend keeping up on relevant vocabulary from each chapter as we cover it by completing your homework and attending class; this will make preparation easier and allow you to get higher scores.
Final Exam: The final exam is worth 130 points (roughly 30% of the grade) and is cumulative. You may find the final exam schedule on the UW website; the exam for this class will be Tuesday, December 11 10:30-12:20. The final will only be administered at this time as per university policy – no exceptions. Final Examination Guidelines:
http://www.washington.edu/students/reg/examguide.html (Links to an external site.)
Grading Breakdown:
Participation (30) + Homework (30) = 60
Points Quizzes: 3 x 80 = 240
Final exam: 130
Total: 430 points
Grading Scale:
4.0: 430-411 3.0: 365-361 2.0: 315-311 1.0: 265-261
3.9: 410-406 2.9: 360-356 1.9: 310-306 0.9: 260-256
3.8: 405-401 2.8: 355-351 1.8: 305-301 0.8: 255-251
3.7: 400-396 2.7: 350-346 1.7: 300-296 0.7: 250-246
3.6: 395-391 2.6: 345-341 1.6: 295-291 0.0: 245 or fewer*
3.5: 390-386 2.5: 340-336 1.5: 290-286
3.4: 385-381 2.4: 335-331 1.4: 285-281
3.3: 380-376 2.3: 330-326 1.3: 280-276
3.2: 375-371 2.2: 325-321 1.2: 275-271
3.1: 370-366 2.1: 320-316 1.1: 270-266
- Note: in order to pass this class, you must receive 246 points or greater.
Schedule: All readings and assignments are due on the day they are listed on the syllabus.
Week 1: Introduction
Thursday, September 27
Introduction and Syllabus
Week 2: Mythology
Tuesday, October 2
READ Ch. 1, pp. 1-15 and Appendices I-III, pp. 251-256
Thursday, October 4
READ Ch. 2, pp. 19-25 and Ch. 4, pp. 75-99
Week 3: Medicine
Tuesday, October 9
READ Ch. 2, pp. 26-36 and Ch. 5, pp. 105-139
Thursday, October 11
HOMEWORK DUE: Ch. 4, pp. 101 Ex. 2 and Ch. 5, pp. 142 Ex. 4 (letters a-k)
Week 4: Latin Word Building
Tuesday, October 16
***Quiz #1 (Greek Word Building, Mythology, Medicine)***
Thursday, October 18
READ Ch. 3, pp. 45-48
Week 5: Politics
Tuesday, October 23
READ Ch. 6, pp. 145-164
Thursday, October 25
READ Ch. 3, pp. 49-63
Week 6: Commerce
Tuesday, October 30
READ Ch. 7, pp. 169-186
Thursday, November 1
HOMEWORK DUE: Ch. 6, pp. 165 Ex. 2 and Ch. 7 pp. 188 Ex. 4(d) 1-16
Week 7: History
Tuesday, November 6
***Quiz #2 (Latin Word Building, Politics, Commerce)***
Thursday, November 8
READ Ch. 9, pp. 227-246
Week 8: Philosophy
Tuesday, November 13
READ Ch. 8, pp. 191-206
Thursday, November 15
READ Ch. 3, pp. 63-65
Week 9: Ancient Calendar and Festivals
Tuesday, November 20
READ pp. 231
HOMEWORK DUE: Ch. 9, pp. 247 Ex. 1 & 2(a) 1-8 and Ch. 8, pp. 221 Ex. 1
Thursday, November 22
NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Day
Week 10: Psychology
Tuesday, November 27
***Quiz #3 (Latin Phrases, History, Philosophy)***
Thursday, November 29
READ Ch. 8, pp. 206-219
Week 11: Conclusion
Tuesday, December 4
In-Class Activity: Discussion of Cratylus and NPR article (I will send a link via email)
Thursday, December 6
Exam Review
Final Exam: Tuesday, December 11 10:30-12:20.
*I reserve the right to modify this syllabus.