Spring 2012
Dept. of Classical Studies
University of Richmond
Walt Stevenson
NC 214
Office Hours: MW 2:30-3:30 (or by appt.)
Syllabus
Course Description: Few poems have been read steadily for 2500 years. Fewer still have survived the burden of "classic" and continued to delight. Through the ages Homer's Odyssey has been loved as a code of heroic conduct, as an allegory for philosophical perfection, as an epitome of Greek religion, as an indictment of Greek morality, as an adventurous fable for children and a sweet reminiscence for the old, but always as the font of all that is worthy in the tradition of western poetry. This course will attempt to introduce students to the enduring appeal of the Odyssey through study of all aspects of the poem, but especially Homer's use of style and meter.
Requirements: Above all we will all need to read carefully each day's assignment. The main stress of this course is on discussing the Greek day to day. Students will compose their own mini-epic (we will each add a sentence per class in turns), complete occasional sight readings, write two short essays on a lexicographical and critical topic, and complete a midterm and final.
Grading:
• Class Participation : 10%
• Sight Readings : 10%
• Compositions 10%
• Essays: 20%
• Midterm Exam: 25%
• Final Exam: 25%
Texts:
Attendance: Since class participation is a significant graded percentage of this course, each class a student misses will detract from this grade. Several absences will not do permanent damage, but more than 8 (out of 42 meetings -- i.e. almost 20%) will be serious.
Honor Policy: Like any academic work at UR all work done for this course falls under the honor code. If you have any doubt what constitutes "unauthorized assistance," please come and talk to the instructor before trying it.
N.B. The instructor does not allow make up quizzes or tests under any circumstances, nor does he accept late work.
Last Modified Nobember 22, 2012