LA 210B LATIN READINGS  (Roman Comedy)

                                                                                                                   Fall 2011

This semester LA 210B will read large parts of Terence’s Adelphoe and Plautus’ Curculio in Latin.  For comparative purposes we will also read four other Roman comedies in English translation. The course will emphasize:

1. the dramatic aspects of the plays;

2. the social background implied by the plays;

3. the Latin style of the two authors.

Texts of the Adelphoe and Curculio will be distributed in class. Please do not make any marks in your text since it will be used for quizzes. If there are any marks whatsoever in your text you will receive an F for the quiz.

After some brief introductory remarks we will begin our reading at the start of Act I of the Adelphoe (line 26, after the prologue).

Assignments:

At the end of each class session readings will be assigned for preparation for the next class.  Preparation means translating the assigned readings to the best of your ability, using the associated computer tutorial materials (see below) before you come to class.  You are responsible for all texts assigned in class, whether or not they are actually covered in the next class session. You are urged to work together in small groups preparing the assigned texts, though, of course, you will be personally responsible for the entire assigned text, whether you work cooperatively or individually.

There are computer tutorial materials at the Perseus website associated with the texts to be read.  You should use these tutorial materials as part of the process of preparing the translation, and not as a separate activity.  You will be penalized when your classroom responses indicate late or careless preparation of the assigned texts.

There will also be two small-group assignments, one comparing Terence’s plays, the other involving the study, in Latin, of a selected scene from a play not read in class. These assignments will be explained in class.

There will also be a take-home final essay comparing the plays read in class with the four other plays read in translation.

Grading:

There will be a brief (two-three minute) translation quiz on the first class day of each week during the semester, covering all texts translated in class since the last quiz. These translation quizzes will account for 50% of your semester grade.

Each of the small-group assignments will account for 15% of your semester grade.

The take-home final esssay will account for 20% of your semester grade.

Penalties for poor preparation, etc. will be assessed on your grade thus calculated.

To avoid surprises you should check with me periodically during the semester to see how you are doing.

Absences:

According to the University's Catalogue, "All students are expected to attend every scheduled class session. The impact of attendance on grading is specified in the syllabus." Because of the importance of classroom work in this course no more than six absences for any reason whatsoever will be allowed. Students with more than six absences may apply for a "Withdrawal" from the course; students with more than six absences who are not permitted to withdraw from the course will receive a failing grade.

Electronic Devices:

Use of a cellphone, texting device or similar personal communications gear during class is unacceptable. Please turn all such devices off before class begins. Computers, netbooks, etc. can be useful in class but their use in any way unconnected with the class (e-mailing, checking Facebook, etc.) is unacceptable since it prevents you from making your full contribution to the class, it distracts other students, and it is simply rude. If you violate these norms for the use of electronic devices you will be penalized (for failing to give your full attention to the class) and asked to leave (to remove the distraction to other students).

Housekeeping:

Professor Rosivach

DMH 126

Office hours: will be posted on the class website during the second week of classes.

e-mail: If you have any questions on any topic related to class, e-mail me and I will answer your question as soon as I am able. My e-mail address is rosivach@mail.fairfield.edu.

If you have to communicate with me for any reason, I would prefer that you use e-mail, not voice-mail. If you do use voice-mail, please do not expect me to return your call.

The website for this course is: http://faculty.fairfield.edu/rosivach/la210b.