©Damen, 2012

Classical Drama and Society

Classical Drama and Society
CLAS 3160 (44239) / HIST 3160 (44244)
TR 10:30-11:45; Main 301

Mark Damen
mark.damen@usu.edu
Main 307
Office Hours: MWF 11:30-12:30

Purpose. The purpose of this class is to review and analyze the nature and function of ancient Greek and Roman drama in its theatrical, historical and social context. We will discuss all the major dramatists from classical antiquity whose works are preserved entire and, as time permits, glance at the fragmentary remains of their and other less well attested authors' drama. Through all of this, our goal will be to reconstruct as fully as possible the evolution of ancient play-making. We will focus especially on how the microcosm of theatre in antiquity fed off of and fed the larger political, philosophical and economic communities around it. All in all, it will be our aim to integrate, as broadly as possible, the picture we receive of classical drama into that of ancient history, society and thought. Throughout this class we will address the learning outcomes of the History Department.

Texts. All materials for this class are available on line at the web site for my classes. If you're reading this, it seems safe to assume you found that web site.

• Chapters covering in detail the history of ancient drama;
• A Guide to Writing in History and Classics [henceforth, The Writing Guide].

Articles on Reserve. There are also optional reading assignments listed on the handout entitled "Classical Drama and Society: A Select Bibliography" (click here see the bibliography). These are not required but highly recommended for you to read, especially for those of you with an interest in the particular subject covered by the article. They also serve as the basis of Reactions (see Class Projects and Grading). The majority of these readings are available on electronic reserve through the web site of the USU library (click here to access electronic reserve). Others you can secure by visiting me at office hours or, if those are not convenient, by making an appointment. Please note that these works on reserve may not be included in your Annotated Bibliographies, Research Papers or any work outside of Reactions, unless you consult with me first.

Grades. Grades will be based on the individual student's selection of and achievement in course work consisting of tests, papers and other projects. The following are the possible sources for gaining credit in the class, including the maximum number of points awarded for each type of activity. When totaled, the points earned through these projects constitute a student's final grade:

The nature of each assignment is discussed below in Class Projects and Grading. Missed work will count as zero. No make-ups will be given. Work must be turned in as hard copy on or before its due date to receive full credit; late work will be reduced by 25% in total credit for every day (24-hour period) after the deadline, including weekend days and holidays. All written work must be typed, printed as hard copy, and look professional in order to receive credit. I will not accept any work via email or through any electronic means. Students must abide by the standards of Academic Honesty as stipulated in The Student Code. Incompletes will not be given except in strict accordance with University policy. No finals will be given before or after the scheduled time (see below, Syllabus).

Grading Scale. Final grades will be assigned according to the following scale. Numbers below refer to the total amount of points accumulated from the sum of all graded assignments.

Study Habits. Because this is a class that requires a good deal of reading and memorization, it is imperative that you keep up with assignments. Cramming leads directly to failure. See me immediately if you are having troubles staying up with the class. I mean this. I am ready and willing to help you, but I can do nothing if you do not come to me first. Use your tuition and tax dollars wisely and see me if you think I can help.

Required Recitation. Once early in the term (see Syllabus) I will meet with you in class to cover an important matter that pertains to your performance in this course but not its content directly, namely, the style of writing used by professional historians. In my experience even the best-trained and most insightful students benefit from a clear and forthright presentation by their history instructor of the expectations for written work in a particular class, which is what I will do at the recitation. I strongly encourage you to attend this recitation.

Returning Graded Materials. In order to ensure fair and equal treatment of all students, I will not return any materials until all assignments of the same kind have been graded. Unfortunately, that means there may be a delay in my handing back certain materials, in particular, Annotated Bibliographies, Individual Projects, Research Papers and other assignments entailing complex grading procedures. If you need to have materials graded and returned by a certain date to assess, for instance, whether or not you need to do other assignments in the class, please turn them in at least TWO weeks prior to the date on which you need to know your grade. That may involve your handing in certain materials significantly ahead of the designated deadline. But if your grade on a particular assignment is of that much concern to you, then you must give me the time to assess it properly. In other words, please do not ask me for your grade on any material the day after or even the week after you turn it in. Given the number of students and classes I am assigned this term, I cannot normally return graded work in less than two weeks. Please understand I will work to get assignments graded and back to you as efficiently as possible, but I must also work within the constraints of class size and with an eye to equality and quality for all.

Students with ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, (435)797-2444. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print, digital, or audio) are available with advance notice.

All of this is subject to change. Students are responsible for incorporating in this syllabus all alterations in scheduling, deadlines and assignments announced in class.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.