©Damen, 2009

Classical Drama and Theatre

Classical Drama and Theatre
THEA 5290 (19679)
TR 1:30-2:45; Main 304

Mark Damen
mark.damen@usu.edu
Main 307
797-3786
Office Hours: MWF 12:30-1:30

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 and fed off of 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 and theatre into that of ancient history, society and thought.

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 the 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 Theatre: 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 from me 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 course work consisting of homework preparation, in-class presentations, research activities and a variety of 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, these will constitute the final grade (click on the links below to read more about each type of project/assignment):

The nature of specific assignments is discussed in the section entitled "Class Projects and Grading." Missed assignments will count as zeroes. No make-ups will be given. Only work turned in to me at the time of (or before) its due date will receive full credit. Late work will be reduced by twenty-five percent for every day (24-hour period) it comes in past the deadline, including weekend days and holidays. All written work must be typed and look professional. Cheating, plagiarism or academic dishonesty of any sort and to any degree will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. If you are unfamiliar with the University's definition of academic dishonesty in any respect, please read item 3 of the section entitled "Academic Honesty" on page 110 of the Fall Schedule of Classes. Incompletes will not normally be given. No Final Exams will be given before or after the scheduled time (see 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.

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.

Qualified students with disabilities may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, 797-2444 voice, 797-0740 TTY, or toll free at 1-800-259-2966. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print or digital) 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.