LA 202 Section 001: Intermed Latin Read II
Spring, 2010
3 Credit Hours
Primary Instructor: Julia Borek
Core Designation: Humanities
Latin 202: The Catilinarian Conspiracy
Spring 2009
Instructor: Julia L. Borek
Office: 214 BB Comer
Class: MWF 10-10:50
Office Hours: W 3-4:30 or by appointment.
Office Phone: 348-9922
E-mail: jlborek@bama.ua.edu Please use this address if you wish to contact me.
Course webpage: Look for the course webpage under E-learning on the Academics tab of your myBama page.
Course Description: We will read in Latin Sallust's Bellum Catilinae and part of Cicero's In Catilinam I. We will also discuss the historical background and perspectives on this important episode in late Republican Rome.
Course Objectives: We will concentrate on the translation of Sallust, but will also read in translation Cicero's speeches against Catiline, and discuss the legal, political, and historical implications of Catiline's actions, as well as rhetorical devices used by the respective authors. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will have acquired a basic vocabulary; strengthened and expanded his knowledge of Latin grammar; apprehended the political and historical background of the Catilinarian Conspiracy; learned about the cultural milieu of the late Republican period; and strengthened translation and interpretation skills in the Latin language.
General Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify key concepts in the arts and humanities to provide a broad perspective on the human condition. In particular we will focus on the historical tradition, the concept of a just war, governmental responses to action against the state, and man’s duty to himself and his country. Students will also be able to demonstrate effective written communication skills, both through short essays on literary and cultural topics and through translations. Oral communication skills will be strengthened through brief presentations, as well as regular translations and discussion.
Grade Distribution:
Participation 10%
Homework (oral & written) 20%
Quizzes 10%
Exams 40%
Final 20%
Homework:
We will translate approximately 30 lines a day, or 90 lines a week. Any translations we do not cover you are still responsible for on exams and quizzes – be sure you ask questions on any sections that gave you trouble! You should also be able to scan, as this will be on the exams.
Most homework will be oral, but some assignments will be marked “written”. This must be typed, double-spaced, and scanned, to be turned in during class. Please see instructions for oral and written homework for further information.
There are many proper names and terms that may be unfamiliar to you that will come up in the translations. You are responsible for knowing these! Just as you can’t translate without knowing the meaning of a word, you can’t understand the meaning of a passage if you don’t know the mythological or historical reference. The Oxford Classical Dictionary, as well as glossaries in your texts, will be invaluable resources.
Absences and Late Work:
You are allowed 3 absences without penalty. It is always best, however, to have any absence excused if possible. Tests and quizzes missed during unexcused absences may not be made up. The time and date of any make-up is at the convenience of the instructor.
Grading Scale:
98-100 = A+ 87-89 = B+ 77-79 = C+ 67-69 = D+ 59 and below = F
93-97 = A 83-86 = B 73-76 = C 63-66 = D
90-92 = A- 80-82 = B- 70-72 = C- 60-62 = D-
Classroom Etiquette:
No talking during class. Private conversation cannot and will not be tolerated.
No reading the newspaper or other extraneous material during class.
No arriving late or leaving early. This WILL affect your attendance/participation grade.
Turn off cell phones and electronic devices before entering the classroom. No texting!
Honor Code:
All students in attendance at The University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University of Alabama expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. Each student is expected to read the Academic Honor Pledge. The pledge reads as follows:
I promise or affirm that I will not at any time be involved with cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or misrepresentation while enrolled as a student at The University of Alabama. I have read the Academic Honor Code, which explains disciplinary procedures that will result from the aforementioned. I understand that violation of this code will result in penalties as severe as indefinite suspension from the University.
A full statement of the UA Academic Honor Code may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. All instances of academic misconduct will be referred to the Dean’s office for adjudication.
As this is a language class, please note that any translation or other work handed in that is not original to you is prohibited, and will be treated as a violation of the Honor Code.
Attendance and Participation:
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION ARE MANDATORY. Attendance will be taken each day. You may miss 3 classes with no penalty. A valid, written excuse is necessary for an absence to be excused. Each unexcused absence beyond 3 will result in a 1 point reduction from the final grade.
Recommended Texts: Any Latin grammar and dictionary.
Cicero: Selected Political Speeches, ed. by M. Grant, Penguin Classics.
Sallust: Jugurthine War, Conspiracy of Catiline, ed. by A. J. Woodman, Penguin Classics.
General Recommendations:
Attendance in and daily study outside of class are essential components for success.
Bring your books and syllabus to class daily.
Please read and study the vocabulary before preparing the Latin exercises.
Make use of office hours.
All students in attendance at the University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help, or conspiracy to help, another student.
The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.
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