Humanities 101
Fall 2008
Dr. Stratton
Humanities 101
Introduction to the Humanities I
Ancient Greece and Rome
Room 121
11:30 Daily
“Not only the way we think, but what we think about, we owe to the Greeks,”
Martin Heidegger
Texts: The Greek Way, Edith Hamilton and Roman Poetry, ed. Dorothea Wender
Instructor: Jon Stratton
WHAT THE CLASS IS ABOUT
This course is an introduction to the debt the world owes ancient Greek and Roman
artists, writers, and thinkers. We will read one of the most respected books on the
Greeks, The Greek Way by Edith Hamilton. We will read selections from Homer’s Iliad,
as well as the Roman poetry of Ovid and Lucretius. During the course we will focus on
two distinct, yet related ancient cultural forces that have had enormous influence in the
shaping of our own world; the classicism of Ancient Greece and the Romanticism of
ancient Rome.
The classical approach to the world focuses on realism, reason, and tradition. The
romantic approach focuses on imagination, feeling, and novelty. Of course all
civilizations – including those of ancient Greece and Rome – have classical and romantic
elements. However, it is not difficult to recognize the emphasis on the classical by the
ancient Greeks and the emphasis on the romantic by ancient Romans.
HOW THE CLASS WORKS
There are five components of the course; lectures, reading, viewing, writing and
discussion.
 Lectures last the entire period and take place about ten times during the
quarter.
 Reading assignments are given on a weekly basis; you will be given study
questions – usually one or two – to discuss and turn in when the reading
assignment is complete.
 Viewing movies and documentaries takes place about six times during the
quarter.
 Written assignments are usually limited to one page.
 All written assignments and lecture notes are discussed in class. You will
learn a lot by participating in class discussions.
Humanities 101
Fall 2008
Dr. Stratton
ASSIGNMENTS and GRADES
 Word for the day assignment. Every day a word is written on the board.
Students bring a definition and sentence using the word to class the next
day and turn it in as they enter the room. This is never accepted late.
These are not returned. They are graded A only if the sentence and
definition are appropriate and complete. If either is incomplete a B or C
grade will be given. If no definition and sentence is provided, the grade
will be C or D, depending on the quality of the work. If nothing is turned
in, you earn an F for the day. Every two weeks, objective quizzes are
given on the words. The final exam will also contain objective questions
on the words. While it is acceptable to merely “Google” the word of the
day, success on quiz and exam questions will require understanding that
goes beyond the simple definition and sentence turned in for the
assignment. Make sure that you retain a copy of your word of the day
response; since they are not returned, you will need your own copy for
study purposes. You must be present in class to receive credit for the
word of the day assignments. The word for the day assignment counts for
25% of your grade.
 Word of the Day Quizzes are given every other Friday. They are very brief
objective quizzes on the words of the day. The five quizzes count as 10%
of your final grade.
 Viewing reflection questions. There are about six of these assignments
during the quarter. You are asked to respond in writing (word processed)
to a question given at the beginning of the viewing period. Your response
is due when the viewing is complete. The class will discuss the responses.
Viewing reflection questions count for 25% of your grade
 Reading question assignments on The Greek Way and Roman Poetry as
well as other readings ask for your written thoughts on a specific question
in relation to the reading assignment. You usually have four or five days
to read and write the assignment. Reading question assignments count for
25% of your grade.
 The final exam, as noted above, will ask objective questions on the words
of the day. In addition, one or two short essay questions will be on the
exam. The final exam counts for 15% of your grade.
 Reflection questions will be sometimes assigned after lectures and other
classroom activities. These are not graded. Your written responses will
be used for classroom discussion.
Important things for your success
 Attend every class session. Do not cut this class, ever. If you are planning on not
coming to class every day, you should drop early and get your money back from
the business office. If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes
or other materials from students in the class. If you know you will be absent on
Humanities 101
Fall 2008
Dr. Stratton
specific dates, you should arrange with Dr. Stratton about a week in advance to
turn in assignments. The word of the day assignments may (or may not) be
excused when you give advance notice, depending on the reason you will be
absent.
 Class sessions are work sessions. Arrive on time, be prepared, and participate.
 Turn in your assigned work on time. Late written work cannot earn a grade
higher than C, unless prior arrangements or emergency conditions apply.
 Turn off cell phones.
 Avoid distracting behavior (for example, leaving the room once class has started,
whispering, eating, or making distracting comments). Keep in mind that this
course is important to everyone in it. Your fellow students have paid tuition (over
$400) for this course with the intention of learning about our cultural heritage,
earning Humanities credit, and graduating from WWCC. Dr. Stratton may lower
your grade considerably for any distracting behavior on your part.
 Turning in any work that is not your own will result in either failing or dropping
the entire course. Cheating is an exhibition of weakness of soul. Avoid it.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Students who feel a need for accommodation for disabilities of any kind should contact
the WWCC Disabilities Coordinator, Claudia Angus at 527.4543