Ancient Greek and Roman Humanities
Professor: Gina Bryan-Bortz
Email:
Class: Hum 2220 SummerB 201 *31357*
Time:MW11:30am-2:50 pm
Location: 8-245
Textbook:Culture and Values Vol.1, 8th Edition (Cunningham/Reich)
Additional required materials will be posted on Blackboard
Course Description
Integrated examination of dominant ideas in Western culture as expressed in art, literature, music, philosophy and religion. Covers period from Trojan War through Roman era, emphasizing development and influence of classical ideas. Students must demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments. Minimum grade of C required if used to satisfy Gordon Rule requirement.
Attendance
Regular attendance is necessary for successful completion of this course. Students are allowed the **equivalent** of four (4) absences during the semester. Upon the 4th absence, the student will be notified that a further absence will result in their withdrawal from the course. On the 5th absence, the student will automatically be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. A student will be marked absent if: they do not answer when their name is called, or if their signature does not appear on the sign-in sheet for that day; if they miss more than 15 minutes of class by arriving late or leaving early; or if they do not take the final exam. It is the attendance records of the instructor, not the recollections of the student, which will be consulted for proof of attendance/absences.
Exceptions will be determined on a case-by-case basis for extremely extenuating circumstances, such as, but not limited to, complications regarding pregnancy, lengthy hospitalization as a result of a major medical condition, or military service. Exceptions will require clear and precise documentation which should be provided in a timely fashion.
Student Assistance Program: Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get FREE and immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work.BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is also available.
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities, who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities.
Student Feedback on Instruction: Toward the end of the semester, you will receive an invitation through your Valencia email account asking you to complete the Student Feedback on Instruction (SFI), which provides me and the college with feedback on your experience in the class. The results are released only after grades are submitted and student names are not included in the results – your responses are completely anonymous. Please provide your feedback through the SFI before the deadline. I am always eager to learn from you so that I may continually improve the course.
Valencia wants all students to be successful in their classes. In this class section, use the “Thinking of Withdrawing” located above “My Grades” in Blackboard to help you avoid needing to withdraw. Go to to learn more!
Homework Assignments: All assignments are given a DUE DATE. Work is due ON THAT DATE. No late work will be accepted, except in the case of documented medical emergency.
Essays and Writing
This is a Gordon Rule course and requires 6,000 words of writing, along with a minimum grade of C, to satisfy the Gordon Rule requirement. To achieve this goal, THREEmajor essays, each 1500 words in length, will be assigned along with in-class writings and short essay test questions.
Revisions
One of the goals of this class is to develop your ability to write at the college level. As an instructor, I am committed to helping you with this goal. All assigned essays will be graded in a timely manner and you will be given one week to make corrections to potentially earn a better grade.
Plagiarism
The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th editionstates, "to use another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source is to plagiarize.Plagiarism, then, constitutes intellectual theft” (30). Examples of plagiarism are: not using quotation marks to designate direct quotes, not citing paraphrased or summarized information from an outside source, and copying or buying papers and essays and presenting them as one's own. Any paper found to be flagrantly plagiarized will receive an automatic F (score of 0), and the student will be given no chance for revisions. A second offense will lead to academic sanctions including, but not limited to, failure of this course. A citation error is not flagrant plagiarism, but presenting someone else’s ideas as your own is. For more information on plagiarism visit:
Classroom Behavior
This is a discussion-based class. Often, you will be presented with points of view that may conflict with your own. Academic debate is highly encouraged, but rude and offensive behavior toward any member of the classroom will not be tolerated.
Exams
The midterm and final exams will be comprised of short answer and essay questions. Exam questions will come from both the readings and the in-class discussions. Failure to follow test-taking guidelines or an unexcused absence on exam day will result in an automatic F (score of 0) for the exam. No makeup exams will be allowed.
Weekly Reading Assignments
You are expected to have completed all reading assignments BEFORE the start of class. Demonstrating you have done so during classroom discussions is essential to your success. The exams and written assignments will also center on these readings.
Grading Scale
A / 90-100%B / 80-89%
C / 70-79%
D / 60-69%
F / 0-59%
Comprehension Checks(3)- 33%
Exams (2)- 33%
Essays (3)- 33%
Schedule of Classes:
Week 1:
(June 20Only) Class introduction; Housekeeping; Writing reboot; Art; Music; Literature.
**Make sure you have purchased your textbook by the end of the first week!**
Week 2:
(June 25) Read Chapter One “Beginnings” for class meeting. PPTs will be posted to Bb. Comprehension Check. Short essay topic assigned.
(June 27)Short Essay #1 Due
Week 3:
(July 3 Only)Read Chapter Two “The Rise of Greece”. PPTs will be posted to Bb. Comprehension Check. **Selected readings from The Odyssey will be posted on Bb.**
Week 4:
(July 9) Mid Term Exam.Multiple Choice and Short Essay.
(July 11) Read Chapter Three Classical Greece and the Hellenistic Period. PPTs will be posted to Bb. Plato’s Forms; The Cave. Short essay topic assigned.
Week 5:
(July 16)Short Essay #2 Due, Comprehension Check.
(July 18)Read Chapter Four “Rome”. PPTs will be posted to Bb. Comprehension Check.
Week 6:
(July 23)In-class documentary and written analysis. TBA
(July 25) Short Essay #3 Due, Study Guide for Final Exam
Week 7: (July 30 only) Final Exam **Regular class meeting time and place.
*This syllabus is subject to change by the instructor at any time