Spring 2008 Advance Course Information

This information effective for spring 2008. Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.

Latin

[LTIN-100]

100.Introduction to Latin Literature: Seneca’s Apocolocyntosis.

Instructor: H. Christian Blood
Office: Cowell 218
Hours: MWF, 11:00 a.m.–Noon, or by appointment
E-mail: hblood@ucsc.edu

Class Meetings:  MWF, 9:30 – 10:40 A.M., 165 J. Baskin Engineering

Course Description

Latin 100 has twin aims: to complete the introductory study of Latin, and then to read real Latin. Once we finish Wheelock, we will read Seneca’s short satire Apocolocyntosis (a.k.a. Ludus de morte Divi Claudii).

The first portion of the course, in which we finish Wheelock and celebrate with a cumulative examination, will proceed in a manner similar to classes with Dr.s Mercardo and Hamel (homework, quizzes, drills, translations). In the second portion of the course, we will spend our time translating in class, and we will have quizzes, homework and a final exam on reading Latin.
The work for this course will be demanding and time-consuming. We’re kicking it up a few notches but I’m confident the rewards of Latin will outweigh the pain. Students will be expected to arrive to class prepared to read the material by sight. The majority of students should expect to spend 2 to 3 hours prepping for each 1 hour in class. Please, I encourage you to visit my office hours if you are having trouble keeping up with the assignments.

Full attendance, preparation and participation are vital components of successfully completing Latin 100. Tardy arrivals and late departures will be counted, and 3 tardy arrivals or early departures will equal 1 absence. Missing even 1 class may leave you feeling behind; missing more than 2 classes will affect your grade; students who miss more than 3 class meetings are subject to failing the class. The sweet temptations of Spring Quarter-itis (and Senior-itis for some) must be fought. I will do my best to make class worth your while to attend. Please, I encourage you to see me during office hours if you feel the course is wasting your time.

Once class commences, please ensure that all electronic devices are off (not on “silent” mode) and in your bag, rather than on your desk.

Final grades for the course will be based on (1) quizzes, (2) the mid-term and the final exam, (3) in-class translation, and (4) attendance (but not in that order). A final grading scheme will be distributed on the first day of class.

Required Texts

In addition to the texts you already own (Groton and Wheelock), you will need to buy two texts, which will be available at the Literary Guillotine, 204 Locust St., Santa Cruz, CA (831) 457-1195.
Seneca Apocolocyntosis by Paul Roth. Bryn Mawr Commentaries.  ISBN 0-929524-51-9 (Required—Many editions of the text are widely available, but I am requiring everyone to use this one. It’s the best suited to the needs of this class, and it’s a steal at $8.95.)

Smith, William and John Lockwood. Chambers Murray Latin-English Dictionary. ISBN 0550190031. (Preferred—Numerous Latin dictionaries and lexica are readily available. Smith and Lockwood is preferred, especially if you plan to continue to study Latin after this course. If you know you will not take further Latin classes, any Latin dictionary will do.)

Latin 100 Projected Syllabus: Subject to Adjustment!

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