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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "LAT 282"
COURSE NAME: "Directed Readings in Latin"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall Semester 2012
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Betello Massimo
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 16:30-17:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: LAT 102 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
Thursdays 11.45-12.45 AM or by appointment (use email to contact me)
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
“The utilities we derive from the remains of the Greek and Latin languages are, first, as models of pure taste in writing. […] Second. Among the values of classical learning, I estimate the luxury of reading the Greek and Roman authors in all the beauties of their originals. […] Third. A third value is in the stores of real science deposited and transmitted us in these languages, to wit: in history, ethics, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, natural history, etc”
Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States.
This class is directed towards students who are interested in finally playing with an engaging and important Latin work written by one single Roman author, instead of translating a medley of lines of several ones. This approach will allow us to comprehend and discuss the stylistic and rhetorical choices of this one author, and to propose an appropriate English translation which should stay true to the meaning of the Latin text.
Besides, students will learn how and why this work was composed, the story of its author and which reasons guided his hands. In short, they will be able to appreciate the work within its literary and historical fabric, and not as an isolated and disconnected act.
Pre-requisites: LAT 102 or permission of the instructor. Students in this class are supposed to already have had a general overview of all Latin grammar. Grammar will be reviewed according to the need of the text and as deemed necessary by the instructor, but no systematic review of it will be done.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The general and politician Gaius Iulius Caesar (100-44 BC) was a crucial “actor” in the period which saw the collapse of the Roman republican system and the rise of an Imperial institution. Time has preserved Caesar’s memoirs (commentarii) not only about his conquest of Gallia (Commentarii de bello gallico), but also about the subsequent civil war between his army and that of Pompeus Magnus, the only other general and politician who could oppose him (Commentarii de bello civili).
In this course we will investigate such latter work.
This is such an interesting composition for so many reasons: how would you try to justify a civil war which you started? How would you describe your enemies but also fellow countrymen? How would you tweak your propaganda? Which words would you use and why? Can anybody be successful in trying to achieve such results? Students will see what Caesar did, and they will be given the tools to make up their own minds on such and similar questions.
Also, Caesar has been long considered an example of clarity and simplicity of style. We will see that this simplicity does not correspond to a plain and artless construction of the narrative: Caesar carefully selected what to write, and tries to elicit a series of specific reactions from the readers.
There will not be enough time to read/translate this entire work in Latin: only a meaningful choice of passages has been picked up on the basis of grammatical interest and for historical and rhetorical reasons. What we do not translate in class will be assigned as a reading in English (freely available at JCU library and on line at The Perseus Project).
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Taking this course will allow students to:
1) demonstrate an increased knowledge of Latin vocabulary,
2) have a stronger understanding of Latin grammar,
3) have improved proficiency in Latin translation,
4) be able to analyze, evaluate and discuss the rhetorical, stylistic and narrative choices operated by Caesar,
5) demonstrate a command of the events described in the text and of their location.
Important notes about the textbooks:
Caesar’s text in Latin: any publication year is accepted, as long as it is the right Series and Publisher. The book on the list below is also freely available on Perseus Digital Library. Students can use it provided that they print out and bring always to class all the parts assigned as translation during the semester (but please, do not waste paper).
Dictionary: students will need to use a dictionary in this class, and any good quality dictionary will do the job. JCU library has a few copies of Latin dictionaries for students to use, but students might want to have their own. Students can use an on-line dictionary, Apple apps, computer dictionary, or a physical dictionary.
If a student is interested in buying a dictionary and is unsure which one, I suggest the one appearing on the list below.
Batstone and Damon’s book: This book is also available as a KINDLE edition.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| C. Iuli Caesaris Commentariorum Pars Posterior Qua Continentur Libri III De Bello Civili : Cum Libris Incertorum Auctorum De Bello Alexandrino, Africo, Hispaniensi | Caesar, Julius, and Renatus Du Pontet | Oxford University Press | 978-0198146032 | | | | | |
| Caesar’s civil war | William W. Batstone, and Cynthia Damon | Oxford University Press | 978-0195165111 | | This book is also available as a KINDLE edition | | | |
| Cassell's Latin dictionary: Latin-English, English-Latin | Simpson, Donald Penistan | Cassell | 978-0025225800 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| Latin literature: a history | Conte Gianbiagio | Johns Hopkins University Press | 978-0801862533 | PA6008 .C6613 | |
| The civil war. Translated with an introduction and notes by John Carter | Caesar Julius, and John Carter | Oxford University Press | 978-0199540624 | | |
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| A Companion to Julius Caesar | Miriam Griffin (Editor) | Wiley-Blackwell | 978-1405149235 | | |
| Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges | Allen, Joseph Henry, J. B. Greenough, and Mahoney Anne | Focus Publishing | 978-1585100279 | | |
| Gildersleeve’s Latin Grammar | Gildersleeve Basil L., and Lodge G. | Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers | 978-0865163539 | PA2087.G5 | |
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Readings and in-classroom participation | Every student is supposed to come to class prepared and with the readings completed: they are essential to an active participation in the class, discussing the style, history, commenting on the materials, and voicing the students’ views. | 10 |
| Translation | Every time I will assign a translation, students are supposed to come to class with the translation handwritten (not typed) on a dated page(s) of his/her binder, together with the most important grammatical points annotated at the bottom. Please, do not write the translation or take notes between the lines of the textbook, use the binder instead.
I will randomly collect and check the assignments over the semester.
It would be essential that every student uses a ring binder, where to keep all the assignments in order. | 10 |
| Translation | From week 2 onwards.
Every last class of the week (usually but not always on Thursday), for the last 20 minutes of class, students will take a quiz on the materials of such week.
Ideally the format of the quiz will be:
1) translation of some of the passages already assigned as homework;
2) a few questions on grammar (with at times some easy English sentences to be translated into Latin in order to test grammar);
3) a few extra credit questions about storyline and other topics which were discussed/read (style, readership, rhetorical choices, geography of the locations of events etc).
The format of the quiz can change according to the necessities of the class; likewise the time allotted might increase or decrease.
One lowest quiz grade will be dropped. | 20 |
| Midterm Exam | Week 6: Friday October 12, 2012.
The topics tested will be those of the first half of the semester.
The format will follow that of the weekly quizzes, but it will obviously be more consistent.
More specific details will be given during the semester. | 30 |
| Final Exam | Week 15: date TBA.
The topics tested will be those of the second half of the semester.
The format will follow that of the midterm exam.
More specific details will be given during the semester. | 30 |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
These guidelines are presented to provide students with a general idea regarding how letter grades are assigned at JCU.
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A
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Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
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B
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This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
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C
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This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. This level of performance demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.
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D
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Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
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F
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This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
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Grade breakdown
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A+
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100 – 97 (will appear as A on transcript)
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B-
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82.99 - 80
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A
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96.99 - 93
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C+
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79.99 - 77
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A-
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92.99 - 90
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C
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76.99 - 73
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B+
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89.99 - 87
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C-
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72.99 - 70
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B
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86.99 - 83
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D
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69.99 - 60
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F 59.99 >
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-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance will be taken at every class.
Students are allowed ONE unexcused absence. Each other unexcused absence will sadly result in the lowering of the final grade by one degree (e.g. from A to A-). More than five unexcused absences will have the student fail the class …
As from the university catalog:
“When the student misses more than the maximum number of classes allowed by the syllabus, the instructor refers the student to the Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs.
Absences due to illness, hospitalization, death in the family, or other situations of similar gravity will normally be excused. Absences due to travel difficulties, misunderstanding on the part of the student, or personal convenience will not be excused.
A student absent from a class meeting in which a final examination, mid-term or other major examination has been scheduled will be officially excused only if the student:
1. notifies the Office of the Assistant Dean for Student Academic Affairs of his/her inability to attend before the beginning of the class meeting for which the examination is scheduled;
2. subsequently presents to the same office documented evidence of a serious difficulty preventing attendance.”
Please, refer to the university catalog for any other doubts regarding attendance policy.
Important notes
Travel plans cannot interfere with any class session, especially exams and tests (see also attendance requirement)
The use of cell phones/smart phones/I-pod/MP3 players and similar is NOT permitted in class.
The use of personal computers is allowed only if directly related to the course (no facebook, checking email, twittering, texting etc). Violations of this policy will lower the final grade and may cause disciplinary actions. According to the situation observed in class, this policy is liable to be changed by the instructor during the semester.
Students are kindly asked to keep and save all the exams, tests and any other graded assignment until the final grade will be assigned.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Week 1
Sept 3-9
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Introduction to the course: syllabus, assessments, logistics, textbooks.
The beginning of the struggle: political and historical background.
Development after January 1, 49 BC: the reading of Caesar’s letter. The reaction of the consuls.
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Tuesday 4
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Perrin: The constitution of later Roman Republic
Perrin: Introduction to Caesar’s life
Carter: Historical context
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Thursday 6
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I.1 [1-4]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Week 2
Sept 10-16
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Proposals by some senators about what to do with Caesar.
Caesar’s address of his troops in Ravenna and the decision to start the civil war.
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Tuesday 11
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I.2 [1-5]
Other assignments: TBA
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Thursday 13
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I.2 [6-7 to tribune plebis]
I.7 [1] – [7 to defendant]
I.8 [1 to subsequi iubet]
Other assignments: TBA
01 Quiz
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Week 3
Sept 17-23
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The siege of Corfinium.
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Tuesday 18
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I.19 [entire paragraph]
Other assignments: TBA
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Thursday 20
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I.21 [lines 1-12 to expleant]
Other assignments: TBA
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Friday 21 (make up for Thursday Nov 1)
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I.22 [from cuius orationem to vindicaret]
I.23 [lines 1-2, 16-20, 25-29]
Other assignments: TBA
02 Quiz
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Week 4
Sept 24-30
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Caesar reaches Pompeus at the harbor of Brindisium and try to stop his escape.
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Tuesday 25
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I.24 [1-3 to tribus]
I.25 [1 to compleverat]
I.26 [5 all]
Other assignments: TBA
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Thursday 27
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I.28 [1-2]
I.29 [entire paragraph]
03 Quiz
Other assignments: TBA
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Week 5
Oct 1-7
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Caesar’ campaign against the Pompeian forces in Spain.
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Tuesday 2
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I.71[1-2 to committere] [4 all]
I.72 [1-2 to gladio]
Other assignments: TBA
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Thursday 4
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I.72 [3-5]
I.85 [12]
04 Quiz
Other assignments: TBA
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Week 6
Oct 8-14
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The siege of Massilia continues
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Tuesday 9
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II.11 [4]
II.13 [1-3 to interficerent]
Other assignments: TBA
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Thursday 11
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Grammar and translation review
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Friday 12 (make up for Thursday Nov 22)
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MIDTERM (class long)
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Week 7
Oct 15-21
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The polymath Varro dances to the winds of fortune and then surrender the province of Hispania Ulterior to Caesar
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Tuesday 16
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II.17 [all]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 18
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II.18 [7]
II.20 [6-8]
II.21 [5 from ibi legem to cognoscit]
05 Quiz
Other assignments: TBA.
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Week 8
Oct 22-28
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The final surrender of Massilia.
The defeat of Caesar’s deputy in Africa.
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Tuesday 23
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II.22 [2-6]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 25
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II.42 [1-4 to interficitur]
Other assignments: TBA.
06 Quiz
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Week 9
Oct 29–Nov 4
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Caesar’s measures to tackle the problem of debts and credits in the Republic.
Caesar’s siege of Pompeus at Dyrrachium: the Pompeian sully begins.
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Tuesday 30
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III.1 [1-3]
III.64 [3 from hanc ego to deferte]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 1
(cancelled)
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NO CLASS: Italian holiday
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Week 10
Nov 5-11
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The Pompeian sully is successful: Caesar is defeat at Dyrrachium.
Caesar’s justifications and considerations about his defeat.
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Tuesday 6
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III.70 [all]
III.71 [1]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 8
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III.72 [all]
07 Quiz
Other assignments: TBA.
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Week 11
Nov 12-18
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Don't sell the skin till you have caught the bear: the arrogance of victory of the Pompeian’s generals.
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Tuesday 13
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III.82[2-4]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 15
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III.83 [all]
08 Quiz
Other assignments: TBA.
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Week 12
Nov 19-25
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Pompeus’s plan to win at Pharsalus.
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Tuesday 20
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III.86 [all from Namque etiam]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 22
(Thanksgiving)
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NO CLASS
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Week 13
Nov 26-Dec 2
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The courage of an old veteran of Caesar.
Pompeus in panic abandon the battlefield.
Caesar enter’s Pompeus’s camp while Pompeus flees whining.
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Tuesday 27
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III.91 [all]
III.94 [5 from Sed Pompeius to contulit] [ 6 from Haec cum to exspectans]
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 29
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III.96 [all]
09 Quiz
Other assignments: TBA.
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Week 14
Dec 3-9
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Pompeus is betrayed and killed while he is seeking asylum in Alexandria of Egypt.
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Tuesday 3
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III.104 [all]
Readings: finish to read the entire De bello civili in translation.
Other assignments: TBA.
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Thursday 6
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Review and final questions.
10 Quiz
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Week 15
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FINAL EXAM
Date TBA
(do not make plans to leave this week)
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FINAL EXAM
Date TBA
(do not make plan to leave this week)
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