Course Description and Objectives:

This course seeks to cultivate your fluency with the style, syntax, and morphology of Latin prose. To this end, we will spend a majority of the semester reading selections from Livy's (59 BCE -17 CE) history of Rome, Ab Urbe Condita. Moreover, through brief readings, reports, papers, and lectures, we will address some of the larger questions raised by Livy's account of Rome's history. Finally, we will become familiar with some of the basic resources for the study of Classics and those of particular use for the study of Livy and Roman historiography. Our investigation of Livy and his work will be supplemented by readings from other ancient authors (in Latin and/or translation) and contemporary scholars when appropriate.

Course Format, Requirements, Grading:

Much of our class time will be devoted to reading and examining prepared texts and in developing skills and strategies for accurately reading Latin. This requires consistent, diligent preparation of the assigned material. You will be expected to have read and re-read Latin assignments until you can explain Ð from an unmarked text - both what is being said and how the language of the passage creates that meaning.

Throughout the semester, various topics will be assigned for brief in-class presentations. Also, there will be several short papers (1-3 pages) spread throughout the semester. These will allow the class to gain a broader understanding of the historical epochs under consideration and of the production and interpretation of historical texts.

In order to target the pace of the class as accurately as possible, a syllabus for the following week will be provided every Friday. Assignments are due on the day listed in the syllabus.

As you well know, language acquisition and cultivation requires daily preparation, attendance, and participation. Because of the unavoidable vicissitudes of fate and health, I will excuse up to 2 absences in the course of the semester. Additional absences without my prior approval will result in a reduction of your course grade by 3 points. Your final grade will be calculated based on the following formula:

Your final grade will be calculated based on the following formula:

-       Class preparation:                                    40%

-       In-semester exams: 2 @10% each               20%

-       Final exam:                                            20%    @ 2pm on Tuesday, December 17^th

-       Short papers and presentations:                   20%

-       Attendance                                              +/-

Required Texts (211)

-       Wheelock = R. A. LaFleur, ed., Wheelock's Latin, 6th edition, Harper-Collins, 2000

-       Lowe & Freeman = W.D. Lowe and C.E. Freeman, edd., Rome and Her Kings, Bolchazy-Carducci, reprint 1988

-       Porter & Porter = E.D.C. and F.S.Porter, edd., Livy: Hannibal, The Scourge of Rome, Bristol Classical Press, reprint 1976

-      Livy = Livy (Selincout trans.), The War with Hannibal, Penguin Classics, 1965.