• to understand the content, form, scope and structure of Greek tragedy;
• to approach tragedy as a narrative genre, and to discern how it differs from other genres;
• to see tragedy as a way of addressing historical and cultural concerns;  and
• to assess the value of tragedy—in a sense, its timelessness—to modern audiences.

• to regard works critically;  that is, to evaluate and analyze them with sensitivity and precision;
• to communicate critical thinking in oral presentations and written essays;
• to plan, execute, and complete a long-term project;
• to consult reference works accurately and judiciously;  and
• to engage in and to facilitate group discussions and activities.

Essays are due in class at regular intervals during the semester.  You will receive the topics in advance, along with recommended bibliography from the reserve desk.  These essays are not research papers per se—a more accurate term is reaction paper, because I am more interested in reading your views and analyses of the plays—but you should consult and cite secondary sources where appropriate.  In general, I will hold you to the standards advocated on the Skidmore Classics homepage, in the section on Writing Essays and Research Papers.  The papers themselves must be 4-5 pages, typed, double-spaced, and free of mechanical and grammatical errors.
 
• Topics for First Essay (29 September)
• Topics for Second Essay (15 October)
• Topics for Third Essay (10 November)
• Topics for Fourth Essay (3 December)

There are two examinations, a midterm and a final.  The final is essentially a second midterm, although it will have some cumulative aspects.  More information on each test as its date approaches.

A short assignment—such as a problem to solve, a topic to consider, additional reading, and the like—will be given each class.  Some must be handed in (in which case they must be prepared like the essays, above);  others are designed to facilitate discussion.  Whatever the case, all assignments are due the following class meeting.

The major project for this term is to conceive, compose, and perform an original Greek tragedy—in English, of course.  Early in the semester you will be placed in a small group of 3-5 other students, with whom you will collaborate on a single play.  The work shall be divided among your group as evenly as possible, and several checks are in place to ensure that this will be the case.  The date of the performance has to be finalized, but it is tentatively scheduled for an evening within the last week of classes (8-11 December).

Project Guidelines.

Class participation involves more than just attendance.  You must also keep up with the readings and assignments, and participate actively in class discussion.  Furthermore, I expect that you will come to class on time and that you will maintain an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas.  From time to time, I shall ask individual students to prepare a short presentation for the next class;  such presentations will count toward the class participation grade.

My attendance/late work policy is as follows.  Attendance is taken each class.  You are allowed two "free" unexcused absences from class over the course of the semester.  Further unexcused absences will lower your class participation grade at the rate of one grade per absence.  Two late arrivals to class will count as one absence.  Unexcused absences from an exam or presentation will incur the grade of F, as will unexcused late papers, assignments, or projects.  To excuse absences or late work you must furnish documentation from a credible authority—doctor, clergy member, professor, dean, and so on—who can testify to the nature of your emergency.  I shall also appreciate advance notification whenever possible.