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The
study of the history of Rome, or of any civilization, calls upon a
set of distinct skills that require time and patience to cultivate.
History is neither a collection of facts lacking careful and critical
analysis, nor an analysis devoid of factual information; indeed, the
historian needs to have the facts at his or her fingertips in order
to build a cogent and thoughtful analysis. The assignments for this
course will help you develop both skills: the quizzes and exams will
test your ability to grasp and recall salient information, while the
essay, research paper and exam-essays will ask you to craft arguments
based upon that information. The classroom will serve as an informal
laboratory where you can test your own abilities to coordinate these
two sets of skills.
Over the course of the semester you will develop writing skills (outlined
in the Overview) that will help you craft
clear and cogent prose, and study skills that will assist you in doing
fine work on an exam. The course requirements are designed to help
you sharpen these skills. You will write one short (900-1200 words)
and one long (3000 words) research paper: the first will ask you to
compare and analyze primary sources on one of three subjects; the
second offers you a broader choice of topics. Having selected one
of several subjects, you will study the primary sources, identify
and research secondary sources relevant to the paper, and construct
a thesis and conduct an analysis. The CC290 component of the course
will focus on building your research skills so that they culminate
with the successful completion of this 3000-word paper.
You will take two exams: one midterm and one final. The midterm will
cover the lectures, readings and class discussions through the middle
of the semester, and the final exam will be comprehensive but focus
on the latter half of the course material. |
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| All
assignments will have due dates specified in advance, and you yourself
must turn each one in on time and in class (except the research paper,
which is due in my office, LADD 209, on Thursday, December 13). Failure
to hand any assignment in on time will result in an "F"
for that assignment. This is not open to negotiation. |
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| EXAMS:
40% |
| MIDTERM:
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20% |
Short
i.d.s, source analysis, essays |
| FINAL:
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20% |
Short
i.d.s, source analysis, essays |
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PAPERS:
50% |
| SHORT
ESSAY: |
20% |
Source
analysis: 900-1200 word essay |
| RESEARCH
PAPER: |
30% |
Research
paper: 3000-word essay |
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| CLASS
PARTICIPATION:10% |
Class
participation is an essential aspect of this course and consists
of the preparation of all readings before class, and participation
in discussions in the classroom. To earn CLASS PARTICIPATION
points you need to come to class on time, contribute regularly
and thoughtfully, and demonstrate a grasp of the readings and
lectures. You must be respectful and tolerant of others' views.
Obviously, if you do not attend class you can not participate
in the in-class discussions. You may take THREE absences from
the classroom during the semester without penalty - no questions
asked, no explanation necessary. These three absences may occur
on MTW or F, although if you miss a class on which an assignment
is due you will fail that assignment. After three absences,
each absence will result in a significant lowering of the CLASS
PARTICIPATION component; if you "fail" class participation
(more than five absences total) you will receive none of the
10 percentage points. Come to class. |
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| ACADEMIC
INTEGRITY AND HONESTY |
As
you hone your skills as an ancient historian you will develop
your own perspectives, methodologies and solutions to some of
the vexing questions that Roman history raises. It is absolutely
essential that you take credit for your own work, and give credit
to others when you draw upon their ideas and words. CC290 will
help you learn how to distinguish, and indicate to your reader
the differences, between your own work and that of others. We
will discuss what constitutes plagiarism and how you will go
about acknowledging properly the effort of another scholar.
Accordingly, plagiarism and cheating of all sorts will not be
tolerated in this course and are grounds for an "F".
Be sure to read carefully the Ethics
of Scholarship webpage and the section on "Academic
Integrity" in the Academic Information Guide.
All members of the College community are bound by Skidmore's
Honor Code, included here:
"I hereby accept membership in the Skidmore College Community
and, with full realization of the responsibilities inherent
in membership, do agree to adhere to honesty and integrity in
all relationships, to be considerate of the rights of others,
and to abide by the college regulations." |
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