CLAS/HIST240 Ancient Societies
Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois
Instructor: Thomas J. Sienkewicz (toms@monm.edu)
Classics/History 240G: Ancient Societies
Africa in Antiquity
Class Format
Portions of the required texts are assigned readings. In addition, there will be
supplementary reading assignments in the library on related topics. Specific reading
assignments will be given on a daily basis. Class periods will usually be a combination of
lecture and class discussion on various topics pertaining to the ancient city. At least
fifteen minutes of each class will be devoted to class discussion of assigned readings
from the required texts as well as hand-outs or library assignments. These readings are
intended to complement class lectures and discussions. While we may not mention every
reading in class, you will be expected to show your familiarity with this material on
tests, in class discussions, on tests, and in other assignments. Interesting class
discussions depend on faithful completion of these reading assignments by every student.
Class lectures and discussions will be supplemented by frequent slide shows depicting art
and life in the period.
Classes will generally meet three days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from
1:00 from 1:50 P.M. While daily attendance is not recorded, persistent absence from class
will inevitably affect successful completion of course requirements. In exceptional cases,
the instructor may place an individual student on "no-cut" status.
Whenever possible, all course handouts, including this syllabus, will be available in
electronic form on the Monmouth College Classics Deptartment Website
http:\\www.monm.edu/academic/Classics/courses/CLAS240
Do not hesitate to ask questions in class. There is no such thing as a "stupid
question". If you don't understand something, there are inevitably others in the
class who do not understand either and you will do the entire class a favor by asking for
explanations.
All written work for this course (except quizzes and exams) must be competently proofed
and submitted to the instructor via e-mail. In all your written course work you should pay
attention to grammar and organization as well as the quality of your material. Work will
be graded on the basis of both form and content. You have the OPTION of resubmitting for
reevaluation ALL written assignments (except quizzes and exams), provided this work was
submitted on time. If you resubmit your work, you are expected to revise your work based
not only on the instructor's comments but also upon your own reevaluation of your initial
work. Work submitted for reevaluation must be received within two weeks of its
return by the instructor.
You may be expected to attend Convocations, public lectures, and other college
functions. Questions relating to these talks may appear on quizzes, tests, and
assignments. In particular, you are required to attend the fourteenth annual Bernice L.
Fox Classics Lecture, "Always Something New From Africa: Ancient Africa and its
Marvels ," by Professor Kenneth Kitchell of the University of Massachusetts at
Amherst on Monday, October 12, 1998, at 7:30 P.M. in the Highlander Room of the Stockdale
Center. Please adjust your schedule accordingly. On Wednesday, October 12th
students are expected to submit a 600-word statement which summarizes and responds to the
specific issues raised by the presenter and relates this material to course work.
Extra credit will be awarded to students who attend the any lecture sponsored by the
Western Illinois Society of the Archaeological Institute of America (See AIA Calendar of Events). Please submit a 100-word
statement about the event in order to receive this credit. If you want transportation to
any of these events, please let Prof. Sienkewicz know in advance.
Please note that class WILL MEET during the period scheduled for a final exam. This meeting will be used for various activities, including ORAL REPORTS, a course summary, and student evaluation. Attendance at this session is obligatory.