Dear Ancient Studies’ Extraordinares,

There is a Letter to Lucy contest going on right now that we want you all to submit to! Here is the link…more details to follow in class soon!

http://www.becominghuman.org/node/write-lucy-letter

In her lyrical memoir Just Kids (2010), rock legend Patti Smith continually returns to the concept of “the power of the word.” I look forward to discussing the force and fury of language, that rivals even Theseus in strength and power, with you during the 2011-2012 academic school year of Ancient Studies. Our class will integrate literature, history, art, and film to provide you with a multi-faceted view of ancient history. My goals for the year include familiarizing you with the five paragraph essay, as well as the editing process, learning to read actively and analytically, learning organizational skills, and using the texts and resources we study to address the central questions for this course:

• What does it mean to be human?
• What makes a hero?
• What does it mean to be civilized?
• How do you define civilization?
• What do the art and stories tell us about a culture?

Materials Needed for the Course:

(1.) 3 ring binder for handouts, notes

(2.) Dividers labeled:

• Class notes and handouts for each unit (eg., Prehistory)
• Homework and quizzes
• Vocabulary/Latin and Greek roots
• History text (Ways of the World) notes
• Writing and Grammar

(3.) Journal

(4.) Pen/Pencil

(5.) Assignment Book

Required Texts:

Anonymous and Paul Roche, The Bible’s Greatest Stories

Evslin, Bernard, Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths [summer reading]

Homer, The Odyssey

Lundquist, Joegil, English from the Roots Up, Volume I — Flashcards

Mason, Herbert, Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative

Plato, The Trial and Death of Socrates

Quinn, Daniel, Ishmael

Shakespeare, William, Julius Caesar

Strayer, Robert, Ways of the World: A Brief Global History, Vol. 1

Grade Distribution:

• Essays/ Tests – 65%
• History – 15%
• English – 15%
• Participation and Study Skills – 5%

Papers

While the painter Frida Kahlo once said, “I paint myself…because I am the subject I know best,” not all your papers for Ancient Studies will be subjective, personal essays. While I do hope to assign film reviews, writing imitations, and creative writing assignments, it is crucial that you learn to write objectively and analytically in your academic essays. The essay format is a fundamental component of all English classes at Asheville School. This includes learning to integrate quotations seamlessly into a paper, employing correct citation of sources, introducing strong thesis statements, forming engaging intro paragraphs, and creating fluid transitions between paragraphs. Papers (and tests) are the largest portion of your grade and our main objective is to write continuously both in and out of class this year.

Tests/Quizzes

Tests and quizzes are the ways in which I assess whether or not you have sufficiently learned the material we cover. Do NOT wait until the day before a test or major quiz to ask questions. Ask questions when they arise. There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Journals

Your journals are a place for you to reflect on the material and wrestle with the essential questions for the course. They are also a place for you to ponder questions, sort your thoughts, and clarify your uncertainties about a particular question, unit, or exercise.

Class Participation

A class does not function well or provide an interesting dynamic unless students participate. I will occasionally lecture, but our most productive and engaging classes will be when you share your questions, concerns, insights, and enthusiasm. A good Humanities class is a conversation between students and between student and teacher. I want to hear what you think. Your opinions are a valuable component of this class and they have the power to change how we view a painting, poem, or passage. You have a voice; don’t be afraid to use it.

Hannah, Log is by using the Site Administration link on the bottom right.

Once you have logged in, choose Posts on the left hand column and choose “Add New” initially and create a test post.  Then mess around and edit this post or try to add pages.

A lot of this stuff looks confusing but you really can’t mess anything up, so click around carefully and we will meet early next week to sort ourselves out.