LAT 323 (33083): Ovid, Fall, 2009
TTH 9:30-11, WAG 208
Timothy Moore, 113 Waggener, 232-4161, timmoore@mail.utexas.edu
Office hours TTh 12:30-2, or by appointment

Description:
Ovid’s Metamorphoses is both a delightful introduction to Greek and Roman mythology and one of the most important works in the history of literature.  In this course we will read extensive passages of the Metamorphoses in Latin and the entire work in English. Among the topics discussed will be the sound of Latin epic poetry, Ovid's life and works, Ovid's relationship to Augustan Rome, and the influence of Ovid on later literature.  

Required Texts:
Margaret Musgrove, The Student’s Ovid (Oklahoma University Press), ISBN: 978-0-8061-3220-4.
Ovid, Metamorphoses, translated by Rolfe Humphries (Indiana University Press), ISBN: 0-253-20001-6.

Assignments and Grading:
Class participation (includes attendance, preparation, class discussion, and oral reports): 20%
Two midterm exams: 15% each
Final exam: 30%
Term paper (8-10 pages): 20%

Grade scale
A: 93-100; A-: 90-92.9; B+: 87-89.9; B: 83-86.9; B-: 80-82.9; C+: 77-79.9; C: 73-76.9; C-: 70-72.9; D+: 67-69.9; D: 63-66.9; D-: 60-62.9

Schedule
We will dedicate most of each class day to readings from Margaret Musgrove’s text of the Metamorphoses.  Assignments for each day will be assigned as the course progresses.  We will also read the Metamorphoses in English, three books per week, throughout the first half of the semester.  Readings of secondary works on Ovid and of works influenced by Ovid will be assigned for each week in the second half of the semester.  These readings will be assigned in October.
August 27: Introduction to Course
September
1: Read the Introduction to Musgrove’s text and commentary
8: Metamorphoses 1-3
15: Metamorphoses 4-6
22: Metamorphoses 7-9
29: Metamorphoses 10-12
October
1: Test 1
6: Metamorphoses 13-15
November 5: Test 2
Friday, December 11th, 9-12: Final Exam; Term papers due

A word to the wise
It is imperative that you attend class each day, and that you read each assignment before class. Please note the importance of class participation in your grade. This means that you will be richly rewarded for consistent attendance and preparation, but repeated absences and/or lack of preparation for class will cost you dearly.

Scholastic dishonesty
Scholastic dishonesty on any graded assignment will result in a 0 on the assignment. Scholastic dishonesty includes any kind of cheating, including plagiarism. For more information, contact Student Judicial Services at 471-2841, or go to http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/scholdis.php.

Academic disabilities
The University of Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.  For more information, contact Services for Students with Disabilities, 471-6259, or go to http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/index.php.

Religious holidays
You may make up any work you miss for a religious holiday if you notify me of the holiday fourteen days ahead of time.

Missed work
Exams can be made up only in the case of a religious holiday or a documented medical excuse or family emergency.

Cell phones
Please make absolutely certain that your cell phone, if you have one with you, is turned off during class.  


last modified 24 August, 2009 by timmoore@mail.utexas.edu