Latin Love Poetry - LNW 3320
MWF 5th hour

Course Description:  In this course you will explore the works of a key author of the early empire: Publius Ovidius Naso.  During our close reading of his text, the Ars Amatoria, we will examine how Ovid explores the themes of love and urban life in Rome. We will also be reading  some selections from Ovid's Heroides, a collection of letters Ovid composed, in which he retells the stories of mythological women whose famous lovers have abandoned them. While our initial goal will be to reinforce key grammatical and syntactical points and to revise some of the Latin vocabulary you have already learned, our main focus will be to apply and expand your talents in order to develop a more significant understanding of the Latin language. Expect to amplify your Latin vocabulary dramatically and to increase your understanding of the language’s grammar and syntax.

Student Expectations/Course Objectives:
* identify and discuss the unique features of the genre of Latin love poetry
* increase proficiency in Latin-to-English translation

Exam, Assignment, and Class Expectations:
It is extremely difficult to be involved in the learning process unless you participate fully in class discussions.  Thus, your participation in class discussion and willingness to translate in class are especially critical.  It should be obvious that you cannot make an effective contribution to the class if you come to class unprepared, are chronically late, or fail to attend class.  All assignments to be handed in must be submitted at the start of class on the due date.  Make-up examinations are rarely given and only for extraordinary circumstances beyond your control, such as a grave illness or family emergency. Grading will be traditional, i.e., only outstanding work will receive an A, good work will receive a  B, average work a C, etc. You are allowed two absences without penalty and then you can expect your final grade to be lowered by one-half grade for each additional missed class.  In addition, habitually arriving late or leaving class early will cause your final grade to be lowered as well. 

Grading:
Three (non-cumulative) exams 20% x 3 = 60%; One in-class presentation = 15%; Class participation (homework, quizzes, attendance, etc.) = 25%
The in-class presentations will be on a topic of the student's choice (to be selected in consultation with the professor). Past examples of successful presentations have included: leading the class through a discussion of a scholarly article on Ovid, a presentation on famous works of art influenced by Ovid's texts, discussion of Ovid as a character in modern fiction, etc.  Presentations will be evaluated on the following three criteria: 1/2 = quality of content (accuracy & amount of detail) 1/2 = presentation style (preparation, delivery, and visual aids (if needed).

Dates to Schedule:
Exam I: Friday, February 9;  Exam II: Friday, March 23; Exam III: Wednesday, April 25

Required Texts:
If you already have the appropriate text of Ovid with good notes, you may use it if you prefer, but I will be ordering the following book:
Ovid With Love: Selections from Ars Amatoria, Books I and II by P. Murtgatroyd
The text of the Heroides can be found online at:  http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/ovid.html

ADA Requirements:
If you have any disability or special concern, it is your responsibility to notify me at the start of the semester so that your needs may be accommodated.  You will also need to give me a letter from the Office for Students with Disabilities (P202 Peabody Hall) indicating that you need academic accommodations.

Honor Code (Source: web site: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/STG/Code_of_Conduct.html#Honor Code):
The following pledge is either required or implied on all work submitted for credit by University of Florida students: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment." For a full statement of UF's Academic Honor Code see either the Undergraduate Catalog or the web site.

Course Syllabus (subject to change as needed): 

Week #1 (January 8-12)

M Introduction
Assignment due for Wednesday (translate lines 1-46 of Book I of the Ars, line numbers are on the left hand side of the text in Murgatroyd)

W
Assignment due for Friday (lines 47-100)

F
Assignment due for Wednesday (101-50)

Week #2 (January 15-19)

M No School

W
Assignment due for Friday (lines 151-200)

F
Assignment due for Monday (lines 201-250)

Week #3 (January 22-26)

M Quiz
Assignment due for Wednesday (lines 251-300)