Human Situation

*This information can be found in more detail and with a full course schedule, information and updates at

Fall 2013 Syllabus Antiquity

www.Humansituations.com Contact Information

Sarah Spring
o o o o Email: sespring@uh.edu Office: 54F MD Anderson Library Phone: 713-743-5707 Office Hours: Wednesday 1- 3 pm - And by Appointment

Goals & Objectives

Learning Outcomes
Students will develop their critical reasoning in reading, discussing and writing on a variety of classic texts. Students will become familiar with some of the central philosophical, political, historical and scientific issues that have dominated the history of Western thinking. Students will enhance their communication skills, including argument and reasoned debate, through intensive small-group discussions and oral examination finals.

Objectives & Goals

As part of their liberal education, we begin the study of our cultural heritage by examining texts from the Greek, Roman, Hebrew, Christian and Islamic cultures of antiquity. The modern world is deeply rooted in these cultures, and they were themselves inspired and shaped by Homers epic poems, by Platonic philosophy, and by the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and Quran. These key texts, or classics, present compelling, if not always harmonious, insights into human situations: the excellences proper to human beings, the character of the human soul, ones relations to family, friends, lovers, strangers, and the gods or God. The greatest thinkers of antiquity concerned themselves with the elaboration, criticism, and reconciliation of these powerful insights, and in doing so they took up once again the intriguing question of how to live ones life. The result of their efforts is a shared and open conversation concerning the most important matters for human beings.

Course Policies
Attendance Attendance is crucial to your performance and evaluation in this class. Attendance at lectures and discussion is mandatory. Attendance at lecture is required. Roll is taken every lecture by the Team Leader Assistants, who arrange the seating chart and any changes made to the seating configuration. Absences will be excused only in unavoidable circumstances: serious illness (involving a dated and signed note from the doctor), family emergencies (also requiring documentation) and official University sponsored activities. For the both the lecture meetings and discussion sessions, each unexcused absence beyond four will result in a whole letter grade reduction from the students participation and attendance grade. I suggest you use these absences wisely. If the number of absences goes beyond 10 your attendance grade can become negative (ie subtracting points from your overall grade).

Assignment policies
All papers whether for section or lecture must be submitted at TurnItIn.com. Extensions for deadlines will only be accepted in advance of assignment due dates. Any late work will result in a reduction in the grade for the paper. Your questions and concerns about grades and assignments are important to me. If you are concerned with your performance on a particular assignment, you are welcome to contact me. However, you must wait at least 24 hours after your grade has been returned to you, and come prepared to present a well-detailed case for a change in grade. I recommend you take time to write out an organized argument drawing specific connections to your performance and the stated assignment goals and requirements and provide that to me before we meet, so we are assured to discuss all of your concerns.

Students with Disabilities

In accordance with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, I will make every effort to reasonably accommodate students who request and require assistance. Please inform me as soon as possible about any necessary classroom or testing modifications. For more information, contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at (713) 743-5400, or see their online explanation of policies and procedures at http://www.uh.edu/csd.

Classroom Conduct
The most important aspect of classroom conduct is mutual respect. While this does not necessarily imply agreement or consent, it does mean that we all must take others arguments and positions seriously, and obliges us to be responsible for our choices in language. Because this course deals with the full scope of the history of Western thought, and we will be discussing or addressing potentially controversial issues, you may encounter statements that may seem challenging and even disturbing to you. While we can expect heated and controversial discussions, it is important to be sure to always operate with an ethic of care. Any and all responsible positions are welcome. If you have concerns about the classroom environment, please speak to me in class, in office hours, or via email.

Nota Bene
The information contained in this class syllabus is subject to change without notice, particularly the schedule. Students are expected to be aware of any additional course policies presented by the instructor during the course.

Grades
For this Human Situation course, you will receive two final grades: one for the lecture portion of the class, and one for the discussion section. Each portion counts for three hours of credit.

Grade Scale
Letter grades in this course will follow the University scale for grade point value.
100-93 A 92-90 A89-87 B+ 86-83 B 82-80 B79-77 C+ 76-73 C 72-70 C69-67 D+ 66-63 D 62-60 D59-0 F

Assignments Discussion
Attendance & Participation 25%
o o Discussion and engagement in course discussions in class and online Any in class activities are included in the participation grade

Writing Assignments 75%

Analytic writing assignments are the core of the grade for the discussion portion of the course. The added variable for these assignments is that you may choose alternate genres in which you may compose your writing. These alternate options do not mean that your writing will not be analytic, academic or polished, but rather that there are more options open to you in your style, format and medium.

The ground rules

All writing assignments must be turned in on by the set due dates. Each assignment must conform to a pre-approved genre (and will be graded as such). Pre-approved genres will always include the traditional essay. New genres must be negotiated with the prior approval of the instructor. Extensions must be negotiated with the instructor prior to the due date. Students must submit their writing assignments to turnitin regardless of the writing genre. Students may choose one writing assignment to rewrite and resubmit to the instructor. All rewrites are due on December 5th. Students must complete at least one traditional essay (in addition to the lecture paper).

Writing Assignment #1- 20% - Due September 16th Writing Assignment # 2- 25% - Due October 21st Writing Assignment # 3- 35% - Due November 11th

Assignments - Lecture
Midterm October 4th 30% Lecture Paper November 25th 30% Oral Final Week of December 9th - 35% Includes both a written brief & verbal exam Attendance Ongoing - 5%