Classics 39H -  The Trojan War: history or myth?
 Writing Assignments:

#1 – due Tuesday, October 21st   more details
Everyone will choose a topic (2 students per 10 topics). Five (5) of these will also be presentation topics (2 students working together and presenting 10 minutes maximum).

Research paper on a central character in the Troy story and how they are portrayed in different sources and at different times, together with a comparative analysis of literary and visual evidence for a key part/scene of the story, related to that character.

#2 – due Tuesday, December 9th  more details
Everyone will choose one of the following two topics for the second paper. Five (5) presentations related to the larger topics will also be chosen by those students not presenting on the first topic (2 students working together and presenting 10 minutes maximum).

EITHER a  personal analysis of “ the questions” surrounding the Trojan War and theoretical constructs based on the archaeological evidence;
OR a critical review of relevant contemporary material derived from or based on the Trojan War.
 
These are the general paper topics to be completed over the course of the semester. For each individual topic – more specific and detailed information will be posted online – including approved subjects for papers #1 and #2, and presentations.

You should emphasize: 1. The subject matter that you are discussing, 2. Its relevance to our study of the Trojan War (literary, artistic, archaeological), 3. *Your opinions and feelings on the topic, AND 4. **WHY you have come to these opinions and/or conclusions
 
Keep in mind the following guidelines:
1. Your paper should be 6-8 pages, typed, double-spaced with no more than 1” margins all-around.
2. You will need to use several sources (in addition to textbooks and CR materials) for your research, ancient and modern. These must be clearly cited in the text using the Harvard system (Shelton 2000: 27-30) and in full bibliographic entries at the end of the paper. (Please let me know if you need help locating sources).
3. Proofread carefully. With today's computer spell and grammar checks, there is no excuse for sloppy errors.
4. Illustrations are welcomed, but do not count towards the page total.
5. Be sure to hand in your paper on time (by class on specified days). Late papers will be seriously penalized. No submissions by e-mail will be accepted.
6. Be very conscious of structure: provide a clear introduction and conclusion, and arrange your arguments logically and succinctly.

Please come to see me at any time if I can provide advice or assistance. You may prepare an outline or rough draft to "pass by me" if it would help in your preparation process, but of course is optional.
 
Paper #1 topics                                               presentation date
EVERYONE signs up for one (1)

1. Paris and the Judgment                                                    -----

        BRANDY                                                        DOMINIC
_________________________________    _________________________________        

2. Helen and her abduction or elopement                             9/25

       LESLIE                                                            CHRISTINA
_________________________________    _________________________________

3. Agamemnon – rage and embassy                                    9/30

        ERICA                                                              AMANDA
_________________________________    _________________________________

4. Andromache as Trojan woman                                       -----

       JASMINE                                                          
_________________________________    _________________________________

5. Diomedes and xenia                                                        10/2

       KIRT                                                                  AMY
_________________________________    _________________________________

6. Patroklos and the funeral                                                 10/9

      ROSE                                                                  DENISE
_________________________________    _________________________________

7. Hektor and battle                                                             -----

      CARLOS                                                            ERIC
_________________________________    _________________________________

8. Thetis and the arming of Achilles                                    -----

     REBECCA                                                           JAKE                                     
_________________________________    _________________________________

9. Ajax and the suicide                                                        10/16

        SAM                                                                  JAMES
________________________________    _________________________________


10. Achilles and disguise on Skyros                                     -----

      GITA                                                                           
__________________________________    _________________________________



*if you have signed up for a topic w/o presentation date then please choose and sign up for one (1) of the following:


Paper #2 topics                                               presentation date

Questions:    Homer & Hisarlik                                                10/28

       DOMINIC                                                        JASMINE
__________________________________    ________________________________


        Metals and the E Mediterranean                                        11/4

       GITA                                                               ERIC
___________________________________    ________________________________

        Evidence of Mycenaeans                                                  11/13

   
___________________________________    ________________________________

        Chariots in Iliad and BA/IA                                              11/20

       REBECCA                                                      CARLOS
__________________________________    _________________________________

OR
Review of Marion Bradley’s The Firebrand.                             12/4

     BRANDY  
__________________________________    _________________________________


Syllabus


10/23/08 sheltonk@berkeley.edu