CLAS/HIST240 Ancient Societies: The Family

Department of Classics, Monmouth College

Resource Summary and Review

Each student will prepare a review (1000 word minimum) on a print or electronic resource dealing with some aspect of family life in ancient Greece or Rome. You should look for a resource which you might be able to use for your individualized project. Appropriate resources include books, journal articles and websites. In some cases, a chapter in a book may be appropriate. Since the appropriateness of your choice of material to review be part of your grade, it is advisable that you consult early with your instructor about your choice. Also, please note that the same material cannot be reviewed by more than one person in the class.  The print resource must come from the Hewes Library collection; i.e., no interlibrary loan material accepted. Available journal resources include the American Journal of Archaeology, American Journal of Philology, Archaeology, Classical Journal, Classical Outlook, Classical Philology, Classical World, Helios, Phoenix, and Transactions of the American Philological Association.

Each review must include in its top matter standard bibliographic information (including Hewes Library call number). See Prof. Sienkewicz' Book Review Guidelines for suggested format. In addition you should submit to the instructor a photocopy of the entire journal article or the title page and table of contents of a book or the main page of a website.

Within the body of the review you must address the following questions: 1.) What are the main points/features of this resource? 2.) How does the author develop these points/features? What ancient sources and evidence are used to illustrate these points? 3.) How is the subject of this article related to the course topic (ancient family life) and, specifically, to topics and evidence discussed in class? 4.) What are the author's qualifications for dealing with this material? and 5.) What is your own evaluation of the author's work? Note: In order to answer question #4 you may have to look at the flyleaf of the book cover, consult a biographical reference book, or even do a websearch on the author.

The grade for this project will be 10% of the final grade and will be based upon at least the following criteria: the quality (and length) of the material chosen; its appropriateness for the assignment; writing style; and completion of assignment instructions.

The report must be submitted electronically to the instructor, who will post the review on the course webpage so it will be available to all members of the class. Students are expected to read all of these reviews, which become part of the course material. Those who make significant reference to this material in other assignments, and especially on tests, will automatically receive higher grades.

This assignment will count 10% of your final grade.

This material has been published on the web by Prof. Tom Sienkewicz for his students at Monmouth College. If you have any questions, you can contact him at toms@monm.edu.

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