Ancient Religious Reflections:
Sacred Places Past and Present
Department of Classics
Monmouth College

Resource Summaries and Reviews

Each student will prepare two reviews (1000 word minimum) on print or electronic resource dealing with sacred places, one ancient and one modern. 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) and a descriptive annotation of at least fifty words. 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 and 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 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 these two reviews will be 20% 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.

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 mailto:toms@wpoff.monm.edu.

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