Students should choose a book to read on some
aspect of classical history. The textbook provides some examples of
possible books, and many will be found through Aubiecat, the reference
librarians, and yourself in browsing in the appropriate library stacks.
Avoid books that were written before World War II or that are obviously
textbooks, encyclopedias, or mass market books (those generally that
are written for non-academic purposes). When you have narrowed your
selection to two or three books, you should let me see them for final
approval of one book.
On Friday, October 3rd,, you should plan to submit
your completed review of the book. It should be typed and double-spaced
with a cover sheet; the length should be five to seven pages of actual
text. In the review, students should summarize the contents, describe
what contribution (if any) the book makes to the body of historical
knowledge and to your own understanding of the period. Describe the
principal sources (written or otherwise, primary and secondary) the
author(s) used to support their ideas. You will also want to learn about
the author of the book: what other books written and other significant
information to understand and explain the individual’s perspective
in approaching the subject of this book.
Students are encouraged to quote sparingly from
the book itself and to cite scholarly reviews from scholarly journals
such as the American Historical Review.
NOTE: DO NOT USE REVIEWS FROM POPULAR PERIODICALS SUCH AS TIME
AND NEWSWEEK! IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE CHECK WITH ME.
Remember that this course covers many centuries of Greek and
Roman history, so do not limit yourself in selecting a book to merely
those areas already covered in the lectures.
WARNING: Papers submitted late will incur a penalty of a letter grade
deduction for each day late.