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PAPER The paper for this course is to be written by you gradually over the course of the semester. You’ll be asked to choose one of the themes below at the beginning of the course, and trace it through the poems we read (you may choose two related themes, or a different one that you have noticed yourself, if you wish—just let me know), taking careful notes and jotting down ideas as you go. About halfway through the semester, I will ask for your preliminary brainstormings, notes and connections, and jottings, and these will be handed in for a grade. (You cannot receive better than a C for the paper unless you hand in substantial preliminary work at this time.) You’ll also need to come in at that point and discuss your paper and ideas with me—although I’d be happy to read drafts, or give feedback, at any time. The final paper will be due on 11/30 (in my box in 617 Hamilton by 5:00pm).
Poetry Readings In order to become comfortable with Latin lyric rhythms and sounds, you must read the poetry aloud, and listen carefully to your own and others’ readings. Consequently, this class requires ten poetry readings, nine to be recorded by you on a tape (use of the Language Lab in Lewisohn for this purpose is possible) and handed in for review and critique; the tenth reading will be given by you in person on the last day of class. Clean copies of each poem, in large type, will be handed out in class for your use. You may practice and re-record as many times as necessary; make your readings as perfect, dramatic, meaningful and beautiful as you possibly can! Reading Tips (see also Bennett’s comments, Appendix, especially p. 22-28):/b> 1. Make sure you know exactly what the poem means, every word. The worst reading mistakes are generally made because of misunderstanding. 2. Think of both the natural quantity (heavy/light, aka long/short) of syllables and the natural stress accent; try to bring both out in your reading regularly. This takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if you can only hear quantity in your first readings. 3. Don’t be afraid to use all your voice: loud and soft, high and low, fast and slow, rough and clear, even whispering sounds. Experiment saying the poem different ways before you settle on a particular interpretation. It’s your rendition of this poem: bring out what is meaningful to you in your performance.
Grades: Readings will be graded on a scale of 1-10, on the basis of: a) accuracy of rhythm and pronunciation, and b) expressiveness, originality and beauty. |