Caucus Assignment

For almost every class this term, the syllabus gives you a "caucus topic." This is a task or question keyed to the day's reading. You must post a response to this question on the class Caucus conference (imaginatively titled Classics 110) by noon on the class day on which we will discuss that reading.

To join the conference, go to the Caucus Center. (You will be asked to enter your user name and password to get access to the site.) Then either type in "Classics 110" and press "join", or go to the "list of all conferences" and click the link to "Classics 110."

Once you have arrived at the conference home page, you can post your response to the day's topic. IF you are the first person to do this (something to strive for), then you will "create a new item." Please give this item a clear title so that everyone else knows the discussion has started. "Topic for Jan. 8" for example is crystal clear, though dull. "Imperial Athens" would probably do the trick as well. IF someone has already started the item for you, then do NOT start a new one; read that item and the responses posted, and enter yours in the box at the bottom of the page.

An ideal Caucus posting:

• will be neither too short nor too long (i.e. one sentence is too short; one page is too long -- a concise paragraph is about right. Keep in mind that the last person will be reading some 35 of these.)
• will (usually) take a position, or make a point
• will cite the text to illustrate or back up the position (note that this means you need your text with you when you log on)
• will (ideally) take into account some of the earlier responses

Evaluation:

25 of the 50 points for Class Participation are for the Caucus assignment: one point per response. You get this point for posting on time (items will be frozen at noon so that you will not be able to post late unless you have made some special arrangement with one of us in advance).

The Final Exam will be a portfolio containing your choice of the best 5 Caucus responses you have written during the term and a reflective essay addressing the ways in which these responses demonstrate your achievement of the Course Goals.