Purpose. The purpose of discussion section is to give you the opportunity to discuss the ancient source readings and learn to think about them critically. Since I will not be lecturing during this hour, it will be important for you to have done the reading, thought about it, and to be prepared to discuss it.

Grade and Attendance. Discussion grade is 30% of the final course grade, and is based on participation and assignments. Attendance is mandatory. More than one unexcused absence will reduce your grade by 1/2 letter grade for each absence.

Preparation. You will receive questions in advance to prepare for the week's discussion. In addition, there are often introductions to the source readings in the course packet, and study guides posted on the course Web site. These introductions and study guides contain "thought questions," that is, questions and suggestions to get your minds working and to help you think about the readings, but which we may not always be explicitly discussing in class.

We will be preparing along with you, and I always find that it is helpful to write down answers to the questions, together with particular passages that help me support my answer. We will be asking you to do this as well, since it will make for a better discussion section, and then to turn in your assignment at the ned of class. If you have an excused absence, it will still be a good idea to write down what you think about the assigned questions so that we know that you did the work, and also so that you'll be better off when it comes time to study for an exam. If your absence is unexcused, we will not accept written work as a substitute.