FYS 101-Section 45 FALL SEMESTER ONLY–This is not a year-long course.
Section Title–Sex and Politics: Helen of Troy Course Syllabus*
Dr. Margaret Brabant
Class meetings TR–01:00-02:15 p.m. Jordan Hall 312
Office: Jordan Hall 339B; email=mbrabant@butler.edu; office telephone: (317) 940-9683
Office Hours: Mondays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursdays 09:00-10:00 a.m. or by appointment
Course Description: The story of Helen of Troy may be read as an iconoclastic struggle between sex and politics as Helen literally and figuratively embodies the age-old clash of the sexes and the human propensity to forsake politics for war. In this course, we will examine how the myth of Helen is intimately connected with misogynistic attitudes, romantic and sexual fantasies, and notions of political power that may been seen throughout twenty-eight centuries of the telling and retelling of the story of the “face that launched a thousand ships.”
We will not follow a strict chronology, meaning we will not always proceed from the 13th century B.C. period to the present day. More often we will follow the narrative weave of Helen, moving between historical moments so that we may, as our primary author, Bettany Hughes, suggests, come to understand why “Helen is the woman men love to love and love to hate” (pg. 146), This understanding may also help us to understand why so many women have wanted to be like Helen–politically powerfully, sexually desirably and beyond reproach, and why men have been willing to commit lethal acts in order to possess such a woman.
This section is designed to meet the FYS learning objects that are as follow:
1. Listen and read critically—texts, speech, media and other cultural productions—in order to examine, challenge and reshape themselves and the world in which they live.
2. Express themselves clearly and persuasively in exposition and in argument, in both written and oral forms.
3. Carry out research for the purpose of supplying evidence and support for claims made in exposition and argument.
(www.butler.edu./core/key-components/1y-seminar)
Required Texts/Readings
- Hacker, Diana. Pocket Style Handbook. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s Publishers. 2009 edition.
- Hughes, Bettany (2005) Helen of Troy: The Story Behind the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. New York: Vintage.
- McLeish, Kenneth. Trans. (1995). After the Trojan War: Women of Troy, Hecuba and Helen: Three Plays by Euripides. London: Absolute Classics. Irwin-see link on course blackboard: https://eres.butler.edu/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=387
- Additional Course Readings–Follow course syllabus for readings available on course Blackboard and/or through ERserve in the Irwin Library.
Course Requirements and Policies—Your final grade is earned as follows:
- 50% = Research Paper and Oral Report
- Paper–Phase I and III = 15% each (instructions attached)
- Phase II with oral reports = 10% written and 10% oral
- 35% = mid-term exam at 15% and the group final exam at 20%
- 15% = Overnight writes, in-class writes and quizzes
1. Research Project-full description forthcoming.
2. Writing Assignments–Over night writing (ONW) assignments appear on the schedule, although I may add some throughout the course of the semester. I will announce such writes one class period prior to the due date. In addition to ONWs, in-class writes (ICW) and quizzes will be given throughout the semester. ICW and quizzes are not announced in advance and cannot be made up if you are not present on the day such assignments are distributed.
- Writing assignments (except ICWs and quizzes) must be submitted to the Safe Assign portal on Blackboard. A hard copy (pages stapled) of the assignment must be presented at the beginning of the class period on the due date unless other instructions are given. All writing assignments. (except ICWs and quizzes) must contain a word count and follow the submission guidelines described in my “General Instructions for Writing Assignments” posted to Blackboard under the Information tab.
3. Group Final Examination Presentation–Details forthcoming.
A Community of Scholars–I believe teaching is a vocation and I take seriously and joyfully the charge to create a classroom environment wherein we may gather together to learn about the great ideas and questions that have been part of the human experience for centuries. Therefore, in order to create an atmosphere conducive to deep thinking and the sharing of ideas, most of our time in class is devoted to discussing the content of the course materials. It is thus essential that we be fully engaged with the readings and come to class prepared to discuss and question the ideas and problems presented in the readings and other course materials. I expect everyone to bring the appropriate readings to each class. If you do not bring the appropriate readings and/or are not prepared to discuss the material, I will ask you to leave the class and count your lack of preparedness as an absence. Since a few of the class readings are electronically posted, you will be allowed to bring computers to class on the days we discuss these readings. If you prefer to download hard copies of the materials or bring your own copies of texts such as Homer, feel free to do so.
- Electronic Devices, Web Master and Note Takers–There will be no need to use electronic devices/personal communication tools during class except on the occasions when we read an electronic text as noted above. Additional exceptions are listed below. All devices should be turned off prior to the start of class so that we may be free from other worldly distractions for 75 minutes. I look forward to our interactions, and for the most part, our interactions will not be mediated through electronic devices.
- Web Master– One person per class will be asked to serve as the “Web Master” for the class period. The person will be asked to look up information we may want to know during a particular class session. This individual will be expected to use the classroom computer or her/his personal computer to consult websites that might provide useful information to augment our discussion. This individual also has the privilege of starting class with a favorite piece of music (music videos are ok too).
- Note Takers–I do not distribute my PowerPoint notes for pedagogical reasons. I expect people to listen and take notes the old fashioned way, whereby we use our mental and physical muscles to think and write. However, for each class period, two students will be responsible for taking notes. They will post their notes to the course Blackboard within 24 hours for the benefit of the class (Tuesday notes are posted by 02:30 p.m. Wednesday 02:30 and Thursday notes are posted by 02:30 p.m. Friday). Note takers may use their computers. No other persons may use their computers unless I receive notification for Butler University’s Student Disability Services office that such an accommodation is necessary for learning.
- Lottery Selection System–Webmasters, note takers and presentation dates will all be determined by lottery.
Attendance and Plagiarism Policy– I take roll each class period because regular attendance is necessary to learn well. No university-related activity will be excused without prior written authorization from the appropriate university office. Excused absences do not eliminate responsibility for completing assignments. If a student misses 20% or more of the class meetings, she/he fails the course.
I expect all students to read and understand the section on academic dishonesty found in the Butler University Student Handbook to be familiar with the Butler University Student Handbook guidelines on plagiarism. If, after reading the handbook and completing the tutorial located on the course Blackboard, you do not understand what constitutes an act of academic dishonesty, please ask me. All of my students are required to abide by the plagiarism pledge I distribute. Anyone who commits an act of plagiarism will fail the assignment and/or the course depending upon the severity of the infraction.
Communication with my students–In addition to holding my regularly posted office hours and making appointments to meet with students, I typically read email twice daily between 08:30 a.m.– 08:30 p.m.
Disabilities Accommodations–It is the policy and practice of Butler University to make reasonable accommodations for students with properly documented disabilities. Written notification from the Office of Student Disability Services is required. If you are eligible to receive an accommodation and would like to request it for this course, please discuss it with me and allow ONE-week notice. Otherwise, it is not guaranteed that the accommodations can be received on a timely basis. If you have questions about student disability services, you may contact Michele Atterson, Jordan Hall, Room 136, ext. 9308.
Readings and Assignments Schedule
August 25–Introduction.
August 30–Citation and Plagiarism assignment due. Bettany Hughes, Helen of Troy (hereafter Hughes): Introduction and chapters 1-2, pp. 01-28.
September 01–Hughes, chapters 4 & 5, pp. 34-45. ONW.
September 06–The Rape of Helen–Hughes, chapter 6, pp. 49-54; chapters 18-19, pp. 131-140; Colluthus, The Rape of Helen. Blackboard (link to reading).
September 08–“The World’s Desire”–Hughes, chapters 9-11, pp. 71-88.
September 13– Homer’s Iliad (Lattimore’s translation), Book 3, lines 01-245 pp. 100-106); Book 6, lines 01-529, pp.153-167; Book 24, pp. 475-496; and Glossary. Blackboard.
September 15– Homer’s Odyssey (Fagels’ translation), Book 4, (pp. 124-151); Book 15, lines 63-203, pp. 321-325. Blackboard.
September 20–Queen, Wife and Mother–Hughes, chapters 12-14, pp. 91-105 and chapters 17-19, pp. 120-140.
September 22–Excerpts from John Erskine’s The Private Life of Helen of Troy. Blackboard. ONW.
September 27–Hughes, chapters 16-17, pp. 115-130; Anthony Hecht ‘s poem entitled “The Judgment of Paris.” Blackboard.
September 29– Class meeting at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Car-pooling arrangements to be made.
October 04–View first half of Hughes’ film, Helen of Troy.
October 06–Class time devoted to exploring topics for research paper.
October 11–Mid-term Examination.
October 13–Reading Break.
October 18–Class meets in the Writers’ Studio for a workshop on thesis development, annotated bibliography and outline. Film review of Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen (2004) due.
October 20–Whore Destroyer/War Victim– Hughes, chapters 20-23, pp.143-171.
October 25–Hughes, chapter 28, pp. 203-209; chapter 31, pp. 219-225.
October 27–Euripides’ Women of Troy. Blackboard link.
November 01–Euripides’ Helen. Blackboard link.
November 03–Class time devoted to discussion of research papers.
November 08–Phase II oral reports.
November 10–Class meeting in Writers’ Studio-Workshop on draft development.
November 15–Dancing with the Devil & Helen the Immortal–Hughes, chapters 43-44, pp. 298-312; Appendix 4, pp. 332-338; Epilogue, pp. 342-343. Phase II revisions due.
November 17–View second half of Hughes’ film, Helen of Troy. Remaining class time devoted to discussion of final examination projects.
November 21-25–Thanksgiving break.
November 29–Class time devoted to discussion to final examination projects.
December 01–Phase III paper assignment due.
December 06–Group Final Examination Presentations.
December 08–Group Final Examination Presentations.
* I reserve the prerogative to alter the syllabus as I deem necessary. Changes will be announced in class and posted electronically to the course Blackboard. Students are responsible for following the syllabus accordingly.
FYS 101-Section 45 FALL SEMESTER ONLY–This is not a year-long course.
Section Title–Sex and Politics: Helen of Troy Course Syllabus*
Dr. Margaret Brabant
Class meetings TR–01:00-02:15 p.m. Jordan Hall 312
Office: Jordan Hall 339B; email=mbrabant@butler.edu; office telephone: (317) 940-9683
Office Hours: Mondays 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursdays 09:00-10:00 a.m. or by appointment
Course Description: The story of Helen of Troy may be read as an iconoclastic struggle between sex and politics as Helen literally and figuratively embodies the age-old clash of the sexes and the human propensity to forsake politics for war. In this course, we will examine how the myth of Helen is intimately connected with misogynistic attitudes, romantic and sexual fantasies, and notions of political power that may been seen throughout twenty-eight centuries of the telling and retelling of the story of the “face that launched a thousand ships.”
We will not follow a strict chronology, meaning we will not always proceed from the 13th century B.C. period to the present day. More often we will follow the narrative weave of Helen, moving between historical moments so that we may, as our primary author, Bettany Hughes, suggests, come to understand why “Helen is the woman men love to love and love to hate” (pg. 146), This understanding may also help us to understand why so many women have wanted to be like Helen–politically powerfully, sexually desirably and beyond reproach, and why men have been willing to commit lethal acts in order to possess such a woman.
This section is designed to meet the FYS learning objects that are as follow:
1. Listen and read critically—texts, speech, media and other cultural productions—in order to examine, challenge and reshape themselves and the world in which they live.
2. Express themselves clearly and persuasively in exposition and in argument, in both written and oral forms.
3. Carry out research for the purpose of supplying evidence and support for claims made in exposition and argument.
(www.butler.edu./core/key-components/1y-seminar)
Required Texts/Readings
- Hacker, Diana. Pocket Style Handbook. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s Publishers. 2009 edition.
- Hughes, Bettany (2005) Helen of Troy: The Story Behind the Most Beautiful Woman in the World. New York: Vintage.
- McLeish, Kenneth. Trans. (1995). After the Trojan War: Women of Troy, Hecuba and Helen: Three Plays by Euripides. London: Absolute Classics. Irwin-see link on course blackboard: https://eres.butler.edu/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=387
- Additional Course Readings–Follow course syllabus for readings available on course Blackboard and/or through ERserve in the Irwin Library.
Course Requirements and Policies—Your final grade is earned as follows:
- 50% = Research Paper and Oral Report
- Paper–Phase I and III = 15% each (instructions attached)
- Phase II with oral reports = 10% written and 10% oral
- 35% = mid-term exam at 15% and the group final exam at 20%
- 15% = Overnight writes, in-class writes and quizzes
1. Research Project-full description forthcoming.
2. Writing Assignments–Over night writing (ONW) assignments appear on the schedule, although I may add some throughout the course of the semester. I will announce such writes one class period prior to the due date. In addition to ONWs, in-class writes (ICW) and quizzes will be given throughout the semester. ICW and quizzes are not announced in advance and cannot be made up if you are not present on the day such assignments are distributed.
- Writing assignments (except ICWs and quizzes) must be submitted to the Safe Assign portal on Blackboard. A hard copy (pages stapled) of the assignment must be presented at the beginning of the class period on the due date unless other instructions are given. All writing assignments. (except ICWs and quizzes) must contain a word count and follow the submission guidelines described in my “General Instructions for Writing Assignments” posted to Blackboard under the Information tab.
3. Group Final Examination Presentation–Details forthcoming.
A Community of Scholars–I believe teaching is a vocation and I take seriously and joyfully the charge to create a classroom environment wherein we may gather together to learn about the great ideas and questions that have been part of the human experience for centuries. Therefore, in order to create an atmosphere conducive to deep thinking and the sharing of ideas, most of our time in class is devoted to discussing the content of the course materials. It is thus essential that we be fully engaged with the readings and come to class prepared to discuss and question the ideas and problems presented in the readings and other course materials. I expect everyone to bring the appropriate readings to each class. If you do not bring the appropriate readings and/or are not prepared to discuss the material, I will ask you to leave the class and count your lack of preparedness as an absence. Since a few of the class readings are electronically posted, you will be allowed to bring computers to class on the days we discuss these readings. If you prefer to download hard copies of the materials or bring your own copies of texts such as Homer, feel free to do so.
- Electronic Devices, Web Master and Note Takers–There will be no need to use electronic devices/personal communication tools during class except on the occasions when we read an electronic text as noted above. Additional exceptions are listed below. All devices should be turned off prior to the start of class so that we may be free from other worldly distractions for 75 minutes. I look forward to our interactions, and for the most part, our interactions will not be mediated through electronic devices.
- Web Master– One person per class will be asked to serve as the “Web Master” for the class period. The person will be asked to look up information we may want to know during a particular class session. This individual will be expected to use the classroom computer or her/his personal computer to consult websites that might provide useful information to augment our discussion. This individual also has the privilege of starting class with a favorite piece of music (music videos are ok too).
- Note Takers–I do not distribute my PowerPoint notes for pedagogical reasons. I expect people to listen and take notes the old fashioned way, whereby we use our mental and physical muscles to think and write. However, for each class period, two students will be responsible for taking notes. They will post their notes to the course Blackboard within 24 hours for the benefit of the class (Tuesday notes are posted by 02:30 p.m. Wednesday 02:30 and Thursday notes are posted by 02:30 p.m. Friday). Note takers may use their computers. No other persons may use their computers unless I receive notification for Butler University’s Student Disability Services office that such an accommodation is necessary for learning.
- Lottery Selection System–Webmasters, note takers and presentation dates will all be determined by lottery.
Attendance and Plagiarism Policy– I take roll each class period because regular attendance is necessary to learn well. No university-related activity will be excused without prior written authorization from the appropriate university office. Excused absences do not eliminate responsibility for completing assignments. If a student misses 20% or more of the class meetings, she/he fails the course.
I expect all students to read and understand the section on academic dishonesty found in the Butler University Student Handbook to be familiar with the Butler University Student Handbook guidelines on plagiarism. If, after reading the handbook and completing the tutorial located on the course Blackboard, you do not understand what constitutes an act of academic dishonesty, please ask me. All of my students are required to abide by the plagiarism pledge I distribute. Anyone who commits an act of plagiarism will fail the assignment and/or the course depending upon the severity of the infraction.
Communication with my students–In addition to holding my regularly posted office hours and making appointments to meet with students, I typically read email twice daily between 08:30 a.m.– 08:30 p.m.
Disabilities Accommodations–It is the policy and practice of Butler University to make reasonable accommodations for students with properly documented disabilities. Written notification from the Office of Student Disability Services is required. If you are eligible to receive an accommodation and would like to request it for this course, please discuss it with me and allow ONE-week notice. Otherwise, it is not guaranteed that the accommodations can be received on a timely basis. If you have questions about student disability services, you may contact Michele Atterson, Jordan Hall, Room 136, ext. 9308.
Readings and Assignments Schedule
August 25–Introduction.
August 30–Citation and Plagiarism assignment due. Bettany Hughes, Helen of Troy (hereafter Hughes): Introduction and chapters 1-2, pp. 01-28.
September 01–Hughes, chapters 4 & 5, pp. 34-45. ONW.
September 06–The Rape of Helen–Hughes, chapter 6, pp. 49-54; chapters 18-19, pp. 131-140; Colluthus, The Rape of Helen. Blackboard (link to reading).
September 08–“The World’s Desire”–Hughes, chapters 9-11, pp. 71-88.
September 13– Homer’s Iliad (Lattimore’s translation), Book 3, lines 01-245 pp. 100-106); Book 6, lines 01-529, pp.153-167; Book 24, pp. 475-496; and Glossary. Blackboard.
September 15– Homer’s Odyssey (Fagels’ translation), Book 4, (pp. 124-151); Book 15, lines 63-203, pp. 321-325. Blackboard.
September 20–Queen, Wife and Mother–Hughes, chapters 12-14, pp. 91-105 and chapters 17-19, pp. 120-140.
September 22–Excerpts from John Erskine’s The Private Life of Helen of Troy. Blackboard. ONW.
September 27–Hughes, chapters 16-17, pp. 115-130; Anthony Hecht ‘s poem entitled “The Judgment of Paris.” Blackboard.
September 29– Class meeting at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Car-pooling arrangements to be made.
October 04–View first half of Hughes’ film, Helen of Troy.
October 06–Class time devoted to exploring topics for research paper.
October 11–Mid-term Examination.
October 13–Reading Break.
October 18–Class meets in the Writers’ Studio for a workshop on thesis development, annotated bibliography and outline. Film review of Troy, directed by Wolfgang Petersen (2004) due.
October 20–Whore Destroyer/War Victim– Hughes, chapters 20-23, pp.143-171.
October 25–Hughes, chapter 28, pp. 203-209; chapter 31, pp. 219-225.
October 27–Euripides’ Women of Troy. Blackboard link.
November 01–Euripides’ Helen. Blackboard link.
November 03–Class time devoted to discussion of research papers.
November 08–Phase II oral reports.
November 10–Class meeting in Writers’ Studio-Workshop on draft development.
November 15–Dancing with the Devil & Helen the Immortal–Hughes, chapters 43-44, pp. 298-312; Appendix 4, pp. 332-338; Epilogue, pp. 342-343. Phase II revisions due.
November 17–View second half of Hughes’ film, Helen of Troy. Remaining class time devoted to discussion of final examination projects.
November 21-25–Thanksgiving break.
November 29–Class time devoted to discussion to final examination projects.
December 01–Phase III paper assignment due.
December 06–Group Final Examination Presentations.
December 08–Group Final Examination Presentations.
* I reserve the prerogative to alter the syllabus as I deem necessary. Changes will be announced in class and posted electronically to the course Blackboard. Students are responsible for following the syllabus accordingly.