The class CLASSICS 10: Discovering the Greeks is relatively simple. The reading is rather easy, and it is the only thing you pretty much need to focus your studies on.

Lecture is worthless for the most part. It just overviews topics in your reading, occasionally giving you a decent essay idea and whatnot. Morris apparently loves her subject matter, and she never misses a chance to advertise their program in Greece. She tends to be a bit dry, but it's not a problem if you don't show up to class.

The TAs are generally alright. They're just there to make sure you do your reading pretty much. You'll find good ideas for essay topics in discussion. Participation is graded.

There are two five-page essays on rather difficult subjects, so some outside reading may be required. The class seems to do well on these overall. Just don't turn in last-minute work.

The midterm and final are not cumulative and Morris gives you a review sheet ahead of time that tells you EVERYTHING you need to know on these exams, which is very generous indeed. There are three parts on the midterm: quote explications or identifications, which requires the general knowledge of all of your reading; the memorization of images of art and monuments along with their time period, location, and significance; and definitions of Greek words and famous figures. The final is the same thing except with a choice of one out of three essay topics given to you a week beforehand.

All in all, an easy and mildly interesting GE class.

Final grade: A-

materials in lecture have no weight on the midterm or final; not all the readings have to be read; papers are fair; overall a generally easy class if you put in the work

Professor Morris is a good lecturer who is very enthused about the Greeks. Her lectures are always very well prepared, though some are a bit more boring than others. The two papers are fair, as long as you start early enough. The grades are based entirely on your TA so write a rough draft and have your TA look over it and give you pointers before turning it in. The midterm and final are mainly memorizing pictures, terms, people, and places, but also have some analysis in them (for example, knowing the significance of certain passages of reading and being able to identify them). I really enjoyed this class, though I must say that I have always been interested in ancient history (I'm thinking of minoring in Classical civilization). So, if you're even remotely interested in this topic, take it as your GE. It requires work but you'll get a lot out of it.

Prof. Morris is a not very effective as a teacher. Her lessons are irrelevant to what you are graded on - two papers and a midterm and final. As long as you do the reading and show up to discussion you'll get at least a B, A's require a bit more dedication to your essays and studying for your midterm. The only learning that goes on is in your discussion, and a great TA really makes the class worth studying. For the midterm and final, Morris hand feeds you what is on it, she gives you a list of art to study and requires that you identify passages that you read. I found that what she taught in lecture maybe reinforced what was required for the exams and papers - but was in no way necessary for success in the class.

Morris is ok. Her lectures are not the best in the world, but I also don't remember them being painfully boring--I only fell asleep once or twice. There is a lot of reading, but not all of it is "mandatory" and a lot of it is interesting. Overall, it's a pretty easy class, if you get the right TA.

The midterm and final were easy because she gives you a list of things you need to know beforehand. She lists out ALL of the slides and vocab that will be on the tests, and even gives you the page numbers of the things you should read again. Basically, it's just memorization.

The papers are not bad either. The topis are not dry and are straight fwd. Not too hard--I got As on both of them. BUT, you should check with your TA first to see what he/she is looking for, because A LOT of people were shocked with their first grade.

I'd recommend the class... it's an interesting and easy way to get rid of a GE.

I never thought that anyone could make a topic so stimulating so painful. Her class is easy, and the readings are fascinating, but as far as lecture is concerned, it was miserable. I count Dr. Morris' when I'm having trouble getting to sleep.