Participation refers to much more than simply being in attendance. In order to receive full marks for participation, students must consistently demonstrate their commitment to the course by being punctual and well-prepared for all classes, and completing any required tutorial reading and discussion preparation. Participation marks are also gained through active involvement during the meeting, demonstrated by asking and answering questions, participating constructively as required, and showing consideration for their fellow classmates and lecturer by behaving in a considerate and mature manner.

ONE (1) written assignment (Source Analysis) is to be submitted for assessment. It will count for 20% of the final mark. You may submit TWO (2) papers and have the best mark count. (Preparation for each tutorial, however, is advised, since the material covered in tutorials will be examined.) Assignments must be handed in at the time of the tutorial: they will NOT be accepted after tutorial discussion has taken place. You are strongly advised to submit your Source Analysis by the mid-semester break. The appropriate length of this task will vary with the topic but should not exceed 900 words.

     Your analysis should be based firmly upon the ancient evidence, and should show an appreciation of what is primary evidence and what is secondary evidence.

     You will base your work principally on the material to be discussed in the pertinent week's tutorial. Obviously, there is only so much you can say in 900 words. You should consider this an exercise in expressing yourself succinctly. When citing the ancient evidence upon which you are basing any observation, you may choose to cite it in parentheses (brackets) or you may choose to use footnotes. Any material in footnotes is not considered to be part of your word-length. As you will almost certainly know, historians of the ancient world consider footnotes to be a holding-place for material which you believe necessary to underpin your statements in the text of your source analysis; your response itself should be as trim as is possible. (Please note: That is the Unit convenor's attitude to footnotes! Some people don't like them. In future courses, you should ascertain the individual approach of your teachers in this regard - just to be on the safe side.)

     A bibliography of any modern works utilised must be provided.

Length: 1500 words (+/- 10%). It is expected that your answer to the essay question will demonstrate extensive consultation of the ancient sources listed in the Unit Guide. Bibliographies will provide you with a starting point for developing a reading list of secondary literature for the essay topic you have chosen. In order to locate further material (both ancient and modern) on particular topics or personalities, consult the footnotes and indices of modern works.

     In general, secondary literature should be consulted only by way of explaining the ancient sources or giving a broad perspective on the interpretation of the source material and, of course, all opinions included in the essay, whether quoted directly or paraphrased should be referenced according to the guidelines, Essay Presentation & Conventions: Style Guide, available from the Departmental office (W6A 540) or online at http://mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_ancient_history/teaching_materials/.

Ensure you download the Full Version of the Essay Presentation Guide.

There will be a written examination in the examination period. The examination will take the form of ONE (1) compulsory source analysis question on the principal ancient literary sources used in the Unit and choosing TWO (2) essay questions from a selection of twelve (12) questions.