fandomhigh | Introduction to Western Literature, Lesson One

Monday, January 9, 5th and 6th periods

Professor Chaucer is leaning against his desk in the lovely new classroom he's been assigned to, waiting for his students to arrive. Once they have he walks forward and greets them.

"Welcome to Introduction to Western Literature. I'm Geoff Chaucer, and I'll be teaching the class, in case you hadn't already figured that out. First I want to tell you a few things about the class. There aren't very many of you, so I'd prefer it if you all sat near one another -- in fact, the seats can be moved into whatever configuration we all feel comfortable with, so there's no need for anyone to be stuck off alone in the back. Also, I want to point out the book closet behind me -- you can find all of the texts you need for the assigned readings there, plus some additional materials if you're interested. The books here on the bookcase are also available for reading, but I'd prefer you don't remove those from this wing of the school. My office is just off the classroom here, and I'll be holding office hours at least twice a week, possibly more if I get very bored.

"You can pick up a copy of the assigned readings and grading structure here on my desk as you leave today. Class discussions will pertain to those readings, and participation in the discussions is part of your grade, so please make certain you do the reading. There will be a couple of quizzes given, just to make certain you're all understanding the material, and an end-of term project, which I'll tell you more about later.

All right, let's move on to today's class. There are three things I need you to do for me today.

1. Introduce yourself, and tell the class why you're taking Western Lit.

2. Choose two people in the room and ask each of them a question. Any question, but let's keep things civil. I'm included in the category of 'people in the room'.

3. In roughly 100 words, describe me. Bonus points will be given for favorable use of the following words: articulate, handsome, dashing, droolworthy, charming, intelligent, sexy, magnificent sexgod. There's an opening for the position of TA for this class, and your essay will be taken into consideration if you decide to apply. (This is all in good fun, folks. Have fun with the assignment!) The essay is due by the end of class today.

Once you've finished the above assignments, feel free to use the remainder of today's class period to begin your assigned reading for the next lesson."

Assignment for Next Week: Read Aristophanes' Lysistrata

[OOC: A couple of important points. For people in other time zones and with RL concerns, you'll have until Friday each week to make your comments for class. If you know ahead of time you won't be available for a class, just drop me a note in my voicemail and let me know. You're allowed one unexcused absence without penalty. After that, you'll get at F for that lesson unless you arrange with me for make-up work. I don't assign detention unless there's a real problem, so don't be afraid to come and see me about missed classes.]

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