Last updated: August 22, 2008

Classics Section  Major/Minor Programs in Classics at BGSU Romance and Classical Studies Bowling Green State University

Due Date: Friday October 24. (Anything turned in after 4:30 PM will start accumulating late points.)

Description: A 5 page review of a movie, TV show, play or performance with classical myth content. (Double-spaced, 1 inch margins, 10-12 pt. font.)

Necessary Elements: You should evaluate whatever you review on two grounds:

1.) On its accuracy in rendering the myth. (The required texts are your basis for making this judgement; I don't expect you guys to do research for the review.)

2.) On its entertainment or artistic value (i.e. whether it sucks or not, and why).

You should also give me some specific idea of what you reviewed: the title, date produced, performers etc.

Don't be hesitant in expressing an opinion (in fact, the project requires that you express one), but remember to support your opinion with evidence.

ex.

The animation is terrible. When Hercules was chasing the Erymanthian Boar, I saw the same rock flash by in the background four times. What is this, Hercules vs. the Flinstones?

I assume you guys know how to run a spellcheck, but don't forget to actually proofread your review. It's up to you to spell the gods' and heroes' names correctly-- the computer won't know how.

Topics: Any type of performance or show with classical myth content.

Books are out: the purpose of the review is to get you thinking of myth as something besides words printed on a page. Game reviews might be OK-- check with me before you start.

It has to have myth content. Reviews of Gladiator or Cleopatra are off-topic (although they would work in CLCV 381: Roman Life).

The myth has to be classical, i.e. Greek or Roman. The Last Legion and The 13th Warrior have myth content, but they're not classical myths.

A Final Warning: Don't plagiarize.

I don't mean to sound paranoid, but the issue does come up from time to time. This is an informal writing assignment, but standards of academic honesty still apply. (See a brief description of plagiarism and its penalties in a PDF file downloadable from the BGSU Provost at this link.) If you're unsure whether something you're doing constitutes plagiarism ask (me, for instance, or someone at the writing center--a great resource whenever you're having trouble with a paper). There's no penalty for asking, whereas the penalties for being caught are fairly severe--ranging from a zero on the assignment to (in extreme cases) suspension or expulsion from the university.