Classics 185 - Origins and Nature of English Vocabulary - Summer 2018 Syllabus

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Levi

Classics 185 covers the origins and nature of English vocabulary through historical and Indo-European linguistics, focusing on how Latin and Greek roots shape modern word formation and how meanings evolve over time. The hybrid course combines shorter in-class discussion with online video materials on CCLE, supplemented by assigned readings. Assessment includes participation, three timed quizzes, three individual homework problem sets, a course project (4–5 pages), and a cumulative final exam, with a strict no-makeup policy for quizzes or exams.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Course Overview

Class Meetings and Instructor

Texts and Materials

Assessment and Policies

Grading

Attendance, Participation, and No Makeup Policy

Quizzes and Final

Homework

Course Project

Academic Misconduct

Accessible Education

Weekly Syllabus

Week 1

Classics 185 – Origins and Nature of English Vocabulary Summer 2018 Class Meetings TR 10:45 AM-12:00 PM Public Affairs 1264 Instructor Benjamin Niedzielski ([bniedzie@ucla.edu](bniedzie@ucla.edu)) Office hours: TR 12-1 PM in Dodd 2, or by appointment. Texts Required: The Oxford Guide to Etymology, by Philip Durkin (2011, paperback edition) Optional: English Words from Latin and Greek Elements Second Edition, by Donald M. Ayers (1986, paperback edition) Grading Preparation, and Participation 10% Quizzes (3 20-30 minute quizzes) 30% Homework (3 assignments) 20% Course Project (due Friday, August 3 at 5:00 PM) 20% Final Exam (75 minutes, cumulative, Thursday, August 2) 20% N.b. There will be no make-ups for quizzes or exams! Class Description Classics 185 is an intensive, 6-week course on vocabulary, particularly in the English language. We will cover the basic principles of historical and Indo-European linguistics, the origins ofthe English language, common Latin and Greek roots used in English vocabulary, the creation of new words in Modern English, and how and why words change meaning. This course fulfills the UCLA Philosophical and Linguistic Analysis GE requirement. After completing Classics 185, students are equipped to better understand language in general and to apply concepts and tools introduced in the course to their own fields and to other languages. Classics 185 as a “Hybrid” Course This course is a “hybrid” course – that is, there are fewer hours in class and there is an online component. A typical 5 unit course meets for 4-6 hours per week during the summer; our course meets for only 2.5 hours per week. This means that you will have additional work to do online to account for this difference. The good news is this gives you much greater flexibility in when to complete your work. For this course, you will be expected to watch a number of videos on CCLE instead of having a formal lecture. These videos, combined with assigned readings, are vital for your understanding of course material. We will dedicate the first portion of each class to reviewing this online material, but this will not be a full lecture. You will not be able to keep up without using these online materials. Be sure to watch the videos, complete course readings, and bring any questions you have to class. Attendance, Participation, and the No Makeup Policy The pace of this course, combined with its hybrid nature, demands mandatory attendance at every class. Missing even a single day is roughly equivalent to missing a full week during the academic year. This can have a hugely negative effect on a student’s progress and will adversely affect students’ grades. Additionally, no makeup assignments will be offered, except in cases of documented emergencies. I know that the pace of the class is intense, so please let me know if you are having problems, and I will try to make arrangements to help you! Students should participate actively in class, being prepared to answer questions when called upon. A large portion of class time will be devoted to a discussion of the readings, videos, and other materials brought in by the instructor. I ask that students not use cell phones, tablets, and laptops during class time, as they will distract not only you, but those around you too. Quizzes and Final Students will take three 20-30 minute quizzes and a 75 minute cumulative final exam throughout the course. Each of these assessments will ask students to break English words into common Latin and Greek components and define the words, based on Latin and Greek root lists distributed in advance. Students will also have to demonstrate an understanding of material from the course videos and readings, as well as the ability to apply it to relevant data. Homework Students will complete three homework assignments, taking the form of a problem set. Each assignment will give students the opportunity to practice using online to

FAQs

What topics will be covered in Classics 185?

The course covers principles of historical and Indo-European linguistics, the origins of English, common Latin and Greek roots, how new words are created in Modern English, and how word meanings change.

How does the hybrid format affect students’ workload?

The course meets fewer hours in class than a typical summer course, so students must complete additional online video work on CCLE. The first portion of each class reviews the online material rather than providing a full lecture.

What assessments are included and how is grading handled?

Grades include preparation and participation (10%), three 20–30 minute quizzes (30%), three homework assignments (20%), a course project due August 3 (20%), and a cumulative final exam (20%).

Is there a makeup option for quizzes or exams?

No makeup assignments are offered for quizzes or exams, except in cases of documented emergencies.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Levi