The course dedicates specific sessions to the examination of women and slaves in Roman society, highlighting their roles and contributions within the broader framework of Roman civilization . By including this topic, the course ensures students gain insights into the daily lives, societal roles, and challenges faced by these groups, emphasizing their impact on and relationships to other societal structures such as politics, trade, and family life. The integration of primary source analyses further deepens understanding by providing historical perspectives and examples, enabling students to synthesize information about social hierarchies and cultural norms in ancient Rome, thus contributing to a more nuanced appreciation of Roman civilization .

CAMS 33 explores the interrelationships between various aspects of Roman civilization by examining how different facets of society influenced each other. The course structure includes topics such as politics, warfare, religion, agriculture, trade, social roles, architecture, law, literature, and philosophy, each showing connections between social, economic, and political developments . For example, the discussion of warfare could involve analysis of its impact on political structures and economic conditions, while examining trade can reveal its influence on social class and urban development. Through various classroom activities and projects, students are encouraged to synthesize this information, showing how these components of Roman life did not exist in isolation but collectively shaped the overall character of Roman civilization .

The main components of the course assessment in CAMS 33 include two midterm exams (35% total), a final exam (20%), a research project (25%), homework assignments (10%), and attendance (10%). These components are designed to contribute to the understanding of Roman civilization by encouraging students to engage with different aspects of the course material actively. Midterm and final exams test knowledge and synthesis of the historical periods and themes studied. The research project involves deep dive into specific topics using primary sources, fostering analytical and interpretive skills. Homework assignments focus on the interpretation and analysis of primary Latin literature, further developing critical thinking. Finally, attendance ensures consistent engagement with the material and class discussions, which are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Attendance is emphasized in the evaluation criteria of CAMS 33, accounting for 10% of the final grade, to reinforce consistent engagement with the course material and participation in class discussions, both integral to comprehending Roman civilization comprehensively . This emphasis reflects educational principles that value the active learning process and community building within the classroom. Regular attendance ensures that students benefit from in-person lectures, discussions, and collaborative learning activities, which consistently enhance critical thinking and understanding. It also emphasizes responsibility and self-discipline, critical skills for lifelong learning and academic success .

Academic integrity is fundamental in CAMS 33, as it ensures scholarly activity is conducted honestly and responsibly. The course policy reflects Penn State's broader commitment to maintaining an environment where all students can achieve success based on their efforts . Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication of information, which result in academic sanctions and potential disciplinary actions by the University's Judicial Affairs office . This emphasis on academic integrity impacts student participation by fostering a culture of respect and fairness, ensuring that evaluations of knowledge and skills truly reflect individual student understanding and effort. It encourages students to engage sincerely with the material, thereby ensuring that learning outcomes are met and academic standards maintained.

CAMS 33 incorporates primary sources by training students to interpret these materials to understand ancient Roman civilization. This includes literature, inscriptions, and artifacts, which are examined and analyzed for the insights they provide about ancient Rome . Students complete weekly homework on interpreting primary sources, focusing on Latin literature, which helps them develop skills in understanding the historical context of the documents and what they reveal about Roman culture, politics, and society. Additionally, the research project requires students to engage with primary sources relevant to their chosen topic, fostering a deeper appreciation of historical scholarship and methods .

Allowing laptops/tablets for note-taking in CAMS 33 can provide several benefits, such as enhanced accessibility to course materials and efficient organization of notes, which can improve student engagement and understanding. Digital notes can be easily edited, searched, and reviewed, facilitating better study habits and comprehension . However, challenges include the risk of distraction, as students might be tempted to engage in non-course-related activities like social media or games, potentially affecting attention and participation during lectures. The policy requires students to focus on class-related activities, mitigating these distractions by promoting responsible use of technology for educational purposes only .

Homework assignments in CAMS 33 are specifically designed to develop interpretive skills by requiring students to engage directly with primary sources, particularly Latin literature . These tasks build students' abilities to analyze, contextualize, and extract information from historical documents, which is essential for understanding ancient societies. By regularly interpreting these sources, students learn to identify bias, understand historical context, and synthesize information, which are critical skills for historians and scholars. This repeated practice enables students to develop a nuanced understanding of the sources themselves, as well as the broader socio-political landscapes they represent, thus enhancing their overall capacity for historical analysis .

The class etiquette policy in CAMS 33 is designed to foster a respectful and focused learning environment. By requiring students to arrive on time, abstain from disruptive electronic device use, and come prepared to participate, the policy aims to minimize distractions and promote a culture of mutual respect and engagement . This structured environment enhances the quality of student interactions, encourages active participation and discussion, and helps build a supportive academic community where students can freely exchange ideas. By adhering to these etiquettes, students are likely to collaborate more effectively and engage deeply with the course content, which supports better learning outcomes and a positive classroom dynamic .

CAMS 33 addresses the inclusion of students with disabilities by following Penn State's policies on disability access, which welcome students with disabilities into educational programs. Students with disability-related needs for reasonable academic adjustments are encouraged to contact the Office for Disability Services as early as possible to arrange necessary accommodations . This proactive approach ensures that all students have equal access to learning opportunities, enabling them to engage fully with course content and activities. The instructor's readiness to implement accommodations reflects a commitment to inclusivity and supports diverse learners in achieving academic success.