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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EXP 1008"
COURSE NAME: "The Philosopher in the Garden: Epicureans and Great Gardens in Lazio and Rome"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Govero
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: F 2:00-6:00 pm [Course meets on: Sept. 8th, Oct. 13th, Oct. 20th, and Nov. 17th]
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 15
CREDITS: 1
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course originates from the contemporary concern for ecological issues and, therefore, addresses how the hand of man has creatively, productively and artistically managed the natural environment under the inspiration of philosophical principles. It will first consider the philosophical ideas of Epicurus (the “philosopher in the garden”) and then how these ideas further inspired the creation of great Renaissance gardens, many of which are in and near Rome. There will be two extended visits to these gardens in Lazio: the Papal gardens in Castel Gondolfo and the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, or the Villa Lante near Viterbo. Garden layout, botany, design and themes will be all examined in the course.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course originates from the contemporary concern for ecological issues and, therefore, addresses how the hand of man has creatively, productively and artistically managed the natural environment under the inspiration of philosophical principles. It will first consider the philosophical ideas of Epicurus (the “philosopher in the garden”) and then how these ideas further inspired the creation of great Renaissance gardens, many of which are in and near Rome. There will be two extended visits to these gardens in Lazio: the Papal gardens in Castel Gondolfo and the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, or the Villa Lante near Viterbo. Garden layout, botany, design and themes will be all examined in the course.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course originates from the contemporary concern for ecological issues and, therefore, addresses how the hand of man has creatively, productively and artistically managed the natural environment under the inspiration of philosophical principles. It will first consider the philosophical ideas of Epicurus (the “philosopher in the garden”) and then how these ideas further inspired the creation of great Renaissance gardens, many of which are in and near Rome. There will be two extended visits to these gardens in Lazio: the Papal gardens in Castel Gondolfo and the Villa d’Este in Tivoli, or the Villa Lante near Viterbo. Garden layout, botany, design and themes will be all examined in the course.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
xxxxxxxxxxxxx Almost corner   
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Four page description of two formal gardens in RomeDetailed criteria and guidelines will be handed-out and discussed20%
Synthesis paper (6 pages) at end of course.A synthesis of the elements of gardens studied and readings on gardens: architecture, style, history.30%
JournalThe Journal will synthesize both lectures, readings and visits. It can be either chronicle or diachronic. 
  25%
ParticipationBeing present and participating in the lectures and visits.25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cou
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY































































You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

TBD
SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Friday, September 8Insstroduction to the course with a review of the history, philosophy, design and aesthetics of gardens and especially Renaissance/Baroque ones. Epicurean philosophical principles and their influences Ecological lessons for the contemporary environment. Logistical & scheduling information. Review of evaluation and assessment of course. Articles  
Friday, October 21Visit to the Papal gardens at Castelgondolfo. Revival and restructuring the Renaissance villa on the Roman ruins of Domitian's first century villa. Design and peripatetic values in the villa's layout.Articles  
Friday, October 13NOTE: Class will meet at 1100 a.m. instead of 2pm on this date since the Villa Farnesina is only open until 2pm. Visit to the Villa Farnesina as an example of Italian Renaissance gardens and the frescos in the interior to reflect the exterior garden and "Epicurean" values and ideas. Visit to the Botanical gardens.. Visit to the Gianicolo and the Villa Doria Pamphili. (Articles and readings will be reviewed in the Villa Doria Pamphili park).Articles (Handouts)  
Friday, October 20Class at regular time at JCU 2 - 3'30. Presentations on gardens. Visit to the gardens and green areas on the Aventine and Caelian hills.    
Friday, November 17 (Final Class)Visit to the Villa Borghese and the Villa Torlonia on the Via Nomentana. Submission of Journals. Submission of photos for photo contest.