This is an upper level survey on the art, architecture and topography of medieval Rome. The aim of the course is to provide an in-depth familiarity and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of medieval city in its original historical context. The class often meets on-site, allowing for first-hand study of buildings, paintings, mosaics, sculpture, and other objects, our “primary sources” for an examination of the religious, political, military, and social functions and meanings of the built environment and visual culture of the city.

A primary focus is the development of Rome into the capital of Western Medieval Christendom. For that reason, we begin our examination in the mid-third century AD when the first significant body of Old and New Testament imagery develops in Rome under primarily Christian patronage. The chronological end point is the first decade of the 14^th century, which witnessed the move (or “exile”) of the Papacy from Rome to the French city of Avignon, essentially ending an era in the history of the city.

While the Church in its many forms- from the papal court to convents to neighborhood parishes- was the most powerful political, social and economic institution in Rome during the 1000-year span, many members of the secular elite- almost invariably belonging to the same families that staffed the papal entourage- also exerted a strong impact on city; one need only mention the hundreds of towers– symbols of military prowess- they erected as part of their residences in the city. Moreover, the city always retained a form of civic government in charge of the all-important urban infrastructure (roads, walls, aqueducts, sanitation, etc.)  A second focus of the course is, therefore, an examination of the interplay between religious and secular in the self-representation of the city and its inhabitants.

Last but not least, medieval Rome may not be properly understood without examining how the city dealt with its past. As the city “reshaped” itself, the topographical, monumental and artistic legacy of the Ancient Rome was ever present and was preserved as a source of civic pride, transformed or repurposed, or left to decay, but never erased.

The course has a fee €25 per student to cover cost of tickets at sites, churches and museums. Please also note that students may not be registered for a class that immediately follows this one, given the time required to travel back to and from sites. In fact, it is advisable to give yourself a minimum of one hour to return to school or your next on-site class.

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Ø  understanding of key aspects of urban layout and spatial organization in Medieval Rome

Ø understanding of key structural, functional and stylistic aspects of Roman Medieval art and architecture

Ø ability to analyze and interpret the urban topography and development of Medieval Rome and, more specifically, the motives in the creation, use and reception of areas, neighborhoods, monuments and artworks in their original (medieval) political, religious, and social contexts

Ø skills for the critical analysis of urban topography and visual culture generally

Ø familiarity with different methods of art historical analysis and terminology and the ability to deploy them successfully

Ø  ability to apply critical thinking and analysis generally

Ø  ability to select and organize material to produce a coherent and cogent argument both orally and in writing- and to do so to so respecting deadlines.

Ø  ability to exchange ideas and engage in discussion with peers

Attendance is required, but  not graded  

All scheduled classes are mandatory. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class (i.e. you must also be on time!) Lectures and on-site visits do more than simply complement required reading assignments so being absent inevitably results in extra work to catch up. Typically, missing 2 or more classes results in poor performance, if not a failing grade (because each class is a double period 2 classes are the equivalent of 4). Meeting on-site obviously requires moving, so you absolutely must also be punctual at our initial meeting points (specified below in the Course Schedule). It is your responsibility to find out where the meeting places are. You may ask me in advance, but no later than during the class the week before. I will not respond to last minute emails or phone calls. For subway and bus lines consult www.atac. it (available in English). Please also be aware that missing classes may entail missing quizzes, which may not be made up (but see below on the "throw away" quiz). For this and other more obvious reasons, it is imperative to attend all classes.

1. Tues. Sept. 4/ Meeting place: JCU, GK 1.3
Introduction to course: content, methodology, requirements, logistics, etc.
On-site: San Crisogono: materials, architectural elements and plans, spolia, archaeological evidence, rebuilding and redecorating

2. Tues. Sept. 4 / Meeting place: Roman Forum entrance on Via dei Fori Imperiali 
The "Ancient" Monumental Center 4th-7th centuries - Roman Forum and Colosseum Valleys
Required Reading: Krautheimer (1980/ 2000): Ch. 1: Rome and Constantine, esp. 1-18 and 28-31: "pagan" Rome in reign of Constantine
*Quiz 1: architectural elements and plans: basilicas

5. Tues. Oct. 2 / Meeting Place: Basilica of S. Paolo, flm -