Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EXP 1008"
COURSE NAME: "The Philosopher in the Garden: Epicureans and Great Gardens in Lazio and Rome"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Ferruccio Trabalzi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: F 2:00-6:00 PM [Course meets on: February 21, February 28, March 27, April 17]
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:

The course will have two phases: 1. Philosophical and conceptual influences ranging from the third century BCE Epicurean thought
and ethical principles to their expressions in Renaissance and especially Italian garden developments. It will then consider has the
garden is the focus of ecological practices in the modern and contemporary world, and the desirability and value of gardening as
a response to the ecological crisis on this planet. 2. Visits to gardening sites in Rome to examine their aesthetics, design, qualities
as urban developments and how they correspond to an ancient and more modern ancient ideals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the termination of the course students will have:

. Examined the continuity and value of an ideal and practice (gardening) which continues
to address and respond to the current ecological crisis.

. Understand the interplay between ideas such as Epicureanism and philosophical ideas
in general to practical applications and solutions to a contemporary challenge.

. Appreciate the aesthetics and design of various garden layouts and how they corelate
to their broader environments.

. Understand how the garden is a challenge, expression and solution to the important
value of Caring and how that translates into practical and aesthetical results which
can be psychologically and emotionally fulfilling both personally and in the community.

. An understanding of the inspiration and application of the human imagination on
the environment.

TEXTBOOK:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number	Library Call Number	Comments	Format	Local Bookstore	Online Purchase
xxx	xxxx	xxx	xxx

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number	Library Call Number	Comments
xxxx	xxx	xxxx	xxx		xxx

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Four page description of two formal gardens in Rome	Detailed criteria and guidelines will be handed-out and discussed	20%
Synthesis paper (6 pages) at end of course.	A synthesis of the elements of gardens studied and readings on gardens: architecture, style, history.	30%
Journal	The Journal will synthesize both lectures, readings and visits. It can be either chronicle or diachronic.
		25%
Participation	Being 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

Session	Session Focus	Reading Assignment
Class Session 1	Introduction 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. Visit to the cloisters of the Nuova Ospedale Regina Margarita in Trastevere and the forecourt of the Church of Santa Cecilia.	Articles
Class Session 2	NOTE: 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 Gianicolo and the Villa Doria Pamphili.	Articles (Handouts)
Class Session 3	Class at regular time at JCU 2 - 3'30. Presentations on gardens. Visit to the gardens and green areas on the Aventine and Caelian hills.
Class Session 4 (Final Class)	Visit to the Villa Borghese and the Villa Torlonia on the Via Nomentana. Submission of Journals. .