This upper-level survey course engages students in considerations and analyses of the city of ancient Rome that are artistic, historical, political and topographic in nature. As a whole, the course provides an in-depth appreciation of the multifaceted history and character of the ancient city and the context of the world in which it existed.

The on-site format is an opportunity to focus exclusively on the city of Rome and to explore how it was both unlike any other city in the Roman world and acted as a center in the ‘globalized world’ that was the Roman Empire.

With the advantage of the on-site format, emphasis is placed on the visual impact of monuments, artworks and spaces. The aim is not only to gain a deeper understanding of their significance, but in particular to investigate these as dynamic elements in a network of social and political interactions. 

The course will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of key monuments and artworks in Rome of the period in question. The aim is to develop an ability to analyze motives of their creation and reception.

The course will foster a firm understanding of developments and traditions in the history of Rome of the Republican and Imperial periods. The aim to develop an ability to analyze trends and changes in context.  

The course will familiarize students with the rhetoric of spaces and styles, and the inherent narrativity of objects, and furnish them with the methodologies to interpret these. The aim is for an awareness of spaces as dynamic stages of social interaction and an understanding of the impact of patronage and viewing.

The course will develop the ability to use relevant historical, art historical and architectural terminology to effect. The aim is to develop an ability to analyze art, architecture and material culture as primary sources

The course will develop powers of expression: Organization of material, contextual and nuanced discussion, focused presentation of data, public speaking and presentation abilities, participation in debates

The course will develop critical thinking and interpretation: Reasoned consideration and evaluation of evidence and methods, interpretation of arguments presented, reflection on context and impact

You are expected to participate in all scheduled classes. Absences will be noted and may affect your final grade. 
All classes will start punctually; late arrival will be noted and may affect your final grade.
Class will take place no matter the weather. Please dress accordingly and appropriately for visiting public sites and museums in the city.
No recording (of any type) of the class is permitted. Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Changes, additional course information, etc. will be posted on Moodle.
You are responsible for identifying the location of - and route to - the meeting points of the classes. You should calculate around 40-50 minutes travel time to our meeting points. Note that most classes will end at on-site locations different from the meeting point.

Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. 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. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam: a major exam (midterm or final) cannot be made up without the permission of the Dean’s Office. Permission will be granted only when the absence is caused by a serious impediment or grave situation, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or funeral service for immediate family. Absences due to conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused.