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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 190-4"
COURSE NAME: "Cities, Towns & Villas: Rome, Ostia, Pompeii"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Jens Koehler
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W2:15 PM 5:00 PM (Please note that this class cannot be taken remotely)
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; mandatory trip; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS: cell 338-5256504

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
STUDENTS SHOULD NOT REGISTER FOR BOTH AH190 and AH290
Rome, Ostia and Pompeii are three of the best- preserved archaeological sites in the world. Through their study, we are able to comprehend the physical and social nature of Roman cities and how they transformed over the course of centuries. We explore the subjects of urban development, public and private buildings, economic and social history, and art incorporated into urban features (houses, triumphal monuments, etc.). In Rome, we focus primarily upon public buildings commissioned by Senators and Emperors: temples, law courts, theaters, triumphal monuments, baths. In Ostia, the port-city of Rome, we are able to experience many aspects of daily life: commerce, housing, religion, entertainment. Pompeii represents a well-to-do Republican and early Imperial period city that was influenced by the Greeks and Romans and preserves some of the most magnificent frescoes in the world.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The course introduces to ancient Roman civilization. We will study the ancient topography of Rome, with a focus on the city’s most important elements: Temple, Forum, Palace, Theatre, Baths, Aqueducts, City Walls and Cemeteries. The urban development from the foundation in 753 BC to the decline in the 5th century AD goes hand in hand with the chronology of events, or the historical background. Visits to the well preserved towns of Ostia and Pompeii will contribute to understand the transformation of Roman cities through time, and the role of particular building types in ancient society. A view on Roman villas can show private architecture and life in the countryside. The last part of the course is dedicated to Late Antique Rome.

The mandatory field trip to Pompeii is scheduled for Friday, Feruary 25, 2022.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students are introduced to different methods of archaeological analysis. The first-hand experience of unknown monuments and the examination of their historical and social context allow students to study and think critically. The nature of the exams, the class notes and term paper, as well as class discussion, are aimed to a further development of critical analysis, presentation and communication skills.

 

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Rome. An Oxford Archaeological Guide (2010)Claridge, A.Oxford University Pressn/an/a    
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
MidtermThe exams are structured to assess students‘ knowledge of essential facts about monuments and their cultural/historical significance. The exams are based upon lectures and readings. The midterm test will consist in identifications and short questions. For the date: see schedule.20%
Final ExamThe final exam takes place in the week of May 2-6. It consists in identification, short questions and cumulative essay questions.30%
Oral Report Each student is responsible for class minutes, i. e. one oral presentation due to the following class meeting and a typed revised version due to midterm or final (2-3 double-spaced pages and sketches). You are expected to return to sites (or prolong your visit) before organizing your thoughts and completing your final analysis. The aim of the presentations/minutes is to communicate effectively what you had seen and been taught. 15%
Research PaperThe paper should be 5-7 double-spaced pages, exclusive of images and bibliography. Due dates for outline and for final paper: see schedule. No late papers are accepted. Please refer to additional term paper guidelines. The outlines (1-2 pages) should consist of a thesis statement, table of contents, and bibliography. 25%
Participation In addition to timely presence, active participation is expected of all students. You are expected to come to class having read the assignment and to be prepared to answer and make relevant questions and to share your own observations.10%

-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 requir
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:

All scheduled classes are mandatory. You are allowed only one unjustified absence; every unjustified absence thereafter will result in the lowering of your grade. Attendance will be taken at each class. Because this is an on-site course with special scheduled permits to sites and museums it has strict time limitations. You must, therefore, always be punctual. You should calculate around 40-50 minutes travel time to our meeting points (specified below in the class schedule). Please refer to the university catalog for attendance and absence policy.

For legal reasons no visitors are allowed to follow the class.

 

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

Session

Session Focus

Reading Assignment

Other Assignment

Meeting Place

Jan. 19

1. Introduction to Ancient Rome. Chronological Overview - History and Topography.

Claridge 4-15. 494-496. Syllabus.

 

in classroom: Boardroom, Guarini campus

Jan. 26

2. Capitol and ancient city centre: Forum Romanum, Tiber Island, Theatre of Marcellus, Forum Boarium temples.

Claridge 62-67. 259-273. 274-290.

 

meet on Capitoline Hill, Piazza del Campidoglio

Feb. 2

3. Forum Romanum and Palatine. Origins, political center of the Republic, imperial palaces.

Claridge 62-159.

 

meet at the Arch of Constantine

Feb. 9

4. Circus Maximus. Nero's palace. Colosseum and Ludus Magnus. Spectacles.

Claridge 299-306. 313-319. 326-328.

 

meet at the Arch of Constantine

Feb. 16

5. Imperial Fora and Markets of Trajan. The Roman emperors and political propaganda. Midterm review.

Claridge 160-196.

 

meet at the Column of Trajan

Feb. 23

no class

 

 

 

Friday, Feb. 25

6. & 7. Fieldtrip to Pompeii. History and destruction of the town. Public and private buildings. Daily life.

www.pompeiisites.org; Stambaugh

very early start 7:00am

meet at Piazza Trilussa

March 2 1:30 pm

8. Midterm test

 

Midterm test at 1:30 pm

in classroom: boardroom

March 9

9. Field of Mars: Ara Pacis, Mausoleum, and Sundial of Augustus. Hadrian's Pantheon. Column of M. Aurelius.

Claridge 197-249.

 

meet at the tower on Largo Argentina

March 16

1:30 pm

10. Ostia Antica: Harbor of Ancient Rome. History, city planning, Roman economy.

www.ostia-antica.org;Stambaugh; Coarelli

start at 1:30 pm
Paper outline due

meet at the pyramid of Cestius, Piazzale Ostiense

March 23

no class, spring break

 

 

 

March 30

11. The Severan period (AD 200). Roman Baths: Baths of Caracalla.

Claridge 356-365.

 

meet at Metro stop Circo Massimo

April 6

12. Roman Aqueducts. (Tomb of the Baker. Aurelian city walls).

www.romanaqueducts.info; Claridge 60-61. (357-365)

 

meet at Porta Maggiore / TBA

April 13

no class

 

 

 

April 20

13. The 3rd century AD. Baths of Diocletian. Servian and Aurelian city walls.

Claridge 61. 391-396.

 

meet in front of Termini railway station, bookshop

April 27

14. Late Antiquity (4th century AD). Arch of Constantine. Caelian Hill and San Clemente. Review for final.

Claridge 307-312. 341-355.

Paper due

meet at the Arch of Constantine

May 2-6

FINAL EXAM

 

final exam

in classroom TBA

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIELD TRIP TO POMPEII HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, Feb. 25. WE WILL DEPART FROM PIAZZA TRILUSSA PROMPTLY AT 7:00 a.m. AND EXPECT TO RETURN TO ROME BY 7:00 p.m.

 

this class schedule may be changed - students will be informed of any change. You can call the front office at 06-6819121

 

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

Book Title

Author

Rome and Environs (2014) also as ebook

Coarelli, F.

A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome (1992)

Richardson, L.

Daily Life in the Roman City: Rome, Pompeii, Ostia (2004)

Aldrete, G. S.

Rome, Ostia, Pompeii: Movement and Space (2011)

Laurence, R. – Newsome, D. J.

A History of Rome (2005)

Le Glay, M. et al.

The Ancient Roman City (1988)

Stambaugh, J.

Cambridge Illustrated History of the Roman World (2003)

Woolf, G. (ed.)

Roman Building (1994)

Adam, J.-P.

Roman Architecture (2003)

Ward Perkins, J. B.

Roman Builders (2003)

Taylor, R.

A Companion to Roman Architecture (2013)

Ulrich, R. B. – Quenernoen, C.

Roman Art. Romulus to Constantine (2005)

Ramage, N. H. – Ramage, A.

Roman Art (1988)

Strong, D.

Roman Painting (1991)

Ling, R.

The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus (1988)

Zanker, P.

Baths and Bathing in Classical Antiquity (1992)

Yegul, F.

The Houses of Roman Italy (1991)

Clarke, J. R.

The Churches and Catacombs of Early Christian Rome (2001)

Webb, M.