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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 190"
COURSE NAME: "Cities, Towns & Villas: Rome, Ostia, Pompeii"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session II 2023
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Elisabeth Fuhrmann-Schembri
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 9:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; mandatory trip; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment (cell +39 329 326 7915)
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:

MANDATORY FIELDTRIPS to Pompeii (Friday, July 21, full day) & Ostia (regular class Wed, July 26)

This course examines Roman visual culture in Italy from c. 800 B.C. to c. 400 AD by focusing on the most important surviving sites in Rome and its environs and in the areas hit by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. A focus throughout the course is the development of Roman cities and towns, their plans and topography, their public monuments and their political, economic, social, and religious institutions. We will also study private architecture: from the aristocratic city-house to the country villa to middle class homes. In addition to formal descriptions of the structures, there is a strong emphasis on the role of the monument in ancient society. The course will be conducted entirely on-site, the fieldtrips to Pompeii and Ostia are therefore mandatory, and may be supported by in-class lectures and activities. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students are introduced to the terminology and different methods of art historical analysis and are prepared to use critical thought in investigating the historical, political, religious, economic  and social context of material culture. The first-hand experience of monuments and their environment encourages also to compare and contrast Roman cities o the own contemporary urban culture and to identify the ongoing contribution of Roman systems to modern conceptions.

The nature of the different assessment methods aims to apply critical thought in examining a complex culture (exams), to employ accurate vocabulary for evaluating material (visual analyses), to strengthen  presentation and communication skills (oral report) and to empathize with a specific Roman social and cultural historical context (paper).
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Ancient Roman CityStambaugh, John E.Johns Hopkins UP 0-8018-3692-1     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
6 participation quizzesgrade preparation for and active participation in class; intended as an open handout/notes review at the end of class; identification of visual material, very short or multiple-choice answer questions (5 out of 6 are calculated).25 points (each 5)
3 visual analysescareful description and interpretation of artwork15 points (each 5)
oral report & term paperoral presentation (accurate description and contextual interpretation, 8-10 minutes) of a building from Pompeii or Ostia (research: “vertical view”) & written reconstruction (6 pages) of the daily life of an Ancient Roman character living in or using that building presenting the contemporary Ancient point of view (creative approach: “horizontal view”); 30 points (each 15)
final exam3 final essay questions discussing class material in context (each about 200 words)30 points (each 10)
detailed guidelinesfor all assignments will be provided in class 

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A Work 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
B This 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.
C This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
D This 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.
F This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant. . . . Grading Standards: A 94-100 % A- 90-93 % B+ 87-89 % B 84-86 % B- 80-83 % C+ 77-79 % C 74-76 % C- 70-73 % D 60-69 % F below
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
This course relies on student participation in class and on-site lectures and discussions. Therefore, promptness and
attendance are mandatory, and students are highly recommended to complete the readings before each lesson - in
order to be prepared to answer and to ask thoughtful questions - as well as to review material covered in class on a
regular basis. Students are responsible on exams and other assignments for all material (including images) presented and discussed in class and also for making up of any material missed due to absence (otherwise their gaps in knowledge may compromise their final class grade). Be aware that due to the on-site character classes are taught in double class periods!
Please refer to JCU's Catalog for a statement regarding absence and grading policies!

Attention: for technical and especially legal reasons NO VISITORS (family, friends, etc.) are allowed to follow 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

This is a TENTATIVE SCHEDULE subject to change regarding the access to museums and monumental areas

following up the Italian regulations and government decrees on the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

                IMPORTANT NOTE 1:     2 MANDATORY fieldtrips!!

-          POMPEII: full day, FRI July 21 -

this trip has the value of two regular classes and therefore two regular Monday classes

are cancelled to be used for the fieldtrip (see details in the schedule here below) -

(if no conflict with other classes exists, also MON July 24 possible, to be discussed in first class)

-          OSTIA: during regular morning class on WED, July 26 (just meets earlier as scheduled here below)

 

                Important Note 2:

                When preparing and reading for class use also the class images handout (shared on the Moodle course page) to understand on which monuments etc. our class discussion will focus! The handouts include also the guiding questions for putting the class material in context (relevant for the final exam essays).

 

 

Week 1 (MON, July 3): Class 1

INTRODUCTION to course (requirements & logistics) & ROME’s chronology, topography, foundation & mythological background; documentary sources; & Roman cities generally: urban planning, theory and practice; discussion of oral report and paper topics; Tiber & Island (on-site).

MP: in GK11 (Guarini campus, Kushlan wing, floor 1, room 1) for introduction;

       class goes then together on-site for the last part of lecture.

Reading: Stambaugh 1-4 (introduction) ch.1 & 15; Coarelli 1-9 (introd.); Claridge 31-36 (documentary sources), 37-59 (glossary, building-types), 125 (Palatine, hut of Romulus), 226 (Tiber Island),

recommended: Stambaugh ch.16, 19 & 20 (other Roman cities); Ramage introduction, ch.1 (24-29, 32-39, 53-55); Connolly & Dodge 102-121 (chron. overview).

 

Week 1 (WED, July 5): Class 2

ROME'S RISE TO THE LEADING CITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN:

along the triumphal road (victory temples, porticoes and theatres) to the Capitoline Hill.

Participation Quiz 1

MP: Largo Argentina in front of Feltrinelli bookstore

Reading: Stambaugh ch.2, 3 & 13; Claridge 229-232, 238-241 (Capitoline, T. of Jupiter); 214-219 (Theatre of Pompey, victory Temples of Largo Argentina), 222-225 (Porticus of Octavia), 242-258 (Theatre of Marcellus, Temple of Apollo Medicus, Victory-temples in Vegetable Market, Temple of Portunus, Round temple (of Hercules), Ara Maxima);

recommended: Connolly & Dodge 182-189 (theatres); Ramage ch.2 (56, 80-81, 95)

 

 

Week 2 (MON, July 10): Class 3

THE ROMAN FORUM AS CITY CENTER:

from marshy valley to the political, religious and commercial center of the Republican city to the platform of Imperial politics.

Participation Quiz 2

Due: first paper ideas (brief class discussion of paper’s character and settings)

MP: at Column of Trajan (near Piazza Venezia)

Reading: Stambaugh ch.2, 3 (review), 6 & 7; Claridge 60-76 (Roman Forum, Curia, Comitium, Basilica Aemilia, Arch of Septimius Severus), 80-82 (Temple of Saturn, Rostra), 85-91 (pavement, Basilica Iulia, Temple of Castor), 97-108 (Temple of Divus Iulius, Arch of Augustus, Temple of Vesta, Atrium Vestae, Regia, Temple of Faustina);

recommended: Connolly & Dodge 122-133 (government, food and water), 170-175 (many gods).

 

Week 2 (WED, Jul 12): Class 4                                                                                MIC card needed!

The CAMPUS MARTIUS from AUGUSTUS to the GOOD EMPERORS:

the early Imperial expansion of the city into the Field of Mars and its reshaping in the High Imperial period.

Visual Analysis 1 (done during class)

Participation Quiz 3

MP: Piazza del Popolo, near obelisk

Reading: Stambaugh ch.4. ch.5 (72-81) & 14; Claridge 176-192 (Campus Martius, Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis Augustae, Sundial), 201-208 (Pantheon, Baths of Agrippa, Basilica of Neptune); 193-214 (Column of Antoninus Pius and of Marcus Aurelius, Hadrianeum, Pantheon, Stadium of Domitian), 369ff. (Mausoleum of Hadrian);

recommended: Zanker (Power of Images) 30-37, 72-77, 167-183; Ramage ch.7 (229-240, 248-251), ch.8 (257-276, 281).

 

Week 3 (MON, July 17): Class 5:

The TRANSFORMATION OF THE CITY under the Julio-Claudian and Flavian emperors:

Palatine Hill and Colosseum Valley, Imperial residences, Arch of Titus, Colosseum.

MP: at Arch of Constantine (near Colosseum)

Visual Analysis 2 (done during class)

Participation Quiz 4

Reading: Stambaugh ch.5 (67-78) & 14; Claridge 11-17, 116-118 (Arch of Titus), 119-145 (Palatine Hill), 271, 276-284 (Colosseum), 290 (Nero's Golden House);

recommended: Connolly & Dodge 218-225 (palace), 190-217 (Colossseum)

 

Week 3 (WED, July 19): Class 6

INTRODUCTION to POMPEII and OSTIA & students’ ORAL REPORTS on

                monuments of these two cities (to be crisply reviewed during our fieldtrips).

Due: oral reports (in class)

MP: in GK11

Reading: Stambaugh ch.17 (Pompeii) & 18 (Ostia);

Recommended: get a look at assigned readings for the fieldtrips

 

Week 3 (FRIDAY, July 21): Class 7 & 8

Fieldtrip to POMPEII: a flourishing city in the province. History, design, function etc. of the city from the early days to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Participation Quiz 5

MP: Piazza Trilussa, 6:50 (departure bus: at 7.00 sharp)! (Arrival back to Rome estimated at 19:30)

Reading: Stambaugh ch.11, 12; Cantarella & Jacobelli 7-14,24-35, 46-86 (A Day in Pompeii), 88-120 (monuments);

recommended: Zanker (Pompeii) 1-25 (Townscape and Domestic Taste), 27-77 (Urban Space), 135-156 (The Domestic Arts in Pompeii), 192-203 (Domestic Taste and Cultural Identity).

 

Week 4 (MON, July 24): (probably) No class - used for the fieldtrip to Pompeii!

(in case of no conflict with other classes, this day could be used for the Pompeii fieldtrip instead of Friday)

 

Week 4 (WED, July 26): Class 9

Fieldtrip to OSTIA, the seaport of Rome: Ostia Antica and its topography, history, economy and infrastructures, its house architecture and religious buildings.

Visual Analysis 3 (done during class)

Due: paper outline (submitted on Moodle and brief oral presentation in class)

MP: We will meet at 8am in front of Metro B stop Piramide at Piazzale Ostiense and take together the Ostia Lido train!!

Reading: Stambaugh ch.8, 9, 10, 13; Coarelli 450-476 (Ostia);

recommended: www.ostia-antica.org; Connolly & Dodge 126-149 (food and water, houses and apartments).

 

 

Week 5 (MON, July 31): No class - used for the fieldtrip to Pompeii!

Recommended: conclude your paper

Due: paper final draft (submitted on Moodle, no later than Tuesday, August 1)

 

Week 5 (WED, August 2): Class 10                                                           MIC card needed!

CHANGES IN THE URBAN DESIGN: The Imperial Fora and Trajan's markets reflect Imperial qualities

& the late Imperial CITY IN TRANSITION from Pagan to Christian.

Conclusion of course; review of course material in regard of final exam.

Participation Quiz 6

MP: at Column of Trajan (near Piazza Venezia)

Reading: Stambaugh ch.5 &9; Claridge 147ff (Imperial Fora and Trajan's Markets), 75-76 (Arch of Septimius), 83-84 (Decennalia Base), 107-115 (Temple of Romulus, Venus and Roma, Basilica Nova), 272-275 (Arch of Constantine); recommended: Claridge 346-350 (Lateran); Ramage ch.6 (Trajan), ch.11 (325-332), ch.12 (343-348, 350-353, 365).

 

Week 5 (FRI, August 4): FINAL EXAM tba

 

Assigned or recommended readings, out of:

 

Cantarella, E. and Jacobelli, L. (2003) A Day in Pompeii: daily life, culture and society;

Claridge, A. (1998) Rome. (Oxford Archaeological Guide). Oxford UP

Coarelli, F. (2007) Rome and Environs. An Archaeological Guide.U of California P

Connolly, P. and Dodge, H. (1998) The Ancient City. Life in Classical Athens and Rome;

La Regina, A. (2004) Archaeological Guide to Rome. Electa

Ramage, N.H. and Ramage, A. (1995) Roman Art. Laurence King

Scarre, C. (1995) Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome. Penguin Books

Stambaugh, J. (1988) The Ancient Roman City. Johns Hopkins UP

Zanker, P. (1995) Pompeii: Public and Private Life;

Zanker, P. (1988) The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus. U of Michigan P

 

Selection of other useful books (a more detailed list will be provided in class):

 

Abbondanza, L. (1997), The Valley of the Colosseum (Electa Guide);

Aldrete, G. (2004) Daily Life in the Roman City; Rome, Ostia and Pompeii;

Boardman, J. (ed.) (2001), The Oxford Illustrated History of the Roman World;

Clarke, J.R. (1991) The Houses of Roman Italy;

Coulston, J and Dodge, H. (eds.) (2000) Ancient Rome: The Archaeology f the Eternal City;

Favro, D. (1996) The Urban Image of Augustan Rome;

Gallina Zevi, A. and Claridge, A. (eds.) (1996) 'Roman Ostia' revisited;

Giustozzi, N. (ed.) (2006), The Capitoline Museums (Electa Guide);

Grant, M. (1974) Cities of Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum;

Guidobaldi, P. (1998) The Roman Forum (Electa guide);

Hermansen, G. (1982) Ostia: Aspects of Roman City Life;

Koehne, E. and Ewigleben C. (eds.) (2000) Gladiators and Caesars;

La Regina, A. (2004) Archaeologocial Guide to Rome (Electa Guide);

Piranomonte, M. (1998) The Baths of Caracalla (Electa Guide);

Richardson, L.Jr. (1992) A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome;

Shelton, J.-A- (1997) As the Romans Did: A Sourcebook in the Roman Social History;

Tomei, E. (1998) The Palatine (Electa Guide);

Wallace-Hadrill, A. (1994) Houses and Society in Pompeii and Herculaneum;

Zanker, P. (1988) The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus.