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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 141"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Visual Cultures of the Ancient World"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Crispin Corrado
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: By Appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This survey course focuses on the art and archaeology of the Mediterranean world, roughly between 2500 BC – AD 300. The course investigates the material culture of the diverse cultural groups that shaped this interconnected world: Sumerians, Assyrians, Minoans/Mycenaeans, Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans, Persians, Italics and Romans. Special attention will be given to the dynamic relationships of inspiration between these cultures. The aim is for a firm contextual understanding of the works examined, and of the cultural, political, and historical aspects that shaped these. The course will also assist students in cultivating basic art-historical skills.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

Focused on the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean (approximately 2500 BC - AD 300), the course investigates the material culture of the diverse cultural groups that shaped this world: Sumerians, Assyrians, Minoans/Myceneans, Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans, Persians, Italics and Romans. The course establishes a nuanced appreciation of the cultural characteristics and value systems of these peoples and how they developed over time. An important focus of investigation is the cultural interconnectivity between these and the dynamic relationships of inspiration within a cosmopolitan and multicultural world. Thematic discussions of religious and urban topography, temple architecture, domestic space, religious votives, and public representation will investigate the articulation of civic, social and individual identities, and the responses to new inspirations and political structures.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The course will develop an understanding of salient developments in the history of the ancient world and allow student to identify major monuments of the various peoples and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean

The course will develop abilities to analyze art and architecture as primary sources, to describing and contextualize material culture, and to consider this over time and across the Mediterranean world

The course will develop an understanding of historical and cultural developments as affected by cultural factors, and foster an awareness of dynamic cultural interactions

The course will develop powers of expression: Organization of material, contextual and nuanced discussion, focused presentation of data, public speaking 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
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Janson's History of Art: The Western Tradition, (Reissued 8th Edition)Penelope DaviesPearson (2015)978-0135570142 E-Textbook Version available on Amazon.comEbook  
A History of Roman ArtSteven L. TuckWiley-Blackwell978-1119653288 E-textbook available on Amazon.comEbook  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Academic ParticipationActive participation in the class develops collaborative skills, ability to exchange ideas and capacity for critical assessment. This concerns your contribution to the academic milieu of the class: your ability to review analytically material covered in previous classes, your ability to answer questions based on reading assignments, your contribution to class discussions and willingness to share own observations, and your collaborative behavior. 5
Visual AnalysesStudents will complete two visual analyses. The first is worth 5% of the final grade, and the second is worth 15% of the final grade (together, 20% of the course grade). The visual analyses are designed to develop skills of independent observation, visual analysis and assessment. Two sets of two works of your choice should be analysed based on first-hand observation. Further guidelines will be provided.20
Midterm ExamThe midterm exam is structured to assess ability to contextualize works and aspects studied and capacity for nuanced discussion of significance. It will consist of identification and comparative analysis of works discussed in class. Details and guidelines will be provided.20
Research PaperThe short research paper is intended to develop skills of independent research, ability to evaluate and interpret materials and their inherent interests, and capability for discussing these in a nuanced manner in writing. Details: c. 1500 words (c. 5 pages) exclusive bibliography. For details and guidelines see below.25
Final ExamThe final exam is structured to assess knowledge and skills honed during the semester: knowledge of essential data, awareness of cultural and historical significance, capacity for contextualization and nuanced discussion. It will take places during final exam week. Details and guidelines will be provided.30

-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 course.
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
Students are allowed two absences without penalty. Three tardy arrivals count as one absence. 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.
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

 

Week 1, Day 1      Introduction to the Course

Week 1, Day 2      Introduction to the Course II

Week 2, Day 1      Early Beginnings and Describing Art

Week 2, Day 2      The Ancient Near East I

Week 3, Day 1      The Ancient Near East II

Week 3, Day 2       Ancient Egypt I

Week 4, Day 1       Visual Analysis I - Work in Class

Week 4, Day 2       Ancient Egypt II

Week 5, Day 1       Bronze Age Aegean I

Week 5, Day 2       Bronze Age Aegean II

Week 6, Day 1       Greek Geometric and Archaic Periods I

Week 6, Day 2       Greek Geometric and Archaic Periods II

Week 7, Day 1       The Etruscans I

Week 7, Day 2       The Etruscans II

Week 8, Day 1       Review for Midterm Exam

Week 8, Day 2       Midterm Exam

Week 9, Day 1       Greek Classical Art and Architecture I

Week 9, Day 2       Greek Classical Art and Architecture II

Week 10, Day 1      Greek Hellenistic Art and Architecture I

Week 10, Day 2      Early Roman and Republican Art and Architecture

Week 11, Day 1      Roman Portraiture

Week 11, Day 2      Roman Domestic Architecture and Wall Painting

Week 12, Day 1      The Age of Augustus

Week 12, Day 2      Imperial Art and Architecture I

Week 13, Day 1      Imperial Art and Architecture II

Week 14, Day 1      Late Antique and Early Christian Art and Architecture I

Week 14, Day 2      Late Antique and Early Christian Art and Architecture II and Review for Final Exam

 Final exam: TBA