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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 290-9"
COURSE NAME: "Ancient Rome and Its Monuments"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Anna Gallone
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TH 9:15 AM 12:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

STUDENTS SHOULD NOT REGISTER FOR BOTH AH 190 and AH 290
Rome City Series - This on-site course considers the art and architecture of ancient Rome through visits to museums and archaeological sites. The course covers the visual culture and architecture of Rome beginning with the Iron Age and ending with the time of Constantine. A broad variety of issues are raised, including patronage, style and iconography, artistic and architectural techniques, Roman religion, business and entertainment.

Satisfies "the Ancient World" core course requirement for Art History majors
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course will examine the art, architecture and history of ancient Rome, from the foundation of the city in the 8th century BCE to the end of the Western Roman Empire around 476 CE. Today, more than 1500 years after the collapse of that empire, there still remain numerous examples of stunning political, religious and civic architecture in the former imperial capital. Hence, the course will focus exclusively on the city of Rome and 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.

 

The course will look at the political history of ancient Rome primarily by reading and interpreting pieces of art and architecture, be they connected to major political events or turning points, display imperial power and its geopolitical ambitions, or document the rise of new social forces. Finally, as the course traces the rise and fall of imperial Rome, it will also draw parallels to today’s empires and how they make use of art and architecture for their purposes.

The course discusses the impact of the origins and early history of Rome (from c. 753 BC), but historically focuses on the period from c. 100 BC-AD 300: the late Republic and Empire.

As a whole, the course engages students in artistic, historical, political and topographic analyses, and in considerations of the multifaceted history and character of the ancient city and the context of the world in which it existed.

 

Taking advantage of the on-site format emphasis is placed on the visual impact of monuments and artworks for a deeper understanding of their social meaning. The course examines the development of Rome and the importance of public monuments for the visualization of the city, and it analyses these as dynamic spaces of social interaction. 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• 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 allow students to gain an overview of the history of Rome through the centuries and how history had an impact on the visual representation of city through artworks, architecture and urban developments.
• The course will assess the historical and cultural significance of the city of Rome for Western civilization.
• The course will provide students with explanations on how the architectural and urban planning feats of ancient Rome reflected, influenced, or lagged behind the empire’s views of itself and its political decision-making processes.
• The course will allow students to demonstrate the ability to research, analyze and interpret art and architecture in their aesthetic as well as sociopolitical dimensions.
• The course will foster an understanding of the role of legends and myths in shaping the city’s image.
• 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.
• Through class presentations and essay students will be able to develop skills such as communication, organization of materials, contextualization of topics, visual analysis, critical analysis.
 
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class presentation (The presentation is an independent research assignment on a monument, artwork or historical topic, which is shared with the class in a 10-minute presentation during class. The list of topics will be shared on Moodle and each student must select a topic by the end of Session 2 class. Guidelines and details will be provided on Moodle. 20%
Mid-term examThe midterm exam will consist of identification, analysis, and issue-based discussion of works and topics covered in class up to the day of the test. Guidelines and details will be provided on Moodle.20%
Final ExamThe final exam will mainly (but not only!) focus on material studied in the later part of the course. The exam will consist of identification, analysis, and issue-based discussion of works and topics covered in the course Guidelines and details will be provided on Moodle.30%
Academic participationActive participation in the class is expected. This includes punctual presence in class, contribution to class discussions, willingness to share own observations, and collaborative behavior. Absences and tardiness, inability or unwillingness to participate academically may affect the final grade negatively: see attendance requirements below.10%
Research Paper The paper is an independent research on a topic pertaining to the course subject matter. Each student will choose a topic from a list provided on Moodle or will propose a topic that must be approved by the professor. The paper must be c. 2000 words. Guidelines and details will be provided on Moodle.20

-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
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

·       Please note that this is an onsite course and class will take place no matter the weather.

·       An announcement will be posted on Moodle on a weekly basis with the instructions on class meeting place and meeting time.

·       A detailed and updated list of readings (mandatory and/or complementary) will be provided on Moodle on a weekly basis.

 

 

 

1. Thu. Sept. 5             Introduction to the course and to the study of Rome and its monuments

Class will meet at JCU Campus: location and time will be posted on Moodle. You can use computer and/or tablet to take notes.

Topics: introduction to the course, revision of syllabus and assignments, historical overview.

Readings

Coarelli 2007: 1-4, 29-32, 307-10, 323-2, 131-3, 348-50 (history and topographical areas of Rome).

Art History Course Reader: 5, 7-9.

 

 

2. Thu. Sept. 12           Mapping the ancient city

Topics: Topography of early Rome, the foundation of city, Forma Urbis Museum.

Readings

Claridge 2010:132-3 (hut of Romulus), 257-8 (Tiber Island), 299-300 (Circus Maximus), 34 (marble map).

Art History Course Reader: 7.

Smith 2000: esp. p. 24-28, 31-35 (early Rome).

 

 

3. Thu. Sept. 19           Regal and Republican Rome

Topics: Capitoline Museum, Temple of Jupiter, Roman Forum, the Triumph, Forum Holitorium, Forum Boarium.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 4-9 (history), 39-41, 52-53 (materials & orders), 63-67, 75-77, 83-84, 105-11 (Forum Romanum), 259-62, 268-70 (Capitoline, Temple of Jupiter), 279-282 (Forum Holitorium), 285-8 (Forum Boarium), 250-1, 253-6 (Circus Flaminius area).

Art History Course Reader10-4, 44-45, 49, 53-54.

 

 

4. Thu. Sept. 26           Late Republican Rome: the age of the generals

Topics: Republican temples at Largo Argentina, Theater of Pompey, Porticus Metelli/Octavia, Theater of Marcellus.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 9-12 (history), 63-75, 85-87, 92-95 (Forum Romanum), 239-46, 255-56 (Theatre of Pompey, victory temples, Portico Metellus/Octavia); Stamper 2005: 49-50, 84 (triumph, Pompey).

Art History Course Reader: 46, 48, 51-52.

 

 

5. Thu. Oct. 3              The Roman Forum: building the image of an empire

Topics: the Roman Forum.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 10-15 (history), 63-75, 85-87, 92-95, 100-3 (Forum Romanum).

Art History Course Reader: 12-21.

 

 

6. Thu. Oct. 10            Augustus: the construction of a new Roman identity

Topics: Ara Pacis, Augustus’s sundial, Mausoleum of Augustus, the first Pantheon.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 9-15, 40-43 (history & materials), 197-216, 232-3 (Campus Martius, Augustan monuments).

Art History Course Reader: 56-61.

 

 

7. Thu. Oct. 17            Mid-term exam

Note: class will meet 45 mins earlier than normal at JCU campus

Exam details will be posted on Moodle.

 

 

8. Thu. Oct. 24            The Julio-Claudins and the Flavians

Topics: Domus Aurea, Colosseum, Arch of Titus, Temple of Peace.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 16-18 (history), 82-83, 118-9, 121-3 (Forum Romanum), 125-8, 145-56 (Palatine), 171-74 (Temple of Peace, Forum of Nerva), 301-6, 312-9 (Domus Aurea, Colosseum).

Art History Course Reader: 24-29, 40.

 

 

9. Thu. Oct. 31            The Palatine and the Imperial residences

Topics: House of Augustus, House of Livia, wall paintings, Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 16-18 (history), 118-9, 125-8, 145-56 (Palatine).

 

Art History Course Reader: 67-68.

 

Sunday Nov. 3            Approved outline for Research paper must be in hand.

 

 

10. Thu. Nov. 7            Monumentality as symbol of power

Topics: The Imperial forums, Trajan’s column, Trajan’s Markets.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 159-196 (Imperial Forums).

Art History Course Reader: 36-43.

 

 

Sunday Nov. 17            Research paper due

 

 

11. Thu. Nov. 14          The Adoptive Empire and the Campus Martius

Topics: Pantheon, Temple of Hadrian, Column of Marcus Aurelius, Mausoleum of Hadrian.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 18-21 (history), 197-204 (Campus Martius), 216-21 (Columns of A. Pius & M. Aurelius), 223-38 (Hadrianeum, Pantheon, stadium and odeum of Domitian).

Art History Course Reader: 62-66.

 

 

12. Thu. Nov. 21          The Severans

Topics: Arch of Septimius Severus, Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, Arch of the Argentarii, Caracalla baths.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 21-24 (history), 78-79 (Arch of S. Severus), 292-3 (Arch of the Argentarii), 356-65 (Baths of Caracalla).

Art History Course Reader: 55, 69, 71-72, 82.

 

 

13. Thu. Nov. 28          The beginning of the end: late Roman Empire

Topics: Arch of Constantine, Basilica of Maxentius, St Clement.

Readings

Claridge 2010: 308-312 (Arch of Constantine), 115-117 (Basilica of Maxentius), 319-324 (St. Clement).

Art History Course Reader: 32-35.

 

 

14. Thu. Dec. 5            Review class

Note: class will meet 45 mins earlier than normal at JCU campus

Exam details will be posted on Moodle.

Prepare 3 to 5 questions, based on your revision study, for which you would like clarification and further detail.

You can use computer and/or tablet to take notes.

 

 

15. Dec. 9-12                Final exam

                                      Date, time, and location to be announced on Moodle.