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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 190-3"
COURSE NAME: "Cities, Towns & Villas: Rome, Ostia, Pompeii (On-site; activity fee €40 or $52; Mandatory Trip to Pompeii)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Hansen Inge
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TH 9:15-12:05
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; mandatory trip; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The course is a fundamental introduction to the material culture of the world of ancient Rome focused on three major urban centres: Rome, Pompeii and Ostia. Classes are taught entirely on site at archaeological sites and museums in a first-hand encounter with the monuments, spaces and artworks discussed. The course offers students an introduction to urban living in the ancient world, and the articulation of ‘being Roman’ – for cities, emperors and individuals. It will provide students with an appreciation of the multifaceted character of urban spaces, monuments and artworks in their historical context, as well as of the role of the emperor as a leader of a composite and vast empire. It will develop an awareness of the social function of the Roman house and its function as a stage for social relationships and individual status, and consider the importance of public patronage and civic status. Complemented by investigations of the depiction of non-Romans as well as of the perceived merits of peace and warfare, the course provides a nuanced examination of what it meant to be Roman.


SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Cities, Towns and Villas is a survey course examining the world of ancient Rome, and the articulation of Roman identity in three diverse cities of ancient Italy: the imperial city, a provincial city and a harbour town. The course examines the development of Rome and the importance of public monuments for the visualisation of the city; it analyzes the Roman house as a dynamic space of social interaction; and it considers the impact of social class. The course discusses the impact of the origins and early history of Rome, but historically focuses on the period from c. 100 BC-AD 300, the late Republic and Empire. 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.


Course information

For specific inquiries, or to set up an appointment, please contact me via email on [email protected].

Changes, additional course information, etc will be posted on MyJCU. Please check this regularly and, certainly, in advance of each class.

Study guides to help you organise your notes and gain an overview of the material – and hence to assist you revise – will be posted weekly, in advance of each class, on MyJCU.
An image archive of material discussed in class will be created on ARTstor. These, together with the images in the course reader, will form the basis for examinations. For further details see below.
Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.


LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Discipline specific skills: Understanding of key aspects of Greco-Roman art; ability to analyze art/material culture and its impact; ability to understand and deploy art historical and historical terminology; ability to analyze the socio-political context of public and private art and architecture; ability to follow complex reasoning inherent in discourses pertaining to diverse periods and places.

Course specific skills: Ability to interpret the urban topography and development of Roman cities; ability to analyze how social ideals shape material objects and are expressed visually; ability to analyze the socio-political context of public and private art and architecture.


Personal skills: Ability to apply critical thinking and analysis; ability to analyze motives in the creation and reception of art, across a range of different media; ability to select and organise material; ability to produce cogent arguments; ability to present complex arguments orally; ability to exchange ideas and engage in peer discussion
.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
History of Roman ArtKleiner, FredWadsworth9780495909880(2010 rev.ed)    
Art History course reader (visual material and primary sources)JCU -     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The Houses of Roman Italy, 100 BC – AD 250Clarke, J.R.1991-NA324 .C57 
Art in the Lives of Ordinary RomansClarke, J.R.2003-N72.S6C58 
The ColosseumCoarelli, F.2000-DG68.1.C6513 
Rome and EnvironsCoarelli, F.2007-DG62 .C623 
Ancient Rome: Archaeology of the Eternal CityCoulston, J. and Dodge, H.2000-DG63 .A57 
The Roman House and Social IdentityHales, S.2003-NA324.H35 
Death and the EmperorDavies, P.2000-NB1875 .D38 
Roman SculptureKleiner, D.E.E.1992-NB115 .K57 
Gladiators and CaesarsKöhne, E. and Ewigleben, C. (eds)2000-GV31.G53 
Pompeii: an Architectural HistoryRichardson, L.1988-NA327.P6R53 
The Ancient Roman CityStambaugh, J.1988-HT114 .S7 
The Architecture of Roman Temples. The Republic to the Middle EmpireStamper, J.2005-NA323 .S73 
Augustan RomeWallace-Hadrill, A.1993-DG279 .W35 
Houses and Society in Pompeii and HerculaneumWallace-Hadrill, A.1994-NA324.D63 
The Roman AmphitheatreWelch, K.2007-NA313 .W45 
Gladiator: Film and HistoryWinkler, M.M.2004-PN1997.G532G49 
The Power of Images in the Age of AugustusZanker, P.1988-N5760 .Z36 
Pompeii. Public and Private LifeZanker, P.1998-DG70.P7Z3613 
Mosaics of the Greek and Roman WorldDunbabin, K.M.D.1999-NA3760 .D86 
Ostia. Aspects of Roman City LifeHermansen, G.1982-DG70.O8H47 
Roman Art and Imperial PolicyHannestad, N.1986-N5763.H3513 
Rome. Oxford Archaeological GuideClaridge, A.2010-DG62 .C53 
Roman Baths and Bathing DeLaine, J. and Johnston, D.E. 1999-DG97.I67 
The Baths of CaracallaPiranomonte, M.1998-DG97.P57 
Baths and Bathing in Classical AntiquityYegül, F. 1992-DG97.Y45 

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Daily life in the Roman City. Rome, Pompeii and OstiaAldrete, G. 2004-DG78.A53 
Ancient MosaicsLing, R.1998-NA3760.L46 
Houses, Villas and Palaces in the Roman WorldMcKay, A.G.1975-NA324 .M32 
Roman OstiaMeiggs, R.1973-DG70.O8 M4 
As the Romans Did: A SourcebookShelton, J.-A.1998-HN10.R7 S45 
Roman Imperial ArchitectureWard-Perkins, J.B.1981-NA310 .W34 
Roman Black-and-White Figural MosaicClarke, John1979-ACLS Humanities E-book 
A Handbook of Roman ArtHenig, M.1983-N5730 .R5H6 
Roman Pompeii: Space and SocietyLaurence, R.1994-DG70. P7 L38 
Roman ArtStrong, D.1988-N5760 .S68 
Roman ArchitectureSear, F.1992-NA310.S44 
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ParticipationExchange of ideas based on reading10%
Class testsRevision and research quizzes10%
Class presentationResearch presentation (5-10 mins)15%
Mid-term examAnalytical essays15%
Term paperResearch paper (7-8 pages)25%
Final examImage identifications and essays25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

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 course.

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 evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference 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.



-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
All scheduled classes are mandatory. You are allowed only one unjustified absence; every unjustified absence thereafter will result in the loss of a quarter of a grade. Please refer to the university catalogue for the attendance and absence policy.


You must always be punctual; late arrival will be noted and may affect your final grade. You should calculate around 40-50 minutes travel time to our meeting points. Note that meeting points differ for each class, and that most classes will end at on-site locations different from the meeting point.


Class will take place no matter the weather. Further, following university regulations, no auditors or occasional visitors are permitted to attend classes unless with specific and advance permit by me.

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

COURSE SCHEDULE

A detailed course schedule, with further reading suggestions and bibliography, will be provided at the start of term.

Please note scheduled all-day field trip on Friday February 24th (6.50 am)


1. Thurs. Jan. 19 – Introduction to the course: requirements, logistics, etc.

Foundation of Rome: myth, topographical and trade

Meeting place: JCU, place to be confirmed

Assigned reading: None


2. Thurs. Jan. 26 – History and the city: being Roman

Rome: from Romulus, to Kings, from Republic to Empire. Palatine Hill (‘Romulean’ huts); Capitoline Hill (Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus); Forum Romanum (Temples of Vesta / Saturn / Castor, rostra, basilicas, senate house); Forum of Caesar (Temple of Venus Genetrix)

Meeting place: Via Fori imperiali/Via Cavour, entrance to Forum Romanum

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: xxi, xxii-iii, xxiv (Greek temples), xxxvii (Etruscan temples), 1-4, 8, 10, 11-12 (early Rome), 58-59, 63 (Caesar)


3. Thurs. Feb. 2 – Foundations of Empire: Rome and the Greek world

Rome: late Republic and early Empire; triumphalism and cultural experimentation. Campus Martius (Theatre of Pompey / Marcellus; Victory temples in L. Argentina); Forum Boarium (Temple of Portunus, Round Temple by the Tiber); Circus Maximus

Meeting place: Campo dei Fiori, statue of G. Bruno

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 7-9 (temples), 47-49 (generals and art), 56-57 (Pompey), 72 (theatre Marcellus)


4. Thurs. Feb. 9 – The benefits of peace

Rome: early-mid Empire (Augustus & Hadrian); the emperor and Rome. Campus Martius (Ara Pacis Augustae, Mausoleum of Augustus, Pantheon, Horologium); aqueducts and parks, technology and leisure; Mausolem of Hadrian

Meeting place: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, entrance to the Ara Pacis Augustae

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 61, 63, 70-72, 79-80 (Augustus, Ara Pacis, mausoleum), 171, 181-3, 184-5 (Hadrian, Pantheon, mausoleum)


5. Thurs. Feb. 16 – Tyrants and father figures: the emperor and Rome

Rome: early Empire (Augustus, Nero, Flavians, Hadrian). Forum of Augustus; Temple of Peace; Colosseum; Forum Romanum (Arch of Titus, Temple of Venus and Rome); Palatine (Domus Aurea, Palace of Domitian)

Meeting place: Via Fori imperiali/Via Cavour, near entrance to Forum Romanum

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 64-66 (Forum Augustus), 115-8 (Domus Aurea), 121, 126-134 (Flavian buildings), 164 (Baths of Trajan), 180-1 (Temple Venus & Rome)


6. Thurs. Feb. 23 – Pompeii and the Roman house

Pompeii: townhouses, villas and gardens; house design: function and social interaction, layout and social identity. House of the Faun; House the Menander; House of Octavius Quartio (=House of Loreius Tiburtinus); House of Sallust; Villa of the Mysteries – House of Apollo; House of Meleager

Meeting place: JCU, place to be confirmed

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 17-19, 31-43, 143-144, 150


7. Fri. Feb. 24 – Pompeii: civic identities

Pompeii: civic identity, cultural inspirations. Forum area (basilica, Temple of Apollo, Building of Eumachia, imperial cult), theatre area (theatre, odeon), amphitheatre, Forum baths

Meeting place: Piazza Trilussa – 6.50 am

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 17-29


Thurs. March 1 – No class: used for Pompeii trip


8. Thurs. March 8 – Mid-term exam

Meeting place: JCU, place to be confirmed


9. Thurs. March 15 – The benefits of warfare / depicting foreigners

Rome: mid-Empire (Augustus, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius). Statue of Augustus from Prima Porta; Column and forum of Trajan, Trajan’s markets; Column of M. Aurelius.

Meeting place: Trajan’s Column – Via dei Fori Imperiali/Piazza Venezia

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 67-69 (Augustus imperator), 153-4, 156-162 (Forum of Trajan), 187, 199-201 (Column of M. Aurelius)


Thurs. March 22 – No class: Spring vacation


10. Thurs. March 29            – Ostia I: commerce and civic identity

Ostia: harbour and city, work and leisure. Baths (Baths of Neptune – 2.4.2; Baths of the Cisarii – 2.2.3); Forum (Capitolium, Temple of Augustus and Rome, latrine – regio 1); Warehouses (Horrea of Hortensius – 5.12.1); Guild buildings (Piazzale delle Corporazioni – 2.7.4; Hall of the Mensores – 1.19.1.3)

Meeting place: Piazzale Ostiense, entrance to Metro B “Piramide” – 8.00 am

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 18, 203-8; www.ostia-antica.org/intro


11. Thurs. April 5 – Ostia II: domestic structures

Ostia: town houses and apartments. House of the Yellow Walls (Garden Houses 3.9.12), Domus of Fortuna Annonaria (5.2.8), Cassette Tipo (3.12/13.1-2), Domus of Cupid & Psyche (1.14.5)

Meeting place: Piazzale Ostiense, entrance to Metro B “Piramide” – 8.00 am

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 208-10, 215; www.ostia-antica.org/dict.htm (houses and apartments)


12. Thurs. March 12 – History and imperial power: ruling a world city

Rome: mid-late Empire (Marcus Aurelius, Constantine). What makes a good emperor: achievements/personal accomplishments/official roles/embodiment of history? State reliefs and equestrian statue of M. Aurelius, Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, portrait and arch of Constantine

Meeting place: Piazza Campidoglio, statue of M. Aurelius

Assigned reading: Kleiner 2010: 190-1, 197-8 (M. Aurelius), 194-5 (Temple Antoninus & Faustina), 231, 238-40 (Arch Septimius Severus), 291-6 (portrait & Arch of Constantine), Fig. 18-21 (map)


13. Thurs. April 19 – Review class

Overview and discussion of course content

Meeting place: JCU, place to be confirmed

Assigned reading: to be confirmed


Thurs. April 26 – No class: used for the Pompeii trip


14. April 28-May 4 – Final exam

Meeting place: JCU, date, time and place to be announced