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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 290-1"
COURSE NAME: "Ancient Rome and Its Monuments (On-site; activity fee €40 or $52)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: De Sena Eric
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W 13:15-16:00
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS: M 11:30-13:00

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
AH290 is a survey course on the ancient city of Rome from its archaic origins through the late Roman Empire (ca. 1000 BC - AD 315). The course consists of visits to museums and archaeological sites in Rome. Class meetings are organized chronologically in an attempt to discuss artistic and urbanistic-architectural developments in the light of Roman history. In addition to formal descriptions of the structures, there is a strong emphasis on the role of the monument or artifact in ancient society.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The intention of this course is for students to gain a solid appreciation for the ancient city of Rome – not only the technical details of individual monuments, but, more importantly, their function and meaning in Roman society. For example, knowing when the Colosseum was built, its dimensions and details about its features are interesting facts; however, that this monument was commissioned by the emperor Vespasian as a component of a broader program of urban renewal aimed at expressing this ruler’s commitment to re-consolidate the Empire is of greater significance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will:

gain substantial knowledge regarding the historical and artistic trends of ancient Rome;
understand the fundamental principals of Roman art and architecture;
understand how the Romans used art, architecture and other manufactured goods to modify the cultural climate of Rome;
gain experience in research through the writing of a term paper and giving oral presentations; how to think and read critically.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Roman Art: Romulus to ConstantineN.H. Ramage and A. Ramage 9780136000976     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
NONE

-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 extensiveknowledge 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 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.


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
One unexcused absence is permitted. Please note that being physically present in all class sesssions (or missing 1 session) will only result in a grade of B-  If you strive for a higher grade, you must participate in discussions. Late arrivals will also be noted and you will not be reimbursed if you have to purchase a site ticket because you were late for 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 SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OFFICIAL SCHEDULE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE FIRST CLASS SESSION IN JANUARY 2012

1. Introduction to the course and Archaic Rome: Aeneas to Tarquinius Superbus

            MP: JCU campus

Monuments: Circus Maximus, Area of Sant’Omobono, Capitoline Temple.

Readings: Ramage and Ramage Intro and Claridge monuments.

 

2. Visit to Villa Giulia Museum of Etruscan Art

            MP: obelisk at Piazza del Popolo

Readings: Ramage and Ramage Ch. 1

 

3. Rome during the Early to Middle Republic

            MP: Roman Forum – entrance opposite via Cavour

Monuments: Lapis Niger, Regia, Iron Age Palatine settlement, Servian Wall, Temple Saturn, Temple Castor and Pollux, Temple Concordia, Temple Vesta, Curia/Comitia, Basilica Aemilia, Temple of Magna Mater.

Readings: Ramage and Ramage Ch. 2; Sear Ch. 1; Favro Ch. 1; Claridge monuments

 

4. Rome during the Late Republic

MP: Tower at Largo Argentina

Monuments: Largo Argentina, Theater of Pompey, Temples in Forum Boarium/Holitarium, Temples of Jupiter Stator and Juno Sospita (Porticus of Octavia).

Readings: Sear Ch. 2; Favro Ch. 2-3¸Claridge monuments

 

5. Rome of Julius Caesar and Augustus, I

MP: Roman Forum – entrance opposite via Cavour

Monuments: Tabularium, Curia Julia, Basilica Julia, Rostra, Temple of Divine Caesar, Arch of Augustus, House of Augustus and Livia, Temples of Apollo, Theater of Marcellus, Baths of Agrippa, first phase of Pantheon, Horologium, Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis, Forums of Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Readings: Favro Ch. 4-5; Claridge monuments

*** ABSTRACT OF TERM PAPER DUE ***

 

6. Rome of Julius Caesar and Augustus, II

MP: Theater of Marcellus

Monuments: Tabularium, Curia Julia, Basilica Julia, Rostra, Temple of Divine Caesar, Arch of Augustus, House of Augustus and Livia, Temples of Apollo, Theater of Marcellus, Baths of Agrippa, first phase of Pantheon, Horologium, Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis, Forums of Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Readings: Favro Ch. 6-7; Claridge monuments

 

7. MID-TERM EXAM at JCU

 

8. Visit to the Museo Nazionale Romano (Palazzo Massimo)

            MP: in front of Palazzo Massimo (big yellow building near Termini train station)

Readings: browse Electa guide; review discussions on sculpture in Ramage and Ramage.

 

9. Decline and Revitalization: Rome from Tiberius to Domitian

            MP: Roman Forum – entrance opposite via Cavour

Monuments: Domus Aurea, Arch of Titus, Colosseum, Temple of Divine Claudius, Flavian Palace.

Readings: Sear Ch. 5 and 7; Claridge monuments

Optional: Ramage and Ramage Ch. 4-5

 

10. The Imperial Forums and the New Architecture

            MP: Metro B Colosseo

Monuments: Temple of Peace, Forum of Nerva, Temple of Venus and Roma, Forum and Markets of Trajan, Pantheon, Temple of Divine Hadrian, Column of Marcus Aurelius.

Readings: Sear Ch. 8; Claridge monuments

 

11. Visit to the Capitoline Museum

            MP: Capitoline Hill near equestrian statue

 

12. Ostia Antica: Daily Life in a Roman City

            MP: Ticket booth of Ostia Antica

Monuments: Forum, Temple of Hercules, Mitreum of Felicissimus, Christian basilica, House of Charioteers, Baths of Neptune, Fuller’s Shop, Theater, Piazzale delle Corporazioni.

            Readings: Sear Ch. 6 (Ostia section) and monuments at www.ostia-antica.org

 

13. Discussion of term papers and review for Final Exam

MP: JCU, room TBA

TERM PAPER IS DUE

 

14. The Late Roman Empire

            MP: Baths of Caracalla

Monuments: Arch of Septimius Severus, Arch of the Argentarii, Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Janus, Arch of Constantine, Basilica of Maxentius.

Readings: Ramage and Ramage Ch. 6-9, 12; Claridge monuments

 

 

FINAL EXAM: JCU campus, date and time T.B.A. (n.b. exam may be on a Saturday or Sunday)