AH290 is intended to introduce students to the survey of architectural and artistic monuments of ancient Rome from roughly the Archaic period to the Late Antique (8th century BC to the 4th century AD). The on-site classes are arranged by themes and chronology. Emphasis is placed on understanding and interpreting the meaning and the function of the ancient monuments in the ancient past, but also successive periods.

Although conceived as a survey of ancient Roman monuments, with emphasis on architecture and sculpture, this course will provide students the opportunity to consider a number of themes which are specific to the study of ancient Roman material culture, but also in general objects from the distant past. Students will be introduced to methods of historical inquiry, especially how archaeologists, Classicists, and art historians, make sense of the fragments of the ancient world to arrive at our current understanding of ancient monuments.  Through a series of selected readings directly related to site visits, students will be introduced to the following themes: the “Roman copy of the Greek original” in Roman sculpture; the taste for Greek art and culture in the Roman world; the idea of civic responsibility; Rome the cosmopolis; how political change (e.g. the transition from Republic to Empire) is registered in the urban fabric and arts of ancient Rome; and the impact of later periods (e.g. the Fascist period) on our understanding of the Roman monuments. In addition, site visits will allow students to learn about the different building materials, sculpture techniques, and how to distinguish the ancient fabric (architecture and sculptural) from later periods of restoration and reuse.

Students will:

- learn the survey of ancient Roman monuments and art.

- learn how to identify key moments and shifts in Roman art.

- understand the social, political, and religious value of monuments in the ancient world.

- gain experience in research and critical looking through the writing of a site-based paper assignment.

- develop critical thinking, reading, and observation skills.

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.

One unexcused absence is permitted (but highly discouraged) without grade penalty. You are still responsible for the content of that missed meeting, which may include a site-based writing assignment (10%). Three tardies count as one unexcused absence. Please note that being physically present in all class sesssions (or missing 1 session) will only result in a grade of B- for Participation/Attendance (15%). If you strive for a higher grade, you must participate in discussions.

Because this is an on-site class, students are expected to plan accordingly to arrive on time to class, wear the appropriate shoes and clothing for inclimate weather and dress appropriately for sacred spaces (knees and shoulders covered, and all parts in between!).

Please see the ATAC link below for directions on public transit to arrive.  http://www.atac.roma.it/

PLEASE arrive on time. Students who arrive late to class will have to find the group on their own, pay their own entrance to the museum, miss important information announced at the start of class, and/or possibly not be able to enter the museum due to group reservations.

Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.