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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "ARCH 101"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Classical Archaeology"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2014
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Jens Koehler
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TH9:15 AM 12:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Partially on-site; activity fee: €25 or $33
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course has the following objectives:
- introduction to the practice and the theory of archaeology, by examples mostly from Classical Antiquity
- acquisition of knowledge about methods of research and about some frequently used technologies
- understanding of the relations between archaeology and society: the archaeologist's responsibility
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Students will be introduced to archaeological research, focusing predominantly - but not exclusively - on Classical Archaeology, i. e. on Italy and the Mediterranean. The recovering of ancient monuments and artifacts by excavation is only one archaeological method to get information on the past. We will learn about radar surveys, aerial reconnaissance and underwater archaeology. The interpretation of stratigraphy and dating methods based on natural sciences (as C14, dendrochronology, thermoluminescence), on historical data or on stylistic evidence jointly contribute to establish a chronology. Apart from fieldwork, the question remains what to do with the regained facts: We will see the changing interests of the discipline by an overview of the history of archaeology, from the first scientific excavations in the 18th century to new approaches in the last years. Finally, the presentation to the public (restoration, museums) and problems as illegal digging of archaeological sites and trafficking of art will be discussed.
Visits to archaeological sites and - if possible - present excavations in Rome shall intensify the understanding of the course's content.
Students may have to pay some extra-fee to cover entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are introduced to different methods and theories of archaeological research. They can acquire the tools to recognize the most important classes of archaeological materials. The analysis of unknown monuments and objects allow students to study and think critically. The nature of the exams, the term paper, as well as oral presentations and class discussion, are aimed to a further development of critical analysis, presentation and communication skills.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Archaeology. An Introduction | K. Greene | n/a | n/a | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| Archaeology. A Very Short Introduction (2012) | P. Bahn | n/a | n/a | | |
| Archaeology. Theories, Methods and Practice (1991/2000, 3rd ed.) | C. Renfrew, P. Bahn | n/a | n/a | | |
| Rome. Archaeological Guide (2010) | A. Claridge | n/a | n/a | | |
| Rome and Environs (2007) | F. Coarelli | n/a | n/a | | |
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| The Archaeology of the Roman Economy (1986) | K. Greene | n/a | n/a | | |
| Ancient Rome. The Archaeology of the Eternal City (2000) | J. Coulston, H. Dodge (ed.) | n/a | n/a | | |
| In the Beginning. An Introduction to Archaeology (2005) | B. M. Fagan, C. R. De Corse | n/a | n/a | | |
| Archaeological Theory. An Introduction (1999) | M. Johnson | n/a | n/a | | |
| Reader in Archaeological Theory (1998) | D. S. Whitley | n/a | n/a | | |
| Burial, Society, and Context (2001) | J. Pierce, M. Millett, M. Struck | n/a | n/a | | |
| Understanding Archaeological Excavation (1986) | P. Barker | n/a | n/a | | |
| An Encyclopedia of the History of Classical Archaeology (1996) | N. Thompson de Grummond | n/a | n/a | | |
| The Archaeological Process (1999) | I. Hodder | n/a | n/a | | |
| A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome (1992) | L. Richardson | n/a | n/a | | |
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Midterm Test | The midterm test is on March 6, during regular class hours. It will consist in short questions and an essay question.
| 20% |
| Final Exam | The final exam takes place in the week of April 26 - May 2. It consists in identification, short questions and cumulative essay questions.
| 30% |
| Oral Presentation | Each student has to give one oral presentation on a topic or a site or a monument to be selected (list follows, Jan. 30). The presentation of 5-10 minutes should be accompanied by a class handout (1-2 pages). Date of presentation as best related to the class schedule.
| 15% |
| Paper | The outline of 1-2 pages should include a thesis, possible chapters, and a first bibliography; due on March 27. The paper should be 5-7 double-spaced pages, exclusive of images and bibliography; due on April 24.
| 25% |
| Participation | In addition to timely presence, active participation is expected of all students. You are expected to come to class having read the assignment and to be prepared to answer and make relevant questions and to share your own observations.
| 10% |
-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 cour
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:
All scheduled classes are mandatory. You are allowed only one unjustified absence; every unjustified absence thereafter will result in the lowering of your grade. Attendance will be taken at each class. Because this is an on-site course with special scheduled permits to sites and museums it has strict time limitations. You must, therefore, always be punctual. You should calculate around 40-50 minutes travel time to our meeting points (specified below in the class schedule). Please refer to the university catalog for attendance and absence policy.
For legal reasons no visitors are allowed to follow the class.
Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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Session
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Session Focus
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Reading Assignment
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Other Assignment
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Meeting Place/Exam Dates
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Thur., Jan. 16
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1) Introduction. Archaeological practice, theories and methods.
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introduction books; syllabus; Claridge, Rome 4-32.
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in classroom G.K.1.1.(?)
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Thur., Jan. 23
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2) History of research: Capitoline Hill. Archaeology in the city center of Rome: Republican Victory temples at Largo Argentina
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Greene ch. 1; Claridge, Rome 241-246. 459-460. 259-262. 62-69.
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in classroom G. K. 1. 1.
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Thur., Jan. 30
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3) Theory and practice of excavation.
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Greene ch. 3
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pick oral presentation topic |
in classroom
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Thur., Febr. 6
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4) Recent research at Ostia Antica.
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www.ostia-antica.org; Coarelli, Rome 450-476.
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early start! |
meet at 8.30 am at the pyramid (Piazzale Ostiense)
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Thur., Febr. 13
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5) Archaeological survey techniques. Underwater archaeology. Ceramics.
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Greene ch. 2
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in classroom
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Thur., Febr. 20
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6) Ancient economy and Roman pottery. Visit to Mount Testaccio.
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www.ub.es/CEIPAC/MOSTRA; www.archaeospain.com/testaccio; Claridge, Rome 397-405.
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meet at the pyramid, Piazzale Ostiense
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Thur., Febr. 27
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7) Chronology and dating methods. Absolute dating: Dendrochronology, Carbon 14 and related methods. Historical dating and the art history approach.
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Greene ch. 4; Claridge, Rome 494-496. |
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in classroom
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Thur., March 6
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Midterm Test
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test |
in classroom
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Thurs., March 13
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8) Visit to the National Museum/Museo Nazionale delle Terme (or: Necropolis Villa Doria Pamphilij?). Latin inscriptions. Roman funerary art.
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(Claridge, Rome 391-396. 481-485); (Coarelli, Rome 438).
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TBA
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March 20
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Spring break, no class
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Thur., March 27
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9) Visit to the Gipsoteca, Museo d'Arte Classica, Università La Sapienza.
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Ramage-Ramage, Roman Art (4th ed.) 24-27; R. R. R. Smith, Hellenistic Sculpture (1991) 14-18; D. Strong, Roman Art (2nd ed.) 36. 58-63.
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paper outline due
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meet at main entrance (Piazza Aldo Moro)
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| Thur., April 3 |
10) Restoration. Virtual reconstructions. Human remains. |
Greene ch. 5 |
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in classroom |
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Thur., April 10
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11) Visit to the Pigorini Museum of Prehistory and Ethnology: Restoration Lab. Anthropology Lab. (?)
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Greene ch. 5; Claridge, Rome 492.
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meet at the pyramid, Piazzale Ostiense (and then by Metro to EUR Fermi) (?)
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Thur., April 17
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12) Presentation to the public. Visit to the Vicus Caprarius/city of water (or: Crypta Balbi excavations and museum).
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Greene ch. 6; Claridge, Rome 222-223. (247-250. 487).
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meet in classroom (then walk/by bus)
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Thur., April 24
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13) Archaeology and national interests. Tomb raiders and illicit trafficking of ancient artifacts.
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Greene ch. 6; www.artcrimeresearch.org
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paper due
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in classroom
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| April 26 - May 2 |
Final Exam week |
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exam |
in classroom TBA |
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this is a preliminary schedule; on-site visits depend on other institutions than JCU and may be changed; you can call the front office at 06-6819121
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