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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 290-5"
COURSE NAME: "Ancient Rome and Its Monuments"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Jens Koehler
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W9:15 AM 12:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS: 0039-338-5256504

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course has the following objectives:

- to understand the topography and history of the ancient city of Rome

- to provide an in-depth familiarity and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of ancient Roman art and architecture

- to describe correctly and interpret the monuments based on the first-hand encounter with the material remains

- acquisition of knowledge about archaeological and historical methods of research

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:


This is an upper level survey course focusing on the city of Rome from its origins well before the 8th century BC to the reign of emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. Ancient Roman civilization will mostly be studied through its architecture and art, leaving but enough space to include questions of historical and social interest. Students will be introduced to the architecture of public and private buildings, and they will learn about sculpture and wall paintings. Given the advantage to stay in Rome, we can study the ancient monuments directly on-site in a first-hand approach.

Some visits include longer walks. Be prepared for cold and rainy weather. Use appropriate clothing and shoes!

Students may have to pay some extra-fee (Euro 40) to cover entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students are introduced to different methods and theories of research, developed for Archaeology and Ancient History. They can acquire the tools to recognize the most important classes of archaeological materials (typology). They will learn about the evolution of architecture and art, compared to the historical developents (chronology).

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 class discussion, are aimed to a further development of critical analysis, presentation and communication skills.


TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Rome. Archaeological Guide (2010, 2nd ed.)A. ClaridgeOxford University Pressn/a     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Rome and Environs (2007)F. Coarellin/an/a  
The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus (1988)P. Zankern/an/a  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The Ancient Roman City (1988)J. Stambaughn/an/a  
A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome (1992)L. Richardsonn/an/a  
A History of Rome (2005)M. Le Glay, J. L. Voisin, Y. Le Bohec (ed.)n/an/a  
The Art of Rome (1973/1977)B. Andreaen/an/a  
Cambridge Illustrated History of the Roman World (2003)G. Woolf (ed.)n/an/a  
Roman Art. Romulus to Constantine (2005)N. H. Ramage, A. Ramagen/an/a  
Baths and Bathing in Classical Antiquity (1992)F. Yeguln/an/a  
The Churches and Catacombs of Early Christian Rome (2001)M. Webbn/an/a  
Roman SculptureD. E. E. Kleinern/an/a  
Roman Painting (1991)R. Lingn/an/a  
Roman BuildersR. Taylorn/an/a  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
midterm testFeb. 26. short answer questions. 20
oral presentationon a topic/monument to be selected (on Jan. 29). oral presentation on-site (15 points) and handout (10 points). 25
research paperMarch 12: outline with bibliography (5 points) and April 23: final paper of 5-7 pages (20 points). 25
final examApril 26 - May 2. short answer questions and essay choice (about 15/15 points). 30

-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
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). For legal reasons no visitors are allowed to follow the 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

 

session

Session focus

reading

assignments

Meeting point

Wed., Jan. 15

1) Introduction. Practice, theories and methods of archaeology, art history, and ancient history.

Claridge 4-32. 39-60.

Syllabus

in classroom G.K.1.1 (or G.K.1.2?)

Wed., Jan. 22

2)  Topography and history of early Rome. Etruscan Museum Villa Giulia.

Claridge 4-15. See museums at the end.

Piazzale Flaminio, at metro exit

Wed., Jan. 29

3) From Republic to Empire. Palatine Hill. and Forum Romanum.

Claridge 62-123. 124-159

Pick oral presentation topic

Entrance Via dei Fori Imperiali

Wed. Feb. 5

4) NEW Late Republic and Early Empire: Victory temples, Forum of Caesar.

See reading list for following

NEW Largo Argentina, tower

Wed., Feb. 12

5) Campus Martius I: Mausoleum of Augustus and Ara Pacis.

Largo Argentina, tower

Wed., Feb. 19

6) Imperial propaganda: Fora of Augustus and of Trajan. Trajan's column and markets. 

Column of Trajan

Wed., Feb. 26

Midterm Test

Midterm test

In classroom TBA

Wed., March 5

7) Paintings, mosaics and sculpture. Palazzo Massimo, National Museum.

Entrance, near Railway station Termini

Wed., March 12

8) Spectacles and imperial power: Colosseum and Ludus Magnus.

Paper outline due

Arch of Constantine

March 19

Spring break – no class

Wed., March 26

9)  Campus Martius II: Pantheon. Column of Marcus Aurelius.

Largo Argentina, tower

Wed., April 2

10) Portraits and sculpture. Capitoline Museums.

Capitol Hill, Piazza Campidoglio

Wed., April 9

11) Bathing and technology: Baths of Caracalla..

Metro stop Circo Massimo

Wed., April 16

12) Late Antiquity: Arch and Basilica of Constantine. Santo Stefano Rotondo.

Arch of Constantine

Wed., April 23

13) Early Christians: Visit to the catacombs of Priscilla.

Paper due

Via Salaria 430

April 26 - May 2

Final Exam Week.

Final exam

In classroom TBA

This schedule may be changed. Students will be informed of any change. You can call the front office at 06-6819121.