Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 181"
COURSE NAME: "Politics and Power in Roman Architecture - Augustus to Mussolini"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Laura Foster
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: T9:15 AM 12:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; activity fee: €25 or $33
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide you with a general knowledge of the topography, urban makeup and architectural history of Rome. It will also introduce some of the different methodological tools needed to examine city form, design and architecture.

•Formal analysis: how to identify building materials and to apply an architectural vocabulary to the analysis of a monument’s design

•Contextual analysis: how to interpret urban space and to recognize the signficance of site for individual monuments

•Historical analysis: how to recognize monuments according to period styles and to understand the cultural, religious and political contexts in which works were constructed

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This survey course will examine many of Rome’s most significant architectural and urban monuments through the lens of political representation, exploring the relationship between architectural design and political power from the 1^st c. AD until the 20^th century. Moving roughly in chronological order, our on-site visits will treat the development of Rome as an imperial power in antiquity and the influence of classical architecture on all later construction in the city. We will examine the transformation of the papacy in its dual role as head of the Catholic Church and secular leader of the city, seeking to represent itself as the rightful inheritor of imperial Rome through the design and decoration of ecclesiastical and secular structures. We will also try to imagine what life was like for common Romans in different historical periods, contrasting local building traditions to grand architectural monuments. Finally, we will study Rome’s latest transformation as the capital of a modern nation-state and reflect upon the possibilities for contemporary architecture when measured against the city’s imposing artistic past.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
•a general knowledge of Rome’s history and urban development

•the ability to identify changes in architectural monuments according to historical periods

•the ability to discuss works of architecture and urban spaces in terms of their formal design and physical context

•an understanding of the different methodological tools used to examine architecture and urbanism through readings, written assignments, and class discussion

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number
The Ancient Roman City	John E. Stambaugh	Johns Hopkins University Press	0801835747
Rome: An Oxford Archeological Guide	Amanda Claridge	Oxford	9780199546831
Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308	Richard Krautheimer	Princeton University Press	069104032X
The Architecture of Michelangelo	James Ackerman	Penguin	0140211845
High Renaissance Art in St. Peter's and the Vatican	George Hersey	University of Chicago Press	0226327825
Baroque and Rococo	Vernon Hyde Minor	Prentice-Hall	0130856495
The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 1	Terry Kirk	Princeton Architectural Press	1568984367

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Midterm Examination	The midterm examination will cover the ancient and medieval periods (roughly from the 1st c. AD to 1400) and will be concerned with the students’ understanding of essential historical concepts and the ability to apply correct architectural terminology. Students should be able to identify monuments by name, approximate dates, and function. The format of the exam includes: •Short answer questions regarding historical and stylistic terminology, building materials, and patronage. •Essay: A choice of two essay topics that treat general themes discussed in the first half of the course. You will need to provide specific examples taken from works discussed in class.	25%
Final Paper: Monuments in Context	For this assignment, students will choose a monument not seen in class and will provided an analysis of the monument’s site, architectural design, and historical context. Students will go off the beaten path and explore Rome in depth by focusing on urban development as well as architectural styles and the changing function of buildings. Students will also put to use the analysis of power structures in Rome to built form. The final paper will be 8-10 pages in length with some research involved. Further details about the assignment and a list of monuments will be given in class.	20%
Final Examination	The final examination will cover the period from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The format is identical to that of the midterm exam. However, further understanding of the patrons and architects (for whom we have more knowledge than in the ancient and medieval eras) is expected.	25%
Class Participation and Attendance	This site class meets only once per week and is entirely on site; therefore, attendance is essential. The lectures are not composed simply of a tour of monuments, but will involve complex analysis at the monuments themselves. In order to grasp the concepts presented in course readings and handouts, active participation is also essential. Students will be evaluated on their attention to lectures by questions asked and ideas discussed. Engagement with in-class assignments will also be evaluated.	10%
3 Exercises in Understanding Architectural Design	These exercises will take place in class and involve a close reading of individual buildings, with a short write-up of each exercise to be completed outside class. The purpose of the exercises is to engage quickly with correct architectural terminology and understand how buildings and urban spaces are put together. Detailed instructions and an explanation of expectations for each exercise will be provided in class lectures and on handouts. The exercises will take place on September 9, 16, and 23 and will be graded together. Comments and corrections will be provided before the midterm exam.	20%

-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:
Attendance and participation is mandatory for this class and is worth 10% of the total grade. Because the course takes place entirely on site only once per week, missing even a single lecture can affect preparation and performance on exams. Please see the previous description in assessment methods.

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

ALWAYS BE SURE TO CHECK MYJCU BEFORE EACH CLASS TO CONFIRM LECTURE MEETING PLACE!

Week One
Tuesday Sept 2             Overview of syllabus and course material. Lecture: The origins of Rome
Meeting Place                Guarini Campus, Room GK 1.2
Itinerary                        Classroom, followed by walk to Republican-era Temples and Capitoline Hill

Week Two
Tuesday Sept 9            Ancient Rome I: The City as Caput Mundi, “Capital of the World”
Meeting place               Outside of entrance to Foro Romano, via dei Fori Imperiali
Itinerary                       Roman Forum and Palatine Hill; In-class exercise in architectural design

Reading Complete before the class session
Assignments John E. Stambaugh, The Ancient Roman City, Ch. 7 (pp. 101-122). On Permanent Reserve in the library, HT114 .S7

                                      Amanda Claridge, Rome (Oxford Archaeological Guide), 2010 ed., entries on: The Roman Forum (pp. 62-68), Senate
                                     House (71-75), Arch of Titus (121-123) and the Palace of Domitian (145-154) On Permanent Reserve in the library,
                                     DG62 .C53 2010

Week Three
Tuesday Sept 16          Ancient Rome II: Materials and Monumentality in the Imperial Period
Meeting Place            Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the Column of Trajan
Itinerary                       Markets of Trajan, Forum of Trajan, Temple of the Divine Hadrian and Pantheon; In-class exercise in architectural and
                                      urban design, 2

Reading John E. Stambaugh, The Ancient Roman City, Ch. 5 (pp. 67-85) and Ch. 13 (pp. 213-224). On Permanent Reserve in the
Assignments library, HT114 .S7

Amanda Claridge, Rome (Oxford Archaeological Guide), 2010 ed., entries on: Forum of Augustus and Trajan (177-196),
Temple of the Deified Hadrian (226) and the Pantheon (227-232)

Week Four
Tuesday Sept 23            Ancient Rome III/Early Christianity: The Embattled City and Christian Triumph
Meeting Place                In front of Basilica of S. Giovanni in Laterano
Itinerary                        Aurelian Walls, Basilica of S. Giovanni in Laterano, Baptistery, Church of S. Stefano Rotondo; In-class exercise in
                                        architectural design, 3

Reading                        Richard Krautheimer, Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308, Ch. 1 (pp. 3-31, but particularly from p.17); start Ch. 2. Assignments                   On Permanent Reserves in the library, DG811 .K7

                                        Amanda Claridge, Rome (Oxford Archaeological Guide), 2010 ed., entries on: The Lateran: Baptistery and Church
                                        (373-377); S. Stefano Rotondo (345-347)

Week Five
Tuesday Sept 30            Medieval Era I: Miracles, Martyrs and the Language of Christian Architecture
Meeting Place               In front of Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore
Itinerary                        Basilicas of S. Maria Maggiore, S. Prassede, and S. Clemente

Reading Richard Krautheimer, Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308, complete Ch. 2 and Ch. 5 (pp. 109-142).
Assignment On Permanent Reserves in the library, DG811 .K7

Week Six
Tuesday Oct 7            Medieval Era II: Power and Urban Process in the later Middle Ages
Meeting Place              JCU Guarini Campus Entrance
Itinerary                      Walk through Trastevere neighborhood; S. Maria in Trastevere

Reading Richard Krautheimer, Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308, Chs. 7 (pp. 161-176 only) and Ch. 13.
Assignment On Permanent Reserves in the library, DG811 .K7

Week Seven
Tuesday Oct 14            Midterm Examination, 9:15-10:30, followed by site walk
Meeting Place            Guarini Campus, Room GK1.2
Itinerary                       Churches of S. Maria sopra Minerva and S. Agostino

Week Eight
Tuesday Oct 21           Renaissance I: Restoring Rome in the 15^th and 16^th Centuries
Meeting Place            In front of Castel S. Angelo at the beginning of the bridge
Itinerary                      via dei Banchi Vecchi, via del Governo Vecchio, Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Farnese, Ponte Sisto, Villa Farnesina

Reading James Ackerman, The Architecture of Michelangelo, Ch. 7 (pp. 171-192). On permanent reserves in the library,
Assignments NA1123.B9A63

David Coffin, Pt. 2 on the Villa Farnesina, in The Villa in the Life of Renaissance Rome. On Frohring Reserve NA7755.C6

Week Nine
Tuesday Oct 28            Renaissance II: Urban Planning and Urban Surveillance
Meeting Place            Piazza Trilussa, near the fountain
Itinerary                       Hospice of S. Sisto, Jewish Ghetto, Campidoglio, Church of il Gesù

Reading James Ackerman, The Architecture of Michelangelo, Ch. 6 (pp. 139- 174). On permanent reserves in the library,
Assignment NA1123.B9A63

Week Ten
Tuesday Nov 4      Renaissance III/Baroque I: St. Peter's and the Borgo
Meeting Place      Piazza S. Pietro, near obelisk
Itinerary                      St. Peter's Basilica and Borgo neighborhood

Week Eleven
Tuesday Nov 11            Baroque II: Competition and Notoriety Among Architects and Their Patrons
Meeting Place               Exit of Metro A Barberini stop
Itinerary                       Palazzo Barberini, S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, S. Andrea al Quirinale, Quirinal Palace

Reading    Vernon Hyde Minor, Baroque & Rococo, pp. 75-93 (“The Baroque Church”). On reserve for class, N6410 .M56. Assignments
                                       Patricia Waddy, Seventeenth-Century Roman Palaces: Use and Art of the Plan, pp. 3-13. On reserve for class,
                                      DG797.9.W33.

Week 12
Tuesday Nov 18            Baroque III: The Urban Theater
Meeting Place               Piazza Navona
Itinerary                        Piazza Navona, Church of S. Ivo, Church of S. Ignazio, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps

Reading John Pinto, “Architecture and Urbanism,” in Art in Rome in the Eighteenth Century, eds. Edgar Peters Bowron and Joseph
Assignment J. Rishel, pp. 113-121. Photocopy of the chapter will be distributed in class

Week 13
Tuesday Nov 25           Modern Rome I: Reshaping the city from the Napoleonic era to Italian Unification, 18^th – 20^th centuries
Meeting Place              Piazza del Popolo, at obelisk
Itinerary                      Piazza del Popolo, Palazzo di Montecitorio, Galleria Sciarra, Monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II

Reading Terry Kirk, The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 1, pp. 222-259. On reserve for AH293 in library, NA1114 .K574 Vol 1. Assignment

Week 14
Tuesday Dec 2            Modern Rome II: The Form of a New Empire under Fascism and Lessons for Architecture in Contemporary Rome
Meeting Place             Piazza L. De Bosis/Ponte Duca D’Aosta
Itinerary                     Foro Italico (once Foro Mussolini), Villaggio Olimpico and Palazzetto dello Sport, Auditorium della Musica, MAXXI

Reading                       Terry Kirk, The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 2, pp. 120-132. On reserve, NA1114 .K574 Vol 2.
Assignment

*Term paper due in class

Time and Location of Final Examination to be announced