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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 181"
COURSE NAME: "Politics and Power in Roman Architecture - Augustus to Mussolini (Rome City Series)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
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:
Rome City Series - This on-site survey investigates the history of Rome primarily through its monuments—its architecture and urban form. This course will provide the student with a clear grasp of how the city of Rome has changed over the course of two thousand years from a modest Iron Age settlement on the Palatine Hill to a thriving modern metropolis of the twentieth century. The student will become intimately acquainted with the topography, urban makeup and history of the city and its monuments and will acquire the theoretical tools needed to examine, evaluate and critically assess city form, design and architecture.
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 1st c. AD until the 20th 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 TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The Ancient Roman CityJohn StambaughJohns Hopkins University Press0801835747 Please see the course schedule for specific chapter assignements
Rome: An Oxford Archeological GuideAmanda ClaridgeOxford University Press9780199546831 Please see the course schedule for specific assigned readings.
Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308Richard KrautheimerPrinceton University Press0691049610  Please see the course schedule for specific chapter assignments.
The Architecture of MichelangeloJames AckermanPenguin0140211845 Please see the course schedule for specific chapter assignments.
High Renaissance Art in St. Peter's and the Vatican: An Interpretive GuideGeorge HerseyUniversity of Chicago Press0226327825 Please see course schedule for specific chapter assignment.
Seventeenth-Century Roman Palaces: Use and Art of the PlanPatricia WaddyMIT Press0262231565  
The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 1Terry KirkPrinceton Architectural Press1568984200   
Renaissance Rome, 1500-1559Peter PartnerUniversity of California Press0520039459DG812.P37 

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class Participation and AttendanceThis 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, participation is 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 DesignThese 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 three exercises will be assigned a single grade; the individual exercises will be given a plus, check or minus sign. Comments and corrections will be provided before the midterm exam.20%
Term Paper: Monuments in ContextFor this assignment, students will choose a monument from a list of suggestions and will provided an analysis of the monument’s site, architectural design, and historical context. This assignment provides the opportunity to examine a work not seen in class during the site lectures. Students will put to use the analysis of power structures in Rome to built form. The final paper will be 8-10 pages in length. A detailed handout with instructions will be provided after the midterm exam.20%
Midterm ExaminationThe 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 ExaminationThe 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%

-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 course
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:
Please see the statement above regarding Course Attendance and Participation under Assignments.
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

Week One

Tuesday Jan 20           Overview of syllabus and course material. Lecture: The foreign origins of Rome’s architecture
Meeting Place            
Classroom TBA
Itinerary                     
Classroom, followed by walk to Republican-era Temples and Capitoline Hill

Week Two
Tuesday Jan 27           Ancient Rome I:  Augustus Invents a World Capital
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. 4 and Ch. 5 to p. 75. 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 Feb 3
             Ancient Rome II:  Materials and Monumentality in the Imperial Period
Meeting Place            
Via dei Fori Imperiali, near the Column of Trajan
Itinerary
                      Forum of Augustus, Forum of Trajan, Markets of Trajan, and Pantheon

Reading                       John E. Stambaugh, The Ancient Roman City, Ch. 5 (pp. 75-85) and Ch. 11. On Permanent Reserve in the library,
Assignments                HT114 .S7
 

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

Week Four
Tuesday Feb 10
           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 2

Reading                       Richard Krautheimer, Rome:  Profile of a City, 312-1308, Ch. 1 (pp. 3-31, but
Assignments
               particularly from p.17); start Ch. 2.  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 Feb 17           Medieval Era I:  The Making of Papal Rome
Meeting Place            
In front of Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore
Itinerary
                      Basilicas of S. Maria Maggiore, S. Prassede, and S. Clemente; In-class exercise 3

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

Week Six
Tuesday Feb 24           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, S. Maria in Cosmedin

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

Week Seven
Tuesday Mar 3            Midterm Examination, 9:15-10:30, followed by site walk
Meeting Place            
Classroom G.K.G. 1
Itinerary
                      Churches of S. Maria sopra Minerva and S. Agostino, Palazzo Capranica

Week Eight
Tuesday Mar 10          Renaissance I:  Restoring Rome in the 15th and 16th Centuries
Meeting Place            
In front of Castel S. Angelo at the beginning of the bridge
Itinerary
                      via dei Banchi Vecchi and via del Governo Vecchio, Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Farnese, Ponte Sisto, Villa
                                     Farnesina
 

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

                                    Peter Partner, Renaissance Rome, 1500-1559, Introduction (pp. 3-23) and Ch. 5 "The Noble Life". On course reserves,
                                    DG812.P37

Week Nine
Tuesday Mar 17
          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-
Assignment
                 174).  On permanent reserves in the library, NA1123.B9A63

Week Ten
Tuesday Mar 24
          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 

Reading                       George L. Hersey, High Renaissance Art in St. Peter’s and the Vatican:  An
Assignment
                 Interpretive Guide, pp. 65-96.  On Permanent Reserves in the library, N6920.H45.

Week Eleven
Tuesday Mar 31
          Baroque II:  Competition and Notoriety Among Architects and Their Patrons
Meeting Place            
Piazza Barberini, near fountain
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
Assignments
               Church”).  On reserve for class, N6410 .M56.

                                    Patricia Waddy, Seventeenth-Century Roman Palaces:  Use and Art of the Plan, pp. 3-13. 
                                    On course reserves, DG797.9.W33.

SPRING BREAK APRIL 5 – 10 

Week Twelve

Tuesday Apr 14
           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
Assignment
                 Century, eds. Edgar Peters Bowron and Joseph J. Rishel, pp. 113-121. Photocopy of the chapter will be distributed in class.

Week Thirteen
Tuesday Apr 21           Modern Rome I: Reshaping the city from the Napoleonic era to Italian Unification, 18th – 20th 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 Fourteen
Tuesday Apr 28           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 for AH293 in the library,
Assignment                  NA1114 .K574 Vol 2

*Final paper due in class