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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 190-3"
COURSE NAME: "Cities, Towns & Villas: Rome, Ostia, Pompeii (Rome City Series)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Elisabeth Fuhrmann-Schembri
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: M 9:15 AM 12:00 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: On-site; mandatory trip; activity fee: €40 or $52
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment (cell +39 329 326 7915)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

STUDENTS SHOULD NOT REGISTER FOR BOTH AH190 and AH290

Rome, Ostia and Pompeii are three of the best- preserved archaeological sites in the world. Through their study, we are able to comprehend the physical and social nature of Roman cities and how they transformed over the course of centuries. We explore the subjects of urban development, public and private buildings, economic and social history, and art incorporated into urban features (houses, triumphal monuments, etc.). In Rome, we focus primarily upon public buildings commissioned by Senators and Emperors: temples, law courts, theaters, triumphal monuments, baths. In Ostia, the port-city of Rome, we are able to experience many aspects of daily life: commerce, housing, religion, entertainment. Pompeii represents a well-to-do Republican and early Imperial period city that was influenced by the Greeks and Romans and preserves some of the most magnificent frescoes in the world.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course examines Roman visual culture in Italy from c. 800 B.C. to c. 400 AD by focusing on the most important surviving sites in Rome and its environs and in the areas hit by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. A focus throughout the course is the development of Roman cities and towns, their plans and topography, their public monuments and their political, economic, social, and religious institutions. We will also study private architecture: from the aristocratic city-house to the country villa to middle class homes. In addition to formal descriptions of the structures, there is a strong emphasis on the role of the monument in ancient society. The course will be conducted entirely on site. There are mandatory field trips to Pompeii and Ostia (each equivalent to 2 class meetings).
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are introduced to different methods of art historical analysis. The first-hand experience of monuments and the examination of their historical and social context allow students to study and think critically. The nature of the exams, the visual analysis and 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
Ancient Roman cityStambaugh, Johnxxxx     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A book listwill be distributedinclass  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A book listwill be distributedinclass  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
midterm and final examidentification of visual material, short answer and essay questions 22 and 28 points
visual analysis careful description and interpretation of artwork10 points
term paper reconstruction of an area of Rome from point of view of Ancient Roman character; 8 pages 25 points
minutes of two class meetings (see due dates on syllabus)accurate minutes of class course and contenteach 5 points
participation grades quality of active class presence 5 points
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALLEXAMS AND ASSIGNMENTS PROVIDED IN CLASS  

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A Work 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 co
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. . . . Grading Standards: A 95-100 % C+ 77-79 % A- 90-94 % C 74-76 % B+ 87-89 % C- 70-73 % B 84-86 % D 60-69 % B- 80 83 % F below

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
This course relies on student participation in class and on-site lectures and discussions. Therefore, promptness and
attendance are mandatory, and students are highly recommended to complete the readings before each lesson - in
order to be prepared to answer and to ask thoughtful questions - as well as to review material covered in class on a
regular basis. Students are responsible on the midterm and final exams for all material including images covered in the
readings and handouts. Unexcused or excessive absences will result in the lowering of the final class grade.
Please refer to JCU's Catalog for a statement regarding absence and grading policies!

Attention: for technical and especially legal reasons NO VISITORS (family, friends, etc.) are allowed to follow 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

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
MANDATORY FIELDTRIP TO POMPEII: Friday Feb 20 !!!PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIELD TRIP TO POMPEII HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY FEB 20 11 WE WILL DEPART FROM PIAZZA TRILUSSA PROMPTLY AT 7:00 a.m. AND EXPECT TO RETURN TO ROME BY 7:30 p.m. WE WILL TRAVEL WITH THE OTHER SECTIONS OF AH 190. REGARDING ALL SESSIONS: recommended reading to single areas and monuments: Claridge, A., Oxford Archaeological guide to Rome (1998); Coarelli, F., Rome and Environs. An archaeological Guide (2007); 
MANDATORY FIELDTRIP TO OSTIA: Saturday Feb 21 !!!PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIELDTRIP TO OSTIA HAS BEENSCHEDULED ON THE SATURDAY AFTER THE POMPEII TRIP FEB 21 !! We will meet at 9 am in front of Metro B stop Piramide at Piazzale Ostiense and take together the Ostia Lido train (25min) and will be back in the city by 4 pm. recommended reading for chronological and historical context: Ramage & Ramage, Roman Art (2006) and Scarre, C., The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome (1995) !!  
week 1) Jan 19 INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE. TIBER and TIBER ISLAND: Introduction to the course (requirements, logistics, chronological/ conceptual overview, etc.); on-site: Rome’s topography and mythological background; Tiber, Tiber Island. Stambaugh introductionCoarelli introductionMeeting place: GK12 (check info board!) and then we go on-site
week 2) Jan 26: NO backpacks !!ROME'S FOUNDATION: Kings to early Republic: Capitoline Hill and Temple of Jupiter, Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill and Romulus's hut. Stambaugh ch. 1 & 13 Coarelli 29-34 (Capitoline, Temple of Jupiter); Claridge 264 (Circus Maximus), 123-128 (Palatine, Iron Age Huts) MP: Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) on top of large staircase
week 3) Feb 2: NO backpacks !!THE ROMAN FORUM: from marshy valley to the political, religious and commercial centre of the Republican city and of early Imperial propaganda Stambaugh ch. 2, 3, 6 & 7Claridge 60-74 (Roman Forum, Curia, Comitium, Basilica Aemilia), 80-82 (Temple of Saturn, Rostra), 85-91 (pavement, Basilica Iulia, Temple of Castor), 97-106 (Temple of Divus Iulius, Arch of Augustus, Temple of Vesta, Atrium Vestae, Regia)MP: entrance to Roman Forum, Via dei Fori Imperiali (half way between Pizza Venezia and Colosseum)
week 4) Feb 9FROM ROMAN REPUBLIC TO EMPIRE: Campus Martius from Republic to Augustus: Area Sacra of Largo Argentina, Theatres of Pompey, Balbus and Marcellus, Porticus of Octavia, Temple of Apollo, F. Holitorium and F. Boarium temples Stambaugh ch. 3, 11 & 13 Claridge 176-80 (Campus Martius), 214-226, 241-255 (Theatre of Pompey to Round Temple)MP: Largo Argentina in front of Feltrinelli bookstore
week 5) Feb 16AUGUSTUS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIELD OF MARS: Campus Martius from Augustus to Domitian: Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis, Horologium, Pantheon (Agrippa), Baths and Stagnum of Agrippa, Baths of Nero; Iseum, Stadium of Domitian Stambaugh ch. 4 DUE: Class Notes 1 !! . . . . . . Claridge 176-192, 201-213 (Augustan and Flavian monuments of Campus Martius) MP: Piazza del Popolo, near obelisk
week 5) Friday Feb 20: MANDATORY FIELDTRIP TO POMPEII POMPEII: a flourishing city in the province. History, design, function etc. of the city from the early days to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.Stambaugh ch. 11, 12 & 17Zanker, P.,Pompeii. Public and Private Life (1998) MP: Piazza Trilussa, 6.50 (departure bus: 7.00)!! (has the value of two morning classes)
week 5) Saturday Feb 21: MANDATORY FIELDTRIP TO OSTIAOSTIA, THE SEAPORT OF ROME: Ostia Antica and its topography, history, economy and infrastructures, its house architecture and religious buildings. Stambaugh ch. 8, 9, 10, 13 & 18 (Ostia) and go to www.ostia-antica.org Coarelli 450-476 (Ostia)MP: We will meet at 9 am in front of Metro B stop Piramide at Piazzale Ostiense and take together the Ostia Lido train !! (has the value of two morning classes)
week 6) Feb 23NO CLASS (used for Pompeii trip)   
week 7) Mar 2MIDTERM EXAM  MP: JCU 9:15, class room TBA
week 8) Mar 9: NO backpacks !!THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CITY UNDER THE FLAVIAN EMPERORS: Palatine: Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, Domitian; Arch of Titus; Nero's Golden House; Colosseum Stambaugh ch. 7 & 14 DUE: Class Notes 2 !! . . . . . VISUAL ANALYSIS to be started (material distributed at beginning of class) MP: at Arch of Constantine (near Colosseum)
week 9) Mar 16NO CLASS (used for Ostia trip)   
week 10) Mar 23TRAJAN AND THE IMPERIAL FORA & THE HIGH EMPIRE: Imperial Fora and Trajan's markets; Campus Martius from Hadrian to Commodus.Stambaugh ch. 5, 6 & 20 DUE: Visual analysis !! . . . . . Claridge 147ff (Imperial Fora and Trajan's Column and Markets), 193-206 (Pantheon, Hadrianeum, Column of Marcus Aurelius) MP: at Column of Trajan, near Piazza Venezia
week 11) Mar 30NO CLASS (used for Ostia trip) !! get your PAPER ready !! 
week 12) April 6SPRING BREAK   
week 13) April 13: NO backpacks !!The city in transition from PAGAN to CHRISTIAN. The multiple layers of San Clemente. Stambaugh ch.5 (The Later Empire) DUE: PAPER !! . . . . . . . . Claridge 70-76 (Curia, Arch of Septimius Severus), 83 -84 (Decennalia Base, Column of Phocas), 107-115 (Temples of Faustina, Romulus, Venus and Roma, Basilica Nova), 272 (Arch of Constantine), 284 (San Clemente) MP: entrance to Roman Forum, Via dei Fori Imperiali (half way between Pizza Venezia and Colosseum)
week 14) April 20The BATHS OF CARACALLA and the Importance of Social Bathing. REVIEW of our semester! Stambaugh ch. 12 & 15 REVIEW and prepare the course material according to study guide for discussion !! Claridge 319ff (Via Appia and Baths of Caracalla)MP: ticket office of Baths of Caracalla (Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52)
week 15) April 27NO CLASS (used for Pompei trip - BUT ...... if necessary used for make-up!)  
week 16) FINAL EXAM    MP: on campus TBA