Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 181"
COURSE NAME: "Politics and Power in Roman Architecture - Augustus to Mussolini (Rome City Series)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 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 of Rome’s architectural history examines the relationship between architecture and political representation by studying a selection of the city’s most significant buildings and urban spaces. Readings, on-site lectures and course assignments focus upon problems of power and the role of Rome from the 1^st c. CE until the 20^th century while also introducing the essential concepts for understanding architecture. Our first on-site visits will consider the ways in which Roman emperors used architecture in Rome as the chief means of representing their reign and the influence of classical architecture had on all later construction in the city. We will then examine the dual role of the papacy as head of the Catholic Church and secular ruler of the city from the Middle Ages through the Baroque periods, seeking to represent itself as the rightful inheritor of Imperial Rome through the design and decoration of ecclesiastical and secular structures. In several lectures, we will explore the urban landscape in order 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 political 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 methodological tools used to study architecture and urbanism

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number
Rome: An Oxford Archeological Guide	Amanda Claridge	Oxford University Press	9780199546831
The Ancient Roman City	John Stambaugh	Johns Hopkins University Press	0801835747
Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308	Richard Krautheimer	Princeton University Press	0691049610
The Architecture of Michelangelo	James Ackerman	Penguin	0140211845
High Renaissance Art in St. Peter's and the Vatican: An Interpretive Guide	George Hersey	University of Chicago Press	9780226327815
The Villa in the Life of Renaissance Rome	David Coffin	Princeton University Press	0691002797
Renaissance Rome, 1500-1559	Peter Partner	University of California Press	0520039459
Theater of Acculturation: The Roman Ghetto in the 16th Century	Kenneth Stow	University of Washington Press	0295980222
Baroque & Rococo: Art & Culture	Vernon Hyde Minor	Laurence King	9781856691734
The Rome of Alexander VII, 1655-1667	Richard Krautheimer	Princeton University Press	069104032X
The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 1	Terry Kirk	Princeton Architectural Press	9781568984384
The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 2	Terry Kirk	Princeton Architectural Press	9781568984360
Seventeeth-Century Roman Palaces: Use and Art of the Plan	Patricia Waddy	MIT Press	0262231565

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. CE 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 individual monuments: their appearance, construction, urban context and patronage. •Essay: A choice of two essay topics that treat general themes discussed in the first half ofthe 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 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 institutions of power in Rome to built form. The final paper will be approximately 8 pages in length with attached illustrations and bibliography. Further details about the assignment and a list of monuments will be provided after the midterm exam.	25%
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	Classes on site are complex learning environments involving the first-hand observation of monuments as well as engaged attention to the lecture and discussion. In order to deepen an understanding of the concepts presented in readings and lectures, students will receive couse handouts with exercises aimed at honing skills of observation and improving note-taking. Students should demonstrate their familiarity with readings and understanding of central historical and technical concepts through class discussion. Because we are observing and discussing monuments on site, attendance is essential. It is nearly impossible to recuperate a lecture by going to the monuments on your own using someone else’s notes as a guide. Students will not receive better than a C on the class participation grade with one or more unexcused absences. Students who miss more than 2 classes without an official excuse will be referred to the Dean’s office. Consistent punctuality will also be a factor in the participation grade.	10%
3 Quizzes - Architectural and Historical Terminology	Students will be asked to define terms, to identify architectural elements on diagrams, and to identify elements on maps and plans. Each quiz is worth 5% of the grade. See the course schedule for quiz dates.	15%

-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 cou
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

Week One

Tuesday Sept 1          Overview of syllabus and course material. Lecture: The Foreign Origins of Rome’s Architecture
Meeting Place             G.K.1.1
Itinerary                     Classroom, followed by walk to Republican-era Temples and Capitoline Hill

Week Two

Tuesday Sept 8          Ancient Rome I: Augustus and the Making of a Capital
Meeting place             Outside of entrance to Foro Romano, via dei Fori Imperiali
Itinerary                       Roman Forum, Forum of Julius Caesar and Forum of Augustus

Reading                       Always complete readings before the class session
Assignments               John E. Stambaugh, The Ancient Roman City, Chs. 4 “The Augustan City” & 13 “The City and the Gods”. 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), Basilica Julia (92-93), Forum of Julius Caesar (163-169) and Forum of Augustus (177-180). On Permanent Reserve
                                     in Frohring library, Guarini Campus, DG62 .C53 2010

Week Three

Tuesday Sept 15 CLASS MOVED TO FRIDAY MORNING

Friday Sept 18           Ancient Rome II: Representing Empire in the Age of Trajan and Hadrian
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

Reading John E. Stambaugh, The Ancient Roman City, Ch. 5 “Rome under the
Assignments Emperors”. On Permanent Reserve in the library, HT114 .S7

Amanda Claridge, Rome (Oxford Archaeological Guide), 2010 ed., entries on: Forum of Trajan (180-196), Temple of the
Deified Hadrian (223-226) and the Pantheon (227-232). On Permanent Reserve in the library, DG62 .C53 2010

Week Four

Tuesday Sept 22 Ancient Rome III/Early Christianity: Negotiating Rule and Religion under Constantine

                                     *Quiz 1*
Meeting Place             In front of the Arch of Constantine near the Colosseum
Itinerary                       Arch of Constantine, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Basilica of S. Giovanni in Laterano and Baptistery

Reading Richard Krautheimer, Rome: Profile of a City, 312-1308, Ch. 1 “Rome and
Assignments Constantine”. On Permanent Reserves in the library, DG811 .K7

                                    Amanda Claridge, Rome (Oxford Archaeological Guide), 2010 ed., entries on: Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
                                    (115-117); the Arch of Constantine (308-311), and the Lateran: Baptistery and Church (373-377). On Permanent Reserve in
                                    the library, DG62 .C53 2010

Week Five

Tuesday Sept 29         Medieval Era I: The Rise in Papal Power and Uses of the Basilica
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, Ch. 2 “The
Assignment                 Christianization of Rome and the Romanization of Christianity” and Ch. 5 “Renewal and Renascence: The Carolingian
                                     Age”. On Permanent Reserves in the library, DG811 .K7

Week Six

Tuesday Oct 6             Medieval Era II: Popes, Antipopes, Barons and Fiefdoms in Late Medieval Trastevere
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 “The New
Assignment                 Rebirth of Rome: The Twelfth Century” (pp. 161-176 only) and Ch. 13 “Houses, Towers and Mansions”. On Permanent
                                     Reserves in the library, DG811 .K7

Week Seven

Tuesday Oct 13           Midterm Examination, 9:15-10:30
                                     10:45-12:00 Site walk: The Removal of the Papacy and Its Triumphant Return, 1308-1417
Meeting Place             Classroom
Itinerary                      Churches of S. Maria sopra Minerva and S. Agostino

Week Eight

Tuesday Oct 20          Renaissance I: Pope Julius II and Reimagining Imperial Rome
Meeting Place             In front of the JCU Guarini Campus entrance
Itinerary                      il Tempietto, Villa Farnesina, via Giulia

Reading George L. Hersey, High Renaissance Art in St. Peter’s and the Vatican: An
Assignment Interpretive Guide, Ch. 1, pp. 1-17 (On Pope Julius II). On Permanent Reserves in the library, N6920.H45.

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

Week Nine

Tuesday Oct 27          Renaissance II: Later Renaissance Patronage and Conflicting Powers
Meeting Place             Piazza Farnese (near Campo de’Fiori)
Itinerary                      Palazzo Farnese, il Ghetto, Campidoglio, Church of il Gesù

Reading James Ackerman, The Architecture of Michelangelo, Ch. 7 “The Farnese
Assignment Palace”. ALSO RECOMMENDED: Ch. 6 “The Capitoline Hill”. On permanent reserves in the library, NA1123.B9A63

Peter Partner, Renaissance Rome, 1500-1559, Ch. 1. On Course Reserves in the library, DG812.P37

Kenneth Stow, Theater of Acculturation: The Roman Ghetto in the 16^th Century, Ch. 1 “The Jew in a Traumatized Society”.
On Course Reserves DS135 .I85

Week Ten

Tuesday Nov 3 Renaissance III/Baroque I: The Construction and Uses of St. Peter’s, 1502-1644

                                    *Quiz 2*
Meeting Place:           Piazza S. Pietro, near obelisk
Itinerary:                    St. Peter’s Basilica

Reading George L. Hersey, High Renaissance Art in St. Peter’s and the Vatican: An
Assignment Interpretive Guide, Ch. 3 “The New St. Peter’s”. On Permanent Reserves in the library, N6920.H45.

Week Eleven

Tuesday Nov 10          Baroque II: Architecture and Self-Promotion in Counter-Reformation Rome
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, Ch. 3 “The Baroque Church: Setting
Assignments for Mystery, Propaganda, & Worship”, pp. 75-87 only. On Course Reserves, N6410 .M56.

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

Week Twelve

Tuesday Nov 17 Baroque III: Foreigners and the Power of Picturesque Rome from Alexander VII to Napoleon

                                    *Quiz 3*
Meeting Place             Piazza del Popolo
Itinerary                      Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain; the Pantheon and Column of Trajan revisited

Reading Vernon Hyde Minor, Baroque & Rococo, Ch. 7 “Landscapes & Views:
Assignments Depictions of the Natural and Manmade World”, pp. 289-294 only. On Course Reserves, N6410 .M56.

Richard Krautheimer, The Rome of Alexander VII, 1655-1667, Ch. 1 “The Man and His Time” and Ch. 8 “Piazza del Popolo:
City Planning and Stage Design”. On Course Reserves, NA9204 .R7K7

Terry Kirk, The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 1, Selections from Ch. 2 “Napoleon in Italy, 1800-1815” pp. 87-91 and
112-22 only. On Course Reserves, NA1114 .K574 Vol 1.

Week Thirteen

Tuesday Nov 24 Modern Rome I: Representing a Unified Italy in Rome’s Architecture, 1870-1921

                                    *Paper due in class*
Meeting Place             Piazza della Repubblica
Itinerary                      Piazza della Repubblica, via Nazionale, Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II

Reading Terry Kirk, The Architecture of Modern Italy, Vol. 1, Selections from Ch. 4
Assignment “Unification and the Nation’s Capitals, 1860-1900”, p. 185 and pp. 222-259. On Course Reserves, NA1114 .K574 Vol 1.

Week Fourteen

Tuesday Dec 1           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, Selection from Ch. 6
Assignment “Architecture During the Fascist Regime”, pp. 120-132. On Course Reserves NA1114 .K574 Vol 2.

FINAL EXAMINATION TIME AND LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED