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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "SOSC/ITS 226-2"
COURSE NAME: "Rome: Modern City (On-site)"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Summer Session I 2016
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Francesca Conti
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 9:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This on-site course, which will be conducted in English, aims to introduce students to a sociological analysis of contemporary Rome. It focuses on the changes which are occurring in the city’s populations, its neighborhoods and patterns of daily life and commerce, and challenges conventional images of what it is to be a Roman today. On-site classes will be held in a variety of neighborhoods in the city in order to analyze the area’s role as a social entity and its relationship with the wider urban context. We will examine the issues and problems facing Rome today, such as housing, degradation and renewal, environmental questions, transportation, multiculturalism, wealth and poverty, social conflict and political identities. These issues will be contextualized within theories of urban sociology and also within an explanation of Rome’s urban development over the centuries and, in particular, since it became the national capital in 1870. Through readings, film clips, interviews and guest speakers, students will also analyze the way the city is narrated by some of its residents.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
On-site classes will be held in a variety of neighborhoods in the city in order to examine the issues and problems facing Rome today, such as transportation, multiculturalism, poverty and inequalities, social conflicts to do with housing, degradation and renewal, environmental issues and politics. This course examines the diversity and challenges of life in different neighborhoods affected by gentrification, high cost of living and housing, immigration, political negligence and multiculturalism. These issues will be contextualized within the history of Rome since Italy's unification in 1861 and theories of urban sociology and anthropology. Through direct observation and participation, readings, documentaries and guest speakers, students will experience and observe the city from different perspectives and will familiarize with different aspects of its social life.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1) Analyze and discuss different aspects of urbanization and urban life in Rome
2) Demonstrate knowledge of the city’s development from different perspectives (social, cultural, religious and urban)
3) Describe individual neighbourhoods and identify the roots of their differences and similarities
4) Identify the main sociological features of each neighborhood in terms of composition, stratification, history and culture
5) Identify past and present urban issues, indicate possible solutions and area of intervention
6) Identify the main periods of social change in post-war Italy and analyze today’s Rome within those contexts
7) Demonstrate familiarity with major theories of urban sociology and familiarity with fieldwork and participant observation as a methodological tool to gather and analyze data about the social world.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Global Rome: changing faces of the eternal city | I. Clough Marinaro and B. Thomassen | Indiana University Press | 0253012953 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Final Research Paper | research paper based on one of the problems/issues discussed in the course | 25 |
| dossier and oral presentation | each student will brief the class on one of the on-site visit, preparing a written dossier outlining the main characteristics of the place, issue and/or neighborhood and presenting orally the main points | 20 |
| class participation | | 15 |
| final exam | a mix of short answer and essay based ones: students critically engage with the materials and debates presented in class lectures, discussions and readings | 25 |
| quiz | based on multiple choice questions | 15 |
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-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 cours
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 is mandatory and, alongside active participation in class.
This makes up 15% of the final grade. One unexcused absence will be tolerated, after which your grade will be lowered in proportion to each class missed. Making up for a second absence is possible through written work - an extra paper of 1000 words on the topic missed.
No more than 3 absences will be allowed in order to pass the course.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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Session
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Topics
and readings
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Meeting
Place/Exam Dates
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Week 1
Tues24 May
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Introduction to the course
Key debates: modernity and globalization in Rome; Unification and nationalism:
Rome as a modern capital city?
Readings from the textbook: Global Rome, Introduction
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In class for introduction from 9-10.30
at 10.30 walk to the Gianicolo Hill
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Thurs
26 May
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Social class and the city - part 1
visit of Garbatella
chapter. 3
key debates: working class and urban poor in early 20th century
The garden cities
socialism and capitalism
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Meet in class for
introduction from 9-9.30
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Week 2
Tues
31 May
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Social class and the city - part 2
the elites and upper middle class
visit to Parioli and Coppedè
Key debates: the role of artists in society
creativity vs functionalism
social distance and integration
Readings on my JCU
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Meet in class for
introduction from 9-9.30
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Thurs
2 June
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National Holiday - no class
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Week 3
Tues
7 June
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Monti: Gentrification
readings, chapt.2: The Liberal, the Neoliberal and the Illiberal: Dynamics of Diversity and Politics of Identity in Contemporary Rome MICHAEL HERZFELD
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Meet in class for introduction
9-9.30
visit to Monti from
10-12.45
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Thur
9 June
Friday
10 June
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Visit to EUR
readings on myjcu
topic for presentation:
Fascist Italy, Benito Mussolini and the Expo
Quiz and Debates on the
neighborhoods visited
‘Monti Moments’ documentary or Nanni Moretti "caro diario" episode 1
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In class
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Week 4
Tues
14 June
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multiculturalism: Piazza Vittorio
(Esquilino)
readings: chapt. 6 Foreign Pupils, Bad Citizens. The Public Construction of Difference in a Roman School
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meet in class for introduction
9-9.30
visit to Piazza Vittorio from 10am
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Thur
16 June
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Refugees welcome?
Visit to via casilina - tor pignattara and
to Casa Scalabrini (refugees
home)
reading: chapt. 5 Torpignattara/Banglatown: Processes of Re-urbanization and Rhetorics of Locality in an Outer Suburb of Rome
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In class for introduction from
9-9.30
visit to Casa Scalabrini from 10.30
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Week 5
Tues
21 June
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Ostia and the peripheries
chapter 14 from the textbook: Marginal Centers: Learning from Rome’s Periphery FERRUCCIO TRABALZI
Deadline for submitting your papers!
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Meet at Piramide metro
station at 9am
(line B)
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Thur
23 June
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recap and presentations
chapt. 12 Rome’s Contemporary Past VALERIE HIGGINS
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In class
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24 June
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FINAL EXAM
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