The course focuses on a close reading of the period 44 BC-AD 14, corresponding to the political career of Octavian/Augustus. The course will adopt a broadly chronological format within which overarching concerns are explored and thematic aspects are investigated. Central is the examination of the dynamic cultural landscape of this period – and the evolution of a new political format.

The main part of the course is an investigation of the development of the visual language of the Augustan period. Though in retrospect an Augustan-period style may be identified, the political and social climate of the period was one of evolution, experimentation and exchange. This will be framed by an examination of the character of late Republican art in Rome for a contextual appreciation of the complex visual world shaping the Augustan imagery, as well as by studies of the impact on cities in Italy and the provinces.

A fundamental aspect of the course is the exploration of the relationship between art and political reality, and the progressive and fluctuating character of this over time. The new political system in Rome created the context for new visual approaches, but the development was a dynamic engagement across social groups and over time.

The course will foster a firm understanding of developments and traditions in the history of the late Republic and early Principate. It seeks to develop an awareness of cultural characteristics and an ability to analyze trends and changes in context

Proficiencies
The course will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of key monuments and artworks of the period, and of their multifaceted connotations.
The aim is to develop a contextualized appreciation of the visual and artistic culture of a multifaceted, cosmopolitan world.

The course will introduce students to discourses of cultural diversity and acculturation, as well as to response and reception.
The aim is for a nuanced appreciation of the construction of identity in a multicultural world.

The course will familiarize students with the rhetoric of spaces and styles, and the inherent narrativity of objects, and furnish them with the methodologies to interpret these.
The aim is for an awareness of spaces as dynamic stages of social interaction and an understanding of the impact of patronage and viewing.

The course will present students with works of diverse patronage and consider the transmission of inspiration and influence (rather than propaganda).
The aim is to further understanding of the impact of patronage and of social participation in the shaping of a new Augustan image.

Skills
Communicative skills – writing and oral competence
Term paper: Organization of material, focus on topic, and nuance in discussion
Exams: Contextual and nuanced discussion, focused presentation of data
Class presentations: Public speaking (presentation and development of argument) and didactic methods (engaging audience, posing questions)
Participation: Analytical responses; participating in debates; posing questions

Cognitive skills – critical thinking and interpretation
Class presentation: Evaluation and analysis of evidence; reflection on significance
Participation: Reasoned consideration of evidence and methods; willingness to adapt/revise ways of thinking; openness to alternative perspectives
Term paper and exams: Subtlety, nuance and engagement in approach to the topic
Lectures and class presentations: Visual analysis; contextualization; interpretative thesis

Collaborative and shared inquiry skills
Lectures and participation: Investigative response-skills; collaborative contributions; debate
Class presentations: Test, explore and communicate complex ideas

Investigative skills and evaluation of data
Term paper and class presentations: Using and evaluating diverse secondary texts; interpreting the arguments presented
Lectures and participation: Evaluation of context and impact of objects and spaces

You will be expected to participate in all scheduled classes; absences will be noted. Please refer to the university catalogue for the attendance and absence policy.
All classes start promptly; late arrival will be noted.
You are expected to have dealt with food, drink and bathroom needs before class.
Make-up work is not offered, except in exceptional circumstances and after consultation with the Dean of Academic Affairs.
No recording (of any type) of the class is permitted.

Changes to / cancellation of class
Changes, additional course information, etc will be posted on MyJCU. Please check this regularly and, certainly, in advance of each class.
In case of unavoidable cancellations of class, notification will be posted at the front desk at both Tiber and Guarini campuses. A suitable date and time for a make-up class will subsequently be established.