clst 307 / fnar 337 / rost 307 art of the roman world
Summer 2009
MW 9:00 am -12:20 pm B.M. Lavelle
Course Syllabus
This course is an introduction to the art of the Roman world from c. 3000 B.C.E. to c. the fourth century CE. We will explore the rich treasure that is available especially on-site in Rome and in Roman museums. During this exploration, students will learn for themselves how to interpret Roman art. They will see in it the desire of artists to portray history, myth, beauty and the truths of the human condition. We will come to understand better the world of the Romans through their art. This couse is core-credited.
There will be several on-site visits to museums and architectural sites in Rome.
Learning Objectives: Artistic Knowledge:
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Students will be able to describe and analyze objects of Roman art.
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They will learn about the contexts of Roman art and be able to contextualize them.
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They will be able to formulate their own fresh interpretations and viewpoints about Roman art.
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They will thus be better able to recognize and participate in the artistic-cultural life of their communities.
Learning Objectives: Skills: Critical Thinking:
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Placing examples of Roman art in their historical and cultural contexts, students will come to grasp that these were statements that represented current beliefs, judgments, experiences, encouragements, and a host of other things.
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Students will become more sophisticated in the ways they compare and contrast Roman and other art.
TEXTS:
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N. Ramage and A. Ramage, Roman Art: Romulus to Constantine 5 (Prentice‑Hall: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2008).
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S. Baker, Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire (BBC Books: London, 2007).
EVALUATION CATEGORIES/WEIGHTING: GRADING:
Participation/Attendance 20% 90-100 A
Brief On-Site Reflections (5) 15% 80-89 B
Final Reflection 10% 70-79 C
Quizzes (2) 20% 60-69 D
Final 35% -59 (let’s not go there)