Course Description
An examination of the cultural legacy of classical antiquity on
the development of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical,
and Modern art and architecture studied against the backdrop of
the rise of Christianity, Humanism, the Counter-Reformation,
the Enlightenment, Nationalism, and Fascism.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to write and present a
detailed research paper on a chosen topic or theme that will
demonstrate advanced research skills and engagement with primary
and secondary source material.
Athena Title
Legacy of Classical Antiquity
Prerequisite
CLAS 1000 or CLAS 1000E or CLAS 1000H or CLAS 1010 or CLAS 1010E or CLAS 1010H or CLAS 1020 or CLAS 1020E or CLAS 1020H or CLAS 3000 or CLAS 3010 or CLAS(ANTH) 3015 or CLAS(ANTH) 3015E or CLAS 3030 or CLAS 3040 or CLAS3050 or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to review and describe the transformations and reuse of classical monuments and ruins by the Christians of late Antiquity and Middle Ages, Renaissance artists, and Counter-Reformation and Fascist politicians and thinkers.
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to explain the historical progression of the changing attitudes towards the art, architecture, and monuments of classical antiquity.
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to compose and orally interpret examples of classical reception contextualized within contemporary religious, social, and/or political attitudes.
- Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to design and compose original research on the legacy of the ancient world in essay format.
Topical Outline
- 1. Introduction and Historical Overview
- 2. Destruction and Transformation of Monuments in Ancient Athens, Rome, and the Mediterranean World
- 3. Christian Transformation of the Pagan City
- 4. Spoliation of Ancient Monuments and Creation of Christian Basilicas
- 5. Renaissance Rediscovery of Classical Antiquity and Rise of Humanism
- 6. Ancient Monuments and Ancient Sculpture Collections in Baroque Rome
- 7. Grand Tour Visits to Rome, the Buried Cities, Greece, and Egypt
- 8. The Enlightenment and Development of Archaeology and Art History
- 9. Neoclassicism: Imitation and Revisions of Classical Antiquity
- 10. Nationalism and the Exploitation of Classical Antiquity
- 11. Fascist Exploitation of Ancient Art and Monuments
- 12. Post Modernism vs. Ancient Identities
- 13. Contemporary Debates: Elgin Marbles and Repatriation of Art and Ancient Monuments
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
