Selected Roman cities and their architecture; principles upon
which they were planned and designed. Roman reworking of the
theories of Hippodamus, and study of the architectural writings
of Vitruvius. Detailed study of the topography and monuments of
various Roman cities, including Rome, Ostia, Alba Fucens,
Saepinum, cities of Rome's provinces.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Additional research and class presentation, including a major
term-long research project which will result in a paper of at
least 25 pages in length, and an oral presentation of the
research project to the class during the semester.
Athena Title
Ancient Roman Cities
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
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to locate, label, and describe the key archaeological and topographical evidence of ancient architecture and planning of Roman cities.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to diagram and construct a comprehensive picture of ancient Rome and other Roman cities by synthesizing a variety of sources, including but not limited to archeological finds and reports, epigraphy, primary literature, and scholarly publications.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to describe the development of urban centers in Roman Italy and throughout the Mediterranean basin.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to name and recall the importance of the key archeological sites and museum collections for a selection of important cities of the Roman empire.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to formulate and execute evidence-based research and to communicate their findings effectively in oral and/or written form.
Topical Outline
Introduction: the nature of Roman city planning, and sources of information
The techniques and processes of city planning in the Roman world: the theories of Hippodamus and their application in Rome, as shown by Vitruvius
The development of Roman architecture from the sixth to the second centuries BC
Topography and monuments, and the architectural development, of the city of Rome, from the first century BC to the fourth century AD
Topography, monuments, and architecture of Roman cities in Italy, including Ostia, Pompeii and Herculaneum, Alba Fucens, Saepinum, and others
Topography, monuments, and architecture of selected Roman cities in other Roman provinces (e.g., North Africa, Germany, Britain, Asia Minor)
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
