Course Description
Students will gain an understanding of different approaches to studying the evolution of monumental architecture and sculpted monuments. Students will utilize archaeological and historical data to recognize patterns and interpret trajectories in monumentality across time and space. Students will become familiar with recent examples and relate monumentality to past societies.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to read additional readings and lead discussions.
Athena Title
Monumentality
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The course addresses the development and meanings of monumentality across space and time, and: o combines theory, method, and data to create sound interpretations about the past. o helps students employ a comparative and cross-cultural approach to understand global sociocultural processes. o coaches students to make logical connections between datasets and arguments. o prepares students to work collaboratively and participate in productive discussions. o helps students design and produce papers, lead discussions, and deliver research in oral and written formats.
Topical Outline
o Theorizing Monumentality and Monuments o Defining the Monumental o Monuments in Ancient Societies o Monumentality and Landscapes o Monumentality and Settlements o Monumentality and Communal Places o Monumentality and Social Order o Monumentality and Political Order o Monumentality and Cultural Principles o Deconstructing Monuments o Monumentality in Modern Settings
Syllabus