AR3R9-Archaeology of the City of Rome

Module Provider: Archaeology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Andrew Souter
Email: a.p.souter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module will provide a comprehensive overview of the archaeology, topography and general historical development of the urban environment of ancient Rome. It will involve: detailed analysis of select monuments in terms of their structural history and architectural characteristics; their social, economic and religious function, and their overall context within the urban landscape.

Aims:

By the end of this module students will have a clear grasp of the major developments within the urban landscape of Rome, the evolution of architecture and building materials (tufa, travertine, brick, concrete and marble and other exotic stone) and also the use of art and decorative materials (including statuary and sculptural reliefs, wall painting, flooring styles and other stylistic innovations in specific historical periods).

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Critically evaluate and understand in detail the historical complexities of urban development in Rome.


• Be able to identify and analyse the principal monuments, building types and materials, architectural elements and decorative styles used in the ancient city.


• Show a comprehensive ability in the integration of diverse forms of evidence in the analysis of archaeological, archi tectural and classical sources relating to Rome.


• Relate the evidence and arguments presented in the lectures and seminars to additional information assembled by their own research.


• Articulate their arguments effectively and illustrate them with relevant evidence.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop oral communication and group skills via discussion in class, and IT skills in work with relevant databases, library catalogues and other digital resources. Collation and synthesis of diverse sources of information through advanced development of library skills and interrogation of reliable web sites. Promotion of independent study skills, focussed on specific themes, and presentation of in-depth, critical and cogent written argument through coursework.

Outline content:

Forming the political, cultural and religious heart of the Roman world, Rome has provided an incredible wealth of iconic monuments and buildings whose legacy is still felt today. Through a combination of lectures and seminars, we will follow the chronological development of this fascinating city and its immediate surroundings from the 8th century BC down to and including the 4th century, thereby covering the Archaic, Republic and Imperial period, culminating with Constantine. Detailed discuss ion and analysis of key monuments and buildings will provide students with an informed understanding of the main periods of development within the urban landscape and the levels of architectural sophistication and innovation that were achieved: discussions will also be encouraged to investigate the social and political purpose of these buildings in addition to understanding the variety of cultural influences that contributed to their development.Ìý Complementing the series of lectures, semin ars will focus on particular themes and subjects thereby providing further insights concerning the ancient metropolis.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Contact hours: Teaching will proceed via lectures and seminars, (typically 2 hour weekly lectures, with fortnightly seminars lasting 2 hours per session = average of 3 hours per week). Preparatory reading will be mandatory for every session (lectures and seminars).

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:	170
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	200
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Portfolio	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will write a portfolio of 2000 words (worth 40%) and one essay of 3000 words (worth 60%). Both pieces of coursework will be submitted online via Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:
Seminar presentations and participation in seminar discussions will provide opportunity for immediate feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission of coursework over the summer, on dates set by the Department.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý None

4) Printing and binding:Ìý None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý None

Last updated: 25 June 2021