CL3ROM-City of Rome

Module Provider: Classics
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 history, topography and archaeology of ancient Rome.

Aims:

The module will provide a comprehensive overview of the history, topography and archaeology of ancient Rome. Selected monuments will be analysed in terms of their structural history, their architectural characteristics and respective social, political, economic and religious context and function. 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 Roman architecture and use of decorative materials (including statuary and sculptural reliefs, wall painting, mosaic and marble flooring, 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 and library catalogues

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 weekly lectures and seminars, we will follow the chronological development of this fascinating city and her 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 and aspect s of the Christian city. Detailed discussion 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.  Co mplementing the series of lectures, seminars will focus on particular themes including tombs and burials, entertainment and public spectacle, water supply and baths, trade and commerce, thereby providing unique insights into daily life in the Eternal City.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching will proceed via lectures and seminars, with three contact hours a week. Preparatory reading will be mandatory for every session.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	10
Guided independent study:	170
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Portfolio	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One site portfolio of 2000-2500 words due in week seven of term



One essay of 2500-3000 words, due in the second week of the term following the teaching term

Formative assessment methods:

Regular seminars will provide an opportunity for students to test out and receive feedback upon their ideas and interpretations.

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: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
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:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 13 September 2021