CL3AP-Greek & Roman Painting

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Amy Smith
Email: a.c.smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
In this module students will explore the range of styles, techniques, and contexts for painting in the Greek and Roman world, whether it was used to decorate architecture or free-standing objects.

Aims:
To investigate and critique the sources of our knowledge about Greek & Roman painting, its images, uses, techniques, makers & users.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students will be able to:

• recognise and describe the range and variety of Greek and Roman paintings;

• analyse the social and historical context of ancient art works bearing paintings;

• distinguish issues encountered with understanding the original, secondary, or tertiary contexts of paintings, whether they were copied in the same or different media (such as mosaics), and understand how to interpret these media and contexts differentially;

• develop art historical skills through observation and interpretation of Greek and Roman paintings;

• critically evaluate individual approaches to ancient art and to develop their  own perspective, based on a solid understanding of the problems and methods

• understand and use museum catalogues and relevant terminology

Additional outcomes:
This module also encourages the development of oral communication skills and students' effectiveness in group situations, through regular presentations and participation in seminars. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources including bibliographies.

Outline content:
This module treats the range of paintings produced in the Greek and Roman worlds from the Geometric period to the Palaeo-Christian era, ca. 1000 B.C. to ca. A.D. 330. We will examine paintings as means of decoration, religious manifestation, propaganda and bearers of political messages, and otherwise. We will consider the audience for each of these art works--whether they were on public display or belonged in private contexts, such as homes, and recognize the contribution of craftsmen, patrons,as well as consumers and other viewers. How did the ancients regard painting vis-£-vis the other arts, and how important was it in their daily lives? Particular attention will be paid to the development and revival of certain painting styles through distinct historical periods, and the ways in which modern scholars and connoisseurs have contributed to the understanding of stylistic phenomena.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is comprised of two contact hours per week that constitute 18 one-hour meetings and one two-hour meeting (museum visit). Students will be expected to study visual treatments using objects in the Ure Museum and other museums, as available, internet resources, and images in books.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		8
External visits		2
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Report	20
Portfolio	30
Oral assessment and presentation	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
' where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the 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% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission in August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 14 September 2023