03619 - Roman Archaeology and History of Art

Learning outcomes

The course aims to transmit to the student a clear idea of the Roman world and society, taking into consideration their cultural, political and administrative aspects, with particular regard to material culture and architectural and figurative products in Rome and Italy. The aim is also to suggest a research model by means of a practical exemplificative approach to themes such as the processes of urbanization, monumentalization and formation of figurative cultures. The relationship between Greek and Roman culture, through the analysis of the processes of transmission and selection of cultural contents and models, will also be underscored.

Course contents

a) Periodization of Roman culture from Monarchic age to Late Antiquity.

 

b) Rome at the time of Augustus: monumental programs and ideology of the Empire.

Readings/Bibliography

All students taking the exam must study on the following texts: R. BIANCHI BANDINELLI, Roma. L'arte romana nel centro del potere; Roma. La fine dell'arte antica, two volumes, Milano, Rizzoli Editore (B.U.R.).

 

Further, not required, bibliography to the course, directed in particular to students not attending the lessons (and who must fix with the teacher a substitutive program to the lessons): E. La Rocca, L'auriga dell'Esquilino, Roma 1987; P. Zanker, Augusto e il potere delle immagini, Torino 1987; P. Zanker, Un'arte per l'impero. Funzione e intenzione delle immagini nel mondo romano, Milano 2002.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons will be supplemented with debates on the various discussed themes. On-field work – in the archaeological excavations and during the visits to monumental complexes and archaeological Museums – will considerably complete class preparation.

Assessment methods

Final exam will imply an oral test on some of the themes discussed during the lessons and on the methods of present-day archaeology applied to the Roman world. At request of the student, one can also prepare a brief paper which will be supervised by the teacher of the course and appropriately evaluated during the examinations. Learning during study tours and archaeological excavations will also be taken into account for final evaluation.

Teaching tools

Visual, digital and photographic materials will be utilized during the lessons. Photocopies will be given to the students during the course. According to the available financial resources, a study tour in an area influenced by classical cultures (Greece, Italy, Turkey) will be organized. The students of the course will also have the possibility to apply for summer archaeological campaigns under the direction of the teacher in Italy and in the Mediterranean world.

Links to further information

http://www.archeologia.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Sandro De Maria