ANME 100 - The Topography and Archaeology of the Ancient Roman City

The city of Rome was the capital and largest city of the ancient Mediterranean’s longest-lasting and most geographically expansive empire. During this study tour, we will visit the major monuments and museums of the city, considering Rome’s development from a small village (ca. 1000 BCE) to the Augustan age (first century BCE-first century CE) to the capital of a world empire (second-third centuries CE). Through site visits and lectures, students will examine the development of Rome’s urban and monumental landscape, including religious, mortuary, and public architecture; learn how to interpret archaeological/architectural evidence and confront its difficulties; and consider the (ab)uses of the Roman past in the present, especially during the Fascist era, and how that has shaped the modern city. We will also visit the exceptionally well-preserved city of Ostia to examine aspects of urbanism and domestic life. Prior to the study tour during spring semester, students will be required to attend several mandatory class meetings (with readings), conduct research on a chosen site/monument, and prepare an oral presentation to be given on site in Italy.

Unit(s): 0.25
Prerequisite(s): Students must apply to participate; approval is required from the instructor and from the International Programs Office.
Instructional Method: Lecture-conference
Grading Mode: Credit/no credit only (CR/NC)
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for credit
Notes: Students must register for both the fall and spring sections of the course.