Key Pages
Joukowsky Institute Classroom |Changes [May 10, 2008]
PowerpointsRoman Archaeology and Art
Anyone who has ever watched ‘Gladiator’, ‘Ben-Hur’, ‘Spartacus’, ‘Life of Brian’ or ‘Bugs Bunny: Roman Legion Hare’ has some image of Rome, the Romans and their empire. This course, while exploring and assessing these influential popular preconceptions, introduces a more balanced view of the archaeology and art of ancient Rome.
On a map of the modern world, the Roman empire would extend from Great Britain to Syria, from Germany to Egypt. The diversity of its inhabitants was equally stunning, ranging from god-like emperors to beggars and slaves. Out of the innumerable things to study in this imperial world, we will spend time in the city of Rome itself, stare at portraits of the ruling emperors, walk the streets of doomed Pompeii, explore army life on the Roman frontiers, scream for blood in the Coliseum, and take baths with just about anybody.
We will also ask a range of other questions. What makes an empire? How was this particular vast and diverse empire governed? Who or what did its inhabitants worship? How did they feel about their emperor? How were they entertained? Why did the Roman empire ‘decline and fall’ (or did it?)? Are there contemporary lessons to be learned from the Roman experience?
There are no prerequisites for the course; requirements consist of a mid-term examination, a final examination, and five short writing assignments/projects.
Professor: Sue Alcock, Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World 70 Waterman Street; 863-3710; Susan_Alcock@brown.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Teaching Assistant: Brad Sekedat, Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology 70 Waterman Street; Bradley_Sekedat@brown.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 1-2pm, Friday 1-2pm; Rm. 302 at the Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World
MWF 11:00–11:50; Wilson Hall 309
Printable Version of the Syllabus:
ARCH0520_x007E_Syllabus.doc
PAPER PRIZE FORMS
SubmissionForm_paperPrizes2008.doc
Exam Review Sessions: THURSDAY 1-2:30; FRIDAY 1-2:30 IN THE COMMON ROOM AT THE INSTITUTE FOR ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE ANCIENT WORLD, 70 WATERMAN STREET.
Final Exam Format:
Final_Info.doc
Final Exam Image Pool:
Final_Image_Pool_premidterm.pdf