HS4368: Art and Power in Rome, 211BC- AD138

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS4368
External Subject Code V110
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Ruth Westgate
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

Art and architecture were key weapons in the power struggles of the later Roman Republic and in the establishment of the Principate. This module uses both archaeological and literary evidence to examine how artistic commissions, prestigious public and private buildings, art-collecting and other visual displays of power,such as triumphs and spectacles,played an important role in competition between the leading politicians of the second and first centuries BC, and how the ultimate winner of this rivalry, Augustus, used art and architecture to establish and legitimise his sole power and the succession of his family. The module goes on to consider how Augustus and his successors created a new Imperial image, and stamped their authority on Rome by remodelling the city centre with lavish new public buildings and palaces.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of Roman art, architecture and other visual displays of power, and of literary sources relating to the political uses of art in the period 211 BC to AD 138.
  • relate trends in art and architecture to the social and political context of the period, and in particular to changes and conflicts in the Roman political system.
  • analyse images, buildings and other visual displays of power in order to show how they achieve their effect.
  • demonstrate a knowledge and critical understanding of modern theories and debates relating to the political role of art and architecture in Rome, and an ability to evaluate the evidence with reference to these debates.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between textual and material evidence.
  • discuss these issues in written work with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

How the module will be delivered

10 lectures and 2 seminars; independent study

The lectures provide an introduction to a particular topic, establishing the key points of major course themes, identifying important issues, and providing guidance for more in-depth reading. They aim to provide a basic framework for understanding, and should be thought of as a useful starting-point for further discussion and independent study. Slides and, where appropriate, handouts are used to illustrate the material discussed.

The seminars provide an opportunity for students to analyse and discuss key issues and topics in the module, and to get feedback on their ideas from the tutor and their peers. Handouts with material for study and suggestions for preparatory reading will be circulated prior to the seminars.

Independent study enables students to familiarise themselves with the primary source material and the most important modern approaches and debates on the subject. A reading list is provided, with guidance on key items of reading for major themes and lecture topics.

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • analysis of a variety of different types of historical evidence, such as literary texts and material evidence
  • observation and visual analysis
  • assimilating and synthesising complex information and ideas
  • critical thinking skills, such as analysing and evaluating evidence, critiquing interpretations or arguments, and challenging assumptions
  • constructing and defending arguments based on evidence
  • clear, accurate and effective communication of ideas and arguments in writing and in debate
  • employing basic skills and conventions in the presentation and use of literary and material evidence
  • bibliographic and referencing skills
  • contributing to group discussions
  • using IT resources effectively
  • independent working and time management

How the module will be assessed

The module will be assessed through an exam consisting of one essay question and one source analysis exercise, weighted 70:30.

The essay question will require knowledge and critical deployment of evidence and critical understanding of modern scholarship to answer questions and construct arguments relating to the political uses of art and architecture and other forms of visual display in Rome.

In the source analysis exercise, specific written or material sources relating to art, architecture and spectacular events will be set, and students will be required to explain how they functioned as a visual display of power in the context of late Republican and early Imperial Rome, thus deploying their knowledge of the period and interpretations of the material.

Type of assessment

 

%Contribution

Title

Duration
(if applicable)

Approx. date of Assessment

EXSP

 

Art and Power in Rome, 211 BC–AD 138

1.5 hours

spring semester

The opportunity for reassessment in this module

Students who fail the module will normally be expected to resit the failed component(s) in the summer resit period.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 100 Art And Power In Rome, 211 Bc - Ad138 1.5

Syllabus content

  • ways of displaying power in Rome: public buildings, shows and spectacles, coins, portraits, funerals and tombs, houses and private art collections
  • the impact of war and conquest on Roman art and architecture
  • the role of art, architecture and public spectacles in the power struggles of the late Republic
  • the use of art and architecture by Augustus to legitimise his power and his dynasty
  • art and architecture under Augustus’ successors, from Tiberius to Hadrian

Essential Reading and Resource List

J. Coulston and H. Dodge, Ancient Rome: The Archaeology of the Eternal City (2000)

D.E.E. Kleiner, Roman Sculpture (1992)

J.J. Pollitt, The Art of Rome, c. 753 BC–AD 337: Sources and Documents (1988)

L. Richardson, A New Topographical Dictionary of Ancient Rome (1992)

A. Wallace-Hadrill, Rome’s Cultural Revolution (2008)

J.B. Ward-Perkins, Roman Imperial Architecture (1981)

P. Zanker, The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus (1988)

Plus a general historical book on the period, such as:

R. Alston, Aspects of Roman History AD 14–117 (1998)

P.A. Brunt, Social Conflicts in the Roman Republic (1971; reprinted 1978, 1986)

M. Crawford, The Roman Republic (second edition, 1993)

H. Swain and M. Everson Davies, Aspects of Roman History 82 BC–AD 14 (2010)

H.H. Scullard, From the Gracchi to Nero (fifth edition, 1982)

C.M. Wells, The Roman Empire (second edition, 1995)

Background Reading and Resource List

See the module handout for the full reading list.


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