SYLLABUS
GLS 100 ROME: THE ETERNAL CITY
SPRING 2005
Dr. Joseph Alessia, e-mail:
Course Description
This course explores the architecture, history, and civilization of the city of Rome from pre-history to the present. We will focus on selected topics using pictorial and written evidence from all periods.
GLS 100 is a 3 credit, Q-3 (third quarter) course. Classes at Oswego will be held for 7 weeks, twice a week (M & W 4:10-5:00), for 50 minutes each (11.6 hours). Check that the class dates and times fit your schedule before enrolling. The remainder of the class (33.4 hours) will consist of an intensive one-week visit to Rome, Italy (March 12-19). Classes overseas will be held at venues as detailed in the itinerary.
Course Objectives
· Promote an understanding of other cultures.
· Gain an understanding of how Rome’s past shaped and has been used to shape the present in different eras.
· Experience first-hand “The Eternal City,” “The World City,” referred to in many Political Science, Literatute, History, Art, and Music & Theater courses.
· Introduce the concept of study abroad and learn about opportunities for semester or year-long programs through the Office of International Education & Programs.
Course Requirements
· Completion of assigned readings and active participation in class discussion. Obviously to accomplish the latter you must attend class. Chronic absence will result in a significant penalty against your final evaluation in the course.
· Group activities (classes) while in Rome are mandatory. Walking tours will take place from 9:00am-2:00pm and failure to participate from beginning to end will be considered as skipping class and will reduce your grade. Students who fall ill while in Rome and are not hospitalized will be required to remain in the official hotel.
Evaluation
Grades will appear on your spring semester grade report (in May) and will be based upon:
· Quizzes (30%) – three (in weeks 2, 4 & 6). Quizzes are based upon readings from the textbook and items placed on reserve in the library. Quizzes will not be repeated for those with unexcused absences.
· Paper (35%) 7-8-page paper, selected from a list provided by the instructor, is due at class March 9. Topics must be arranged in consultation with the instructor.
· Journal (35%)- information gathered and observed while abroad is due (typed and submitted to the instructor) no later than April 4.
About the reading:
· Technically, the city of Rome is the syllabus. Anything you do to further your knowledge of the city will be of great benefit. I strongly urge you to spend the time leafing through books and articles on reserve and scouting out non-traditional sources (films, magazines, popular press, fiction, etc.)
Textbook:
Christopher, Hibbert. Rome: The Biography of a City.
Recommended Readings
q John Stambaugh. Ancient Roman History
q Lewis Momford. The City in History: Its Origins, ItsTransformation, and Its Prospects.
q Claude Moatti. The Search for Ancient Rome.
q J.J. Pollitt. The Art of Rome: Sources and Document.
q William I. MacDonald. Roman Architecture
q Richard Krautheimer. St. Peter’s and Medieval Rome.
Travel Arrangements
The Office of International Education & Programs will handle all travel arrangements from the airport in New York to our return to that airport. Contact Lizette M. Alvarado at 312-2118 () with any questions. You are responsible for getting yourself to the airport in New York on March 12 and arranging return travel from there on March 19.
Passports
You should possess, or begin the process to obtain, a passport at the time of registration. With the trip less than 8 weeks after the start of class, students will be expected to have a valid passport by the first class in January (Please bring a photocopy – NOT THE ACTUAL PASSPORT- of the passport page with your name on it with you to the first class).
Program Fee
The Office of International Education & Programs will assess a “program fee” to cover, among other things, international airfare from New York, transportation upon arrival and departure in Rome, and lodging. You will receive complete details about what this fee does and does not cover. The “program fee” must be paid in full prior to the start of spring courses. Those who require passports should request them at the time of registration or before. Withdrawal from class is no guarantee of a refund of the program fee, which is subject to rules you will receive from the Office of International Education & Programs.
GLS 100- ROME Rev.9/15/04LMA