Studying Roman Antiquity through Its Objects 2500-OG-EN-STRAO

The course explores the cultural history of Roman antiquity by examining a variety of objects and artefacts ranging from everyday objects such as pottery, combs, toys and caskets to monumental structures such as temples, porticoes and aqueducts. The main aim is to develop a new perspective on cultural developments in the ancient world, focussing on material culture and its profound influence on daily life, beliefs and social relations. During the course, students will be able to independently select specific objects from a list provided by the instructor (with the option to go beyond this by arrangement). They will develop the ability to gather information, gain critical insight and write narratives about the objects in order to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the cultural nuances of Roman antiquity.

Total student workload

Contact hours with teacher: - participation discussion seminar – 20 hrs - consultations- 30 hrs Self-study hours: - preparation for discussion seminar - 20 hrs - preparation to the final examination - 20 hrs Altogether: 90 hrs (3 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Student W1: has advanced knowledge of the most important developments of the cultural history of Roman antiquity (K_W08)

Learning outcomes - skills

Student U1: can search, analyze, evaluate information about material objects from Roman antiquity and has the ability to use the secondary literature in an informed and critical manner (K_U01)

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Student K1: understands the significance of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome for the development of the European societies and is sensitive to the reception of ancient material culture and art in the modern and contemporary culture (K_K03)

Teaching methods

Expository teaching methods: - participatory lecture Exploratory teaching methods: - practical - classic problem-solving

Course coordinators

Marta Szada

Assessment criteria

Assessment methods:
– activity during the class – U1, K1
– oral presentation – W1

Assessment criteria:
The final grade consists of the assessment of class participation (50%) and the result of the oral presentation in the class during the semester (50%). Both requirements has to be met in order to receive a grade.
The student is expected to attend class regularly: those that miss more than 50% or more of their classes (unexcused) will receive an F. The students is also expected to prepare reading assiginments at home in order to contribute to discussions in class.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2500-OG-EN-STRAO in USOSweb