Meets Together with HISTART 536-001

This course examines a broad range of forms, uses, and meanings of sculpture in public and private spaces in the Mediterranean world from the period of Alexander the Great (336-323 BC) to the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine (AD 312-337). In lectures, class discussions, and museum visits he class explores a variety of topics—from the archaeological, functional, and social contexts of sculptural works to the reconstruction of their original appearance (including their color) and their significance. Images of gods, goddesses, mythical creatures and animals mingled with portraits of public and private individuals in indoor and outdoor settings—settings that were often additionally adorned with elaborate paintings, architectural embellishments and other decorative and symbolic accouterments. These environments, in turn, provided visually rich, message-laden backdrops for the performance of social, political and cultic rituals. While analyzing the cultural work that sculptures performed in the ancient world, students also learn about Greek and Roman sculptors and about their patrons who set the agendas that these works were intended to fulfill. Sculptures in the Kelsey Museum's permanent collection offer students opportunities to learn firsthand about how to reconstruct the ancient form and setting of such works and how to approach larger research questions that arise from the study of individual sculptures.

Textbooks/Other Materials: There are two recommended textbooks, used copies of which are available on Amazon.

Course Requirements: For most classes, in addition to textbook chapters, students read assigned articles on related topics and must write a response paragraph of approximately 200 words on each reading in preparation for class discussion. The responses are counted as part of the class participation grade. Papers and examinations: The first assignment is for all students, graduate and undergraduate. This consists of a PowerPoint presentation and a short paper (approx. 4-5 pp.) based on close study of a piece of Roman sculpture in the Kelsey Museum. The second assignment for undergraduates(c. 8 pp.) is also an object-based paper involving research on a piece of Roman sculpture in the Kelsey or in one of the area museums. Graduate students must write a 12-15-page research paper on a topic of their choice. All students must take the midterm. Only undergraduates are required to take the final.

Grading: Undergraduates:
1st Paper – 15%
Midterm – 25%
2nd Paper – 20%
Final – 25%
Class Participation – 15%

Intended Audience: Primarily graduate students and advanced undergraduates.

Class Format: Two 80-minute lectures including about 30 minutes of discussion of assigned readings.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $0-50

HISTART Distribution Requirements: D. Europe and the US, E. Latin America, 1. Ancient