The Graeco-Roman City in Antiquity

Subject 131-075 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.00
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

January, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 22-day intensive field work program in Greece, Italy and Turkey* in November/December (no earlier than the end of the examination period). Sixteen 1.5-hour lecture/seminars and at least 25 site visits totalling over 60 hours. A travel and accommodation package will be available. * Subject to approval by Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and the University of Melbourne
Total Time Commitment: 8.5 contact hours/week Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Fifty points of first year from any area within the Faculty of Art
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Nicholas Vlahogiannis

Contact

Nick Vlahogiannis

n.vlahogiannis@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This intensive subject examines ancient Greek and Roman societies and cities in Greece, Turkey* and Italy. We will be based in: Athens, with day trips to Delphi and the Sounion peninsular; Hellenistic sites on the west coast of Turkey; and Rome, with day trips to Ostia and Pompeii. Visits to sites and museums will be based around issues that contribute to a concept of the physical, economic, political and cultural evolution of ancient cities, and social life in these cities. Students should develop a familiarity with themes such as the origins of cities; the city as a physical site; the city as seat of rank, authority and power; the economy and the marketplace; religion and myth; the individual in society; citizenship, the family, the individual and the state; work, sport, leisure and entertainment; and gender and sexuality. * Subject to approval by Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and the University of Melbourne
Objectives:
  • be able to demonstrate a general knowledge of the theoretical and historical evolution of organic and inorganic cities in ancient Greek and Roman societies;
  • understand the process of construction and maintenance of urban landscapes and their relationship to civic and individual identity and culture through architectural, iconographic and literary evidence;
  • be familiar with issues surrounding the political, economic, social and religious practices of ancient Graeco-Roman cities and their location within the human environment.
Assessment: Three 1000-word site reports written while on tour 30%, a reflective essay of 1500 words 20% (due at the end of February) and a research essay of 3500 words 50% (due at the end of March).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be provided
Recommended Texts: Prescribed reading: Max Weber, The city, Trans. D. Martindale, London, 1958 L. Mumford, The city in history: its origins, its transformations, and its prospects, London, 1961 J. Rykwert, The idea of a town: the anthropology of urban form in Rome, Italy and the ancient world, Cambridge, Mass., 1989 O. Murray, & S. Price, The Greek city: from Homer to Alexander, Oxford, 1990 R. Tomlison, From Mycenae to Constantinople: the evolution of the ancient city, London, 1992
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument
  • develop research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources
  • produce effective written prose for assessment
Notes: This subject is taught in November/December. Special entry conditions apply. Itinerary and travel arrangements available from Australians Studying Abroad. Dates are tentative, subject to availability of flights but the earliest date will be after the examination period ends on 28 November 2008. Prospective students must register with ASA prior to approval of enrolment at www.asatravinfo.com.au. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Ancient and Medieval Studies)
Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies)
Diploma in Arts (History)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Ancient, Medieval && Early Modern Studies Major
History
History
History
History Major

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