AHIS3540

Etruscan and Roman Art

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2013, 2006

Aims to give an introduction to the sculpture, painting, pottery, architecture, minor arts and mosaic of the Etruscans and Romans. The period covered will range from the early Italian Villanovan culture, or pre-Etruscan civilisation (ca. 1000 B.C.) to the Roman Empire of about 200 AD. Broad topic themes include the importance of funerary art, the influence of Greek art, the rise of personal portraiture, patronage and the consumer, the problem of originality as opposed to copies, and the use of art in private and state propaganda.

Objectives As a result of participating in this course, students will demonstrate:

1. An understanding and appreciation of Etruscan and Roman art as a rich physical expression of values, aesthetics, religious beliefs and (sometimes) political attitudes of these cultures.

2. An appreciation of the visual and the importance of observation and detail, as well as an understanding of the major art-historical developments; i.e. being able to recognise and understand the differences between objects from different periods in Greco-Roman history; for instance, why a piece of Archaic statuary or vase is different from something Classical.

3. An appreciation of the social and historical context of Etruscan and Roman art and thereby linkages with past and subsequent literary, historical and social environments of Greece and Italy.

4. The ability to offer a critical analysis of both ancient and modern texts which discuss art and its role.

5. Development of oral and written expression capable of conveying the understanding and the analyses referred to in 1 - 4.
Content Introduction to the Etruscans; country, sites, ethnic origins, language, cultural influences. Etruscan archaeology - past and present.

The Villanovan culture.

Etruscan canopic urns and funerary sculpture

Etruscan sculpture in stone, bronze and terracotta.

Tomb painting; the afterlife and the Eternal Banquet

Etruscan pottery, bronze utensils, jewellery and minor arts; the importance of women as consumers.

Etruscan architecture. Introduction to Roman art, private and state.

The Greek antecedents of Roman art; the problem of copies and Roman originality.

Verism and Roman Republican sculpture

Augustan art and architecture

Roman painting and mosaic
Replacing Course(s) n/a
Transition n/a
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge 20 units at any level in Ancient History or History or Fine Art
Modes of Delivery Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Examination: Class One Class-Test, based on visual material (slides) seen in lectures, 25%, 1,000 words.
This test evaluates the students understanding of the visual material - of crucial significance in a course where visual input and memory are major components. Students are tested on a limited number of slides which they see first in lectures and which are available afterwards in the library for private study.
Essays / Written Assignments One tutorial paper or equivalent task, 25%, 1,000 words.
The tutorial paper is a research and writing task which examines a particular monument or work of art and its social and political context, using ancient literary sources where appropriate and comparative examples. Class discussion is another important aspect, which encourages students to share findings and ideas and improve oral communication.
Essays / Written Assignments One major essay project or equivalent task, 50%, 2,000 words.
This is a major, individual research and writing assignment on a choice of topics
Contact Hours Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term