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GREEK AND ROMAN ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
FAH207H1 F - LEC 0101
Fall 2024 | Mondays at 1:00-3:00 PM ET
Emmanuel College, Rm. EM 001 (Directions)
Course Instructor: Matthew Coleman ([email protected])
Teaching Assistants: Anisa Mara ([email protected])
& Anastasia Zabalueva ([email protected])
CI Office Hours: Monday 3:30-4:30 PM; Tuesday 12:30-1:30 PM, Rm. SS 6050
Overview and Course Aims
This course offers an art historical survey of ancient Greece and Rome, spanning millennia from
the Aegean Bronze Age (c. 3000 BCE) to the 'end' of the Roman Empire (c. 300 CE). The subject
matter covered in this course is vast, but our aim is to provide a basic overview of the artistic
culture of the ancient world while highlighting the significance of situating art and architecture
within its appropriate social, political, cultural, and archaeological contexts. By the end of the
course, students will gain familiarity with the overall narrative of artistic development in ancient
Greece and Rome. Students will also learn to engage with basic art historical methods of analysis
and appreciate the formal and iconographical qualities of ancient works of art that have been
adapted into the modern world.
Grading Distribution
Evaluation
Weight
Participation 10%
Object Description – Due September 30 15%
Midterm Quiz – Available on October 21 20%
Paper Assignment – Due November 25 25%
Final Exam – TBA 30%
All course grades will be assessed on a scale of 0-100%
NOTE ABOUT GRADES POSTED ONLINE: Please also note that any grades posted on Quercus are
for your information only, so you can view and track your progress through the course. No grades
are considered official, including any posted in Quercus at any point in the term, until they have
been formally approved and posted on ACORN at the end of the course. Please contact us as
soon as possible if you think there is an error in any grade posted on Quercus.
Please refer to the Calendar of the Faculty of Arts and Science for complete coverage of the rules
and regulations concerning grading.
Academic Integrity: Plagiarism is a most serious academic offense and is prohibited under the University’s code of behavior.
Penalties range from 0 for the course, to suspension, to expulsion from the University. Please see the University of Toronto's
Academic Integrity website for further clarification.
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Participation
Learning how to look at and critique ancient art and archaeology is a goal of this course.
Therefore, general attendance and active participation are strongly encouraged. Students will
participate in in-class discussions and Instructor led formal analysis and earn 1% per class session
for ten (10) sessions (Introductory Class and one (1) Free Day Excluded). Ample opportunity for
active participation will be provided by the Course Instructor, in every class session.
Alternatively, if you do not make it into our class conversation, a short but critical written
response and/or comment, may be submitted at the end of class to earn your daily percentage
point. All participation will be self-reported.
Object Description – Due September 30 at 11:59 PM ET
During the semester, we will be considering a range of objects and buildings, working to
understand and appreciate them in terms of their formal artistic characteristics and their
historical contexts. In this assignment you will choose an object of interest to you from our course
‘Slide Lists’ and undertake the foundational process in any art-historical investigation: Formal
Description!
The goals of this exercise are for you to:
A. Look carefully at the object.
B. Take the time to describe it accurately.
C. Think about the artistic decisions that went into making the object.
D. Apply the principles of art-historical inquiry to your object.
E. Hypothesize about the object based on what you can observe.
F. Transfer your ideas into clear writing.
You will be asked to write a 500-word description of the object using detailed formal language.
Imagine you are describing your object to a person who is standing next to you blindfolded. Start
with the general description of what you are seeing and then move to the details. What are we
looking at? What is the shape of the object? What are the materials used? How does it look? To
what degree is the object functional? How does the decoration add to its function? Etc.
Midterm Quiz – Available for One (1) Week starting October 21 at 3:00 PM ET
This Midterm Quiz will cover the material from the first half of the course (Greek Art and
Architecture). It will be available for one (1) week, starting just after class on October 21
st
.
Be advised that the quizzes are timed stringently, you will have 60 minutes, and once you
commence you MUST complete it within the allotted quiz time (so please don’t start it unless
you are ready to finish it). The format will be five (5) Multiple Choice Questions, two (2) Short-
Essay questions (roughly a paragraph) and one (1) Slide ID Question. You are allowed to
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proceed to the next question or go back to the previous question whenever you would like and
can mend or edit any of your answers before submitting.
The timer (countdown) will show on the right side of your window. I recommend having a self-
timer for extra measure, and time your questions as they are shown at the bottom of each
question (8m, 10m, etc.). Keeping your essays concise, while pointedly targeting the question
asked will be the most effective way to take this quiz.
The quiz will technically be “open book,” but this does not mean that you will have time to
leisurely look up things while you perform the task, due to the time constraint.
Important Note: Any type of plagiarism will result in zero credit for the entire Midterm Quiz.
These not only include cutting and pasting content available from any published sources
(textbook, websites, articles etc.). You are also not allowed to cut and paste blocks of your
relevant lecture notes. You must write out the answers to the specific question as directed.
Collaboration of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Paper Assignment – Due November 25 at 11:59 PM ET
The final research paper (about 1200 words) may focus on the same object that you selected in
your Object Description. After closely considering your object, you will now produce a research
paper that provides historical context to the object that you have chosen. This paper must include
at least 5 academic sources (either scholarly journal articles or books). This paper must contain a
thesis statement (argument) and will provide some parallels with objects that we discussed in
class and/or through your research, as well as the historical context in which this object was
created. In this paper, you are encouraged to analyze and interpret your chosen object within its
social, cultural, historical, artistic, and/or archaeological context—as appropriate.
Important Note: Please exercise caution when using internet resources. In general, websites
maintained by universities, academic institutions or museums are more reliable as sources for
information than blogs, interest sites, etc. Books and Scholarly articles remain your best source
of information for research projects. Only a small fraction of the relevant information in the field
of ‘Classical Archaeology’ (or ‘Greek and Roman art history’) is available ‘online,’ elsewhere. For
the format of footnotes and bibliography, please consult the Chicago Manual of Style (Online).
You should incorporate images (scanned or photocopied) in your essay as much as possible.
Simple URLS or ‘after’ citations (e.g., Photo of the Farnese Herakles after Ewald 2023) are
sufficient for citing images. A list of potential topics is provided below.
Final Exam – DATE TBA
The Final Exam for this course will be administered during the exam period in June (June 21st-
26th) and will be a ‘Cumulative Exam’ covering both Greek and Roman material taught
throughout the course. The exam will be comprised of two parts: Slide IDs and an Essay.
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Slide IDs (Roman Art and Archaeology): The first part of the Final Exam will include four (4) Slide
IDs, where you will be required to identify and provide a brief description of each example of art
and/or architecture shown. A fifth slide will ask you to compare two (2) images. These IDs will
cover only Roman Art and Archaeology.
Essay (Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology): The second part of the Final Exam will consist of
an essay question, which you will choose from a list of topics provided. The essay will be focused
on topics related to Greek and Roman material covered in the course and overarching themes
presented continually throughout the term.
Important Note: Because the exam will assess your understanding of the course material in a
cumulative manner, you should prepare accordingly. Make sure to review all course materials,
including readings, lecture notes, and any other materials provided by the instructor.
Additionally, it is recommended that you practice identifying and describing images to familiarize
yourself with the Slide ID portion of the exam to be taken exclusively from the latter half of the
course, focussed on Roman Art and Archaeology. A ‘Final Exam Slide List’ will be provided.
Extra Credit
This will be your opportunity to gain extra credit (1 point to your final grade). To obtain this credit
please watch a movie or TV show, read a comic book, play a video game, or listen to an album
that features any certain adaptation (modern/contemporary) of a classical narrative and write a
short response offering your critical opinion. You may choose the 'Optional Supplementary
Materials,' if you wish.
Write a 250-word critique of the content with an eye towards the use of ancient images and art
direction, relevancy to class material, historical merit, and/or effectiveness of contemporary
analogy. This is intended to be a critical piece of writing, which means no credit will be given to
those who simply provide a synopsis. Include detailed observations that you find particularly
interesting, given what you have learned so far about Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology.
Give your opinion on its significance, accuracy, symbolic content, how ancient art functions
within the film, etc.
If you have any questions about your submission, or you would like a suggestion for content to
critique based on personal interest, email your Course Instructor, Matthew Coleman
You may submit this Extra Credit Assignment on Quercus at any point in the semester before
the Exam Period begins.
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Plagiarism Detection Tool
Normally, students will be required to submit their course essays to the University’s plagiarism
detection tool for a review of textual similarity and detection of possible plagiarism. In doing so,
students will allow their essays to be included as source documents in the tool’s reference
database, where they will be used solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism. The terms that
apply to the University’s use of this tool are described on the Centre for Teaching Support &
Innovation.
Late Work Policy
It is recommended that you start your assignments early, so that you can submit them by the
deadline. For our written assignments, the late penalty is 2% per day up to 14%. Mid-terms will
not be accepted after October 27
th
.
Please email CI Matt Coleman at [email protected] ahead of the submission
deadline, when possible, if you require an extension. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-
case basis and only in cases of emergencies or illness.
Course Communication Policy
Quercus will be used as the primary means of communication for this course, students are
responsible for checking it regularly. Additionally, all students are required to have a U of T email
address and check it regularly, as it is the only address to which official University business will
be sent. Failure to check these communication methods regularly may result in missed deadlines
or important announcements.
Accessibility Concerns
Students with diverse learning styles and needs are welcome in this course. If you have an
acute or ongoing disability issue or accommodation need, you should register with Accessibility
Services (AS) at the beginning of the academic year by visiting Accessibility Services Online (AS).
Without registration, you will not be able to verify your situation with your instructors, and
instructors will not be advised about your accommodation needs. AS will assess your situation,
develop an accommodation plan with you, and support you in requesting accommodation for
your course work. Remember that the process of accommodation is private: AS will not share
details of your needs or condition with any instructor, and your instructors will not reveal that
you are registered with AS.
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FAH 207 CLASS SCHEDULE
Readings: There is no textbook required for this course. It is best to engage with all
supplementary resources before coming to class. The following is available on Quercus.
September, 2024
September 9: Introduction and the Aegean Bronze Age, 3000-1200 BCE
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Santa, G. 'With and Without Homer: Reframing Aegean Art',
SmartHistory.
• CHAPTER: Nikolaidou, M. 2012. Looking for Minoan and Mycenaean Women, pp. 38-
53. PDF.
*OPTIONAL* TV SERIES: Troy: Fall of a City (2018). Prod. BBCOne / Netflix.
September 16: The Iron Age: Protogeometric and Geometric Art, 1100-700 BCE
• ARTICLE: Langdon, S. 2007. Art and Maturation in Early Greece, pp. 173-191. PDF.
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Belis, A. 2018. Commemorating the Dead in Greek Geometric Art.
Getty Blog.
*OPTIONAL* POEM: Carpenter, J. R. 1967. A Geometric Amphora from
the Dipylon Cemetery. PDF.
September 23: The Archaic Period, 700-480 BCE
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Herring, A. 'Pottery, the Body, and the Gods in Ancient Greece',
SmartHistory.
• VIRTUAL TOUR: Colours of Kore, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Start Tour.
*OPTIONAL* SCENE COMPARISON:
'Medusa Attacks' in Clash of the Titans (1981). Dir. Desmond Davis VS.
'Medusa's Lair' in Clash of the Titans (2010). Dir. Louis Letterier.
September 30: The Classical Period, 480-450 BCE
• ARTICLE: Carpenter, T. 2021. The Tyrannicides: A New Approach to Image and Text, pp.
208-221. PDF.
• PODCAST: 'Kritios Boy' (9:16 mins), Accessible Art History, The Podcast. Listen. *OPTIONAL*
FILM: Hercules (1997). Dir. Ron Clements and John Musker.
OBJECT DESCRIPTION DUE by 11:59 ET
October, 2024
October 7: The High Classical Period and the Fourth Century, 450-300 BCE
• VIDEO: Nerdwriter1, 'How the Parthenon Marbles Ended up in the British Museum.'
Watch on Youtube.
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Zucker, S. and B. Harris. 'Capitoline Venus (copy of the Aphrodite of
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Knidos),' SmartHistory.
*OPTIONAL* VIDEO GAME: Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018).
Ubisoft Quebec. (Free Option: Assassin's Creed Discovery Tour
- Athenian Acropolis / Agora)
October 14: Thanksgiving Holiday (No Class)
October 21: The Hellenistic Period, 323-31 BCE
• ARTICLE: Herring, A. 2016. Sexy Best: The Barberini Faun as an Object of Desire. PDF.
• CHAPTER: Skinner, M. 2001. Ladies' Day at the Art Institute. PDF.
*OPTIONAL* FILM: Alexander (2004). Dir. Oliver Stone.
MIDTERM QUIZ AVAILABLE FOR ONE (1) WEEK starting 3:00 PM ET.
October 28 – November 1: Reading Week (No Class)
November, 2024
November 4: The Etruscans, 900-50 BCE
• CHAPTER: Neil, S. 2015. Materializing the Etruscans, pp. 15-27. PDF.
• PODCAST: 'Portrait of a Lady: Discovering Seianti' (30:55 mins), Peopling the Past. Listen.
*OPTIONAL* CONCERTO: Peggy Glanville-Hicks, Etruscan Concerto
(1954). Listen.
November 11: The Roman Republic, 509-27 BCE
• CHAPTER: Welch, K. 2006. Art and Architecture in the Roman Republic, pp. 496-542. PDF.
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Tronchin, F. The Rediscovery of Pompeii and the other Cities of
Vesuvius. SmartHistory.
*OPTIONAL* VIDEO: Shakespeare Solos: 'Friends, Romans,
Countrymen,' performed by Damian Lewis. BBC. Watch on YouTube.
November 18: Augustus and the Julio-Claudians, 27 BCE-68 CE
• CHAPTER: Favro, D. 1996: A Walk-Through Augustan Rome, pp. 252-329. PDF.
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Mingoia, J. The Domus Aurea, Nero's Golden Palace. SmartHistory.
*OPTIONAL* TV SHOW: Animaniacs, "Rome Sweet Rome," Season 2, Episode 1. Full Episode
available on Prime and Fubo. Clip on YouTube.
November 25: Flavians to Hadrian, 69-138 CE
• CHAPTER: Woods, S. 2016. Public Images of the Flavian Dynasty, pp. 129-147. PDF.
• ONLINE RESOURCE: 'Art' from the Digital Hadrian's Villa Project.
*OPTIONAL* OPERA: Hadrian (2018). Comp. Rufus Wainwright &
The Canadian Opera Company. Watch Party (Excerpts & Story).
PAPER ASSIGNMENT DUE by 11:59 ET
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December, 2024
December 2: Antonines and Severans, 138-235 CE
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Becker, J. 'Equestrian Sculpture of Marcus Aurelius', SmartHistory.
• VIRTUAL TOUR: Virtual Ancient Rome in 3D: Baths of Caracalla. Watch on YouTube.
*OPTIONAL* FILM: Gladiator (2000). Dir. Ridley Scott.
December 3: Late Empire to Constantine, 235-337 CE
• ARTICLE: Kinney, D. 2001. Roman Architectural Spolia, pp. 138-161. PDF.
• ONLINE RESOURCE: Re-Creating the Colossus of Constantine, Factum Foundation.
*OPTIONAL* POEM: Yeats, W.B. (1933) Sailing to Byzantium. Read or Listen.
*FINAL EXAM: Exact Date TBD by the Registrar*
– END OF TERM –
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Potential Research Topics for Paper Assignment:
You are not beholden to these topics, and they are purposefully broad. Make sure you write about a topic that you are
interested in and that your focus is narrow and argumentative. Contact CI Matt Coleman for suggestions!
1. The Palace of Knossos and Minoan art
2. Bronze Age jewellery and its social context
3. Bronze Age Frescoes from the Cycladic
4. The Mycenaean Lion’s Gate and Mycenaean Architecture
5. Heroes, Monsters, and Gods represented on Pottery.
6. The Archaeology of Funerary Practices in the Iron Age
7. The Kouros and Kore statues of the Archaic period
8. Narrative in the Art of Exekias
9. The Parthenon and its role in Classical Athenian politics and culture
10. The Temple of Zeus at Olympia and its sculpture program
11. Archaic kore statues and their representation of female beauty and clothing
12. Black-figure pottery and the development of narrative scenes
13. The Persian Wars and their impact on Greek art and culture
14. Classical Greek sculpture and its focus on idealized human form
15. The British Museum and its collection of Classical Greek art
16. The Nike of Samothrace and the use of drapery in Hellenistic sculpture
17. Hellenistic Kingship / Queenship: The Portraiture of Hellenistic Royalty
18. The Hellenistic aesthetic and the diversity of common subject matter
19. The Great Altar of Pergamon and its sculptural program
20. Art of the Body in Greece and Rome
21. The Etruscan necropolis of Cerveteri and its tomb architecture
22. Etruscan Sarcophagi and the Family Unit
23. The funerary art and archaeology of the Etruscans
24. Early Roman verism
25. The art of the Julio-Claudians
26. Augustus Prima Porta and its Message
27. Roman wall painting and its depiction of mythology and daily life
28. The archaeology of Pompeii and the Bay of Naples
29. The Fayoum Portraits
30. The Flavian Amphitheatre and the architecture of gladiatorial games
31. The Baths of Caracalla and their impressive architectural design
32. The Circus Maximus and its role in Roman entertainment
33. The Roman villa and its luxurious architecture and decoration
34. Greek / Roman Coinage
35. The influence of Greek sculpture on Roman art
36. The Diverse Presentation of Masculinity in Ancient Art
37. Roman Coinage
38. The Art of the Severan Dynasty and The Phenomenon of Damnatio Memoriae
39. The Strange Portraiture of the Late Empire
