Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Rome has always played a pivotal role in European culture and beyond. First as the centre of the Roman Empire, then as the seat of the Catholic church, the Eternal City attracted centuries of patronage and artistic production on an unrivalled scale. Numerous layers of evidence provide an unequalled historic kaleidoscope—from the ruins of classical Rome, its Renaissance and Baroque churches and palaces, to the late nineteenth century historicist monuments or the grand plans for a new Rome partially implemented under Mussolini's fascist regime. This unit provides students with the opportunity of gaining an on-site overview of Roman art and architecture from classical antiquity to the present day. One key theme of the unit therefore is the importance of physical context on the creation and viewing of works of art. Another key aspect is the interplay of different layers of art and architecture. To what extent, for example, is our perception of Rome's classical past shaped by the drastic interventions of fascist urban planning? Students are given the opportunity to explore and move between different archaeological layers, to critically consider issues faced by the demands of conserving artistic heritage in a major European tourism destination and to research on a range of art works and sites from classical antiquity to the twenty-first century as they explore to what extent Rome continues to be a cultural and political symbol, as much as a city.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024RomeFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the historical, cultural and physical contexts of art and architecture in Rome and how these contexts have shaped the objects' production and display; (2) understand how artworks mediate social and cultural meaning; (3) demonstrate oral communication and interpersonal skills; (4) synthesise visual and aesthetic analyses into broader discourses of art history; (5) apply principles of argument in art historical discourse; and (6) use and apply research techniques in art historiography.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) oral assessment; (2) short written assessment; and (3) long essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Susanne Meurer
Unit rules
Prerequisites
HART1000 Great Moments in Art (formerly VISA1000)
or HART1003 Ways of Seeing: Themes and Theories in Art
Incompatibility
VISA2283 Rome
Approved quota: 25—allocated on academic merit and year of study (i.e. a third-year student is given precedence over a second-year, who can reapply the following year). Limited enrolment on account of restrictions to group sizes for on-site visits in churches and museums.
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
(1) International Field Trip (estimated cost - 4,740 AUD)
(2) Entrance fees to museums and monuments in Rome (estimated cost - 260 AUD).
Contact hours
taught on-site over a 2-week period
Note
This unit is available in summer 2018. Refer to the History of Art Rome Study Tour webpage for further details.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.