Learning objectives
The primary objective of the course is to communicate the main tools and methods of modern urban studies, from both the theoretical and practical point of view. Secondary objectives are the recognition, understanding and cataloguing of archaeological sites, in order to protect, preserve and valorise them. Students will be guided in acquiring the necessary skills for decoding signs of the ancient landscape in the modern, from both the regional and urban point of view. The conscious acquisition of traditional sources of ancient topography will be supplemented by skills related to the broad spectrum of new methods in topographical research, borrowed from scientific and technical disciplines. Finally, students will be required to demonstrate their ability to fit data gathered for each site with the traces on the ground.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of the main outlines of ancient topography is a recommended attendance requirement. In particular, students should have a firm grasp of historical and institutional aspects of the classical world, familiarity with ancient Greek and Latin language and literary cultures, knowledge of the fundamental contents and tools of traditional archaeological inquiry, from settlement culture to epigraphic, numismatic and material production, to the figurative tradition within the context of ancient Greece and Rome.
Course unit content
Course title: Urban topography, urban planning and urbanology: the axial tomography of ancient cities. <br />
The course completes the analysis of the development of ancient urban form through an examination of methodological and cognitive perspectives relating to continuously settled centres. In particular it explores approaches which are specific to urban topography, urban planning and urbanology and their axial evaluation for the purpose of reconstructing ancient cities. <br />
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The course is seminar based. Students will be required to write an essay on a continuously settled urban setting and to prepare readings which are relevant to their chosen topic. Students are therefore invited to contact the teacher in good time. <br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
A complete course reading list can be found at: www.unipr.it/arpa/classics/morigi.htm. <br />
Teaching methods
The teaching method used is tailored to the specific requirements of the discipline, involving communication of the main course contents through traditional classroom lectures and illustration of the most common instruments used through their practical application. The study material, which frequently consists of digitalised mapping and GIS systems, requires the constant use of computer equipment that can immediately display the contents being examined. The topographical application of the new methods also requires the organisation of periodic guided exercises to ensure the necessary level of familiarity with the instruments used. The assessment method includes an oral test of students’ familiarity with the course content, along with a practical exercise in applying methods in use.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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