Faculty Led Programs

Reed in Rome

Program/Course Name: Reed in Rome/The Topography and Archaeology of the Ancient Roman City
Location, Country: Rome, Italy
Code: ANME 100 F/S
CNR: 11093/31112
Units: 0.25 (F) + 0.25 (S)
Notes: Instructor permission required
City, Country: Rome. Italy
Program Directors: Sonia Sabnis, Tom Landvatter
Academic Discipline/Department: Greek, Latin, and Ancient Mediterranean Studies
Application Form: https://www.reed.edu/ipo/reed-in-rome.php
Application Deadline: September 29, 2023
Program Dates: January 2–13, 2024

Housing: Students will stay in shared, two or three-bedroom hotel rooms.

Program/Course Description

One-quarter-unit semester course. The city of Rome was the capital and largest city of the ancient Mediterranean’s longest-lasting and most geographically expansive empire. During this study tour, we will visit the major monuments and museums of the city, considering Rome’s development from a small village (ca. 1000 BCE) to the Augustan age (first century BCE–first century CE) to the capital of a world empire (second–third centuries CE). Through site visits and lectures, students will examine the development of Rome’s urban and monumental landscape, including religious, mortuary, and public architecture; learn how to interpret archaeological/architectural evidence and confront its difficulties; and consider the (ab)uses of the Roman past in the present, especially during the Fascist era, and how that has shaped the modern city. We will also visit the exceptionally well-preserved city of Ostia to examine aspects of urbanism and domestic life. Prior to the study tour during spring semester, students will be required to attend several mandatory class meetings (with readings), conduct research on a chosen site/monument, and prepare an oral presentation to be given on site in Italy. Students must register for both the fall and spring sections of the course. Prerequisite: students must apply to participate; approval is required from the instructor and from the International Programs Office. Lecture-conference. May be repeated for credit.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the layout and development of the ancient city of Rome and its monumental landscape.
Be able to compare different ancient Roman archaeological sites and apply concepts related to ancient Roman urbanism.
Explain and critique modern uses and appropriations of ancient material culture and their consequences.
Be able to analyze in situ archaeological and art historical evidence, and be able to discuss both the benefits and limitations of that evidence.
Be able to orally present academic/scholarly arguments to an informed audience.
Become familiar with research methods associated with Mediterranean archaeology and ancient Roman studies.

Program Fee

Program fee: $3,600

Includes the following:

Housing on Rome
International Flights
Site entry, excursions, and activities fees
Airport transportation
Local transportation
Per diem for food and incidentals
Study Abroad administrative fee
International health and travel insurance

Program fee payment deadline: Fees must be paid in full by November 3, 2023.

The program fee does not include:

Personal spending money
COVID-19 testing related to travel, if applicable (entry or exit requirements)

(Program participants who currently receive need-based Reed grant funding and have accepted all components of their aid packages, may be eligible for financial assistance. More details on financial aid assistance will be available shortly).

Health, Safety, and Travel Documentation:

Travel Documentation: US/UE Passport. Passports should be valid for at least six months after you return home and have two or more blank pages, depending on your destination
International health and travel insurance (included in program fees)

The course does not apply to Group or major requirements.