This on-site course, conducted in English, introduces
students to the sociological and spatial analysis of contemporary Rome. The
course examines the city’s evolving populations, neighborhoods, daily life, and
commerce. Classes are held on-site in various neighborhoods, enabling students
to analyze each area’s role as a social entity and its relationship with the
broader urban context.

COURSE CONTENT:

The course spans 15 weeks and incorporates multi-media content, lectures,
discussions, and written and visual projects. Unless specified otherwise,
classes will meet on-site rather than on campus, with appointment times and
meeting locations detailed in the syllabus. Thematically structured, the course
emphasizes 20th- and 21st-century Rome while including exercises that uncover
the historical and cultural roots of current social trends.

Students are expected to participate actively, both verbally and in writing.
Progress will be assessed through discussions, in-class exams, instructor
critiques, and peer feedback.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate
    knowledge of Rome’s urban development from the late 1800s to the present.
  2. Analyze
    the effects of globalization on the city’s economic, cultural, and social
    life.
  3. Describe
    individual neighborhoods and evaluate their roles within the broader urban
    context.
  4. Apply
    modern social theories to urban settings.

READINGS:

All readings are available on the class webpage.

ASSESSMENT METHODS:

  • Two
    Quiz Exams     (20% each): 40%
  • Independent
    Project    : 20%
  • Five
    Discussions     (8% each): 40%

Quiz Exams:

In-class quizzes include 10–20 questions in multiple-choice, true/false, and
open-ended formats. Quizzes are not cumulative.

Independent Project:

Students will conduct a visual analysis of two streets in Rome’s historical
center, focusing on changes in the last 50 years. This individual exercise
introduces students to intuitive methods for observing, describing, and
documenting urban evolution. Detailed guidelines and rubrics are provided in
the assignment.

Discussions:

Discussions are graded as part of participation. Each discussion requires:

  1. A
    personal statement (minimum 300 words).
  2. Two
    replies to classmates (minimum 50 words each).

Discussions aim to foster engagement and exchange of ideas.
Incomplete or late submissions will not be graded. Specific guidelines and
rubrics are provided in the assignment.

NOTE:

  • Exam
    schedules, syllabus, and all relevant materials are posted online.
  • Students
    unfamiliar with the platform may seek assistance from AUR’s dedicated
    support team.

ABSENCES:

  • Three
    absences: No penalty.
  • Four
    absences: One full letter grade deduction from the final grade (e.g., A to
    B).
  • Five
    absences: Dismissal from the course.

Major exams (midterm or final) can only be rescheduled with
prior approval from the Dean’s Office for serious reasons. Absences for reasons
such as job interviews, family events, or personal convenience will not be
excused. Students observing religious holidays must notify the instructor by
the Add/Drop deadline to arrange make-up work.