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.