Roman Architecture Guidelines

Reflection Essay Rubric

• 300-500 words
• Double-Spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman Font
• Summarize the lecture in 100-250 words.
• Include 1-3 quotes (please cite these quotes thus: It was during this period that “Roman              
architecture experienced a sea change.” (Video 4, 4.06)
• Reflect on what you learned from the video, and your opinions of the discussion or ideas.


Research Paper Rubric 

• 750-2000 words
• Double-Spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman Font
• In-text citations in MLA and a bibliography
• Your paper must examine a well-known Roman Structure
• Your paper should include an introduction and conclusion
• Your paper should include 3 forms of analysis:

1. Visual Analysis: Describe the structure, its materials, include drawings to explain your descriptions. Look at the plans and photographs of the structure and try to picture it in three dimensions.  Then use your knowledge of Roman architecture and ask questions.  How does the space feel?  Does it work as the architects intended?  What is the spatial sequence?  How does a person move from one space to another?  How does it fit the site?  What are the views from one place to another?  How does the structure work?  How does it work in the local climate?  How does it work in the city?

2. Historical Analysis: This requires research into the historical circumstances surrounding the building.  What was going on at the time?  What were the dominant issues of the day, both political and philosophical?  What circumstances was the architect addressing?  Who was using the structure?

3. Historiographical Analysis: This section should include an analysis of what scholars and/or architects have written about the structure. This section should include 3 contemporary sources (20th-21st century) and 1-3 sources by earlier scholars from the ancient world through the 19th century. Has scholarly opinion changed? In what ways?