Programme and learning outcomes
Surpassed by no city in the Western world, Rome is known for its charismatic leadership and overwhelmingly rich history, as the city embodies an architecturally magnificent metropolis, the impressive capital of a once mighty Roman Empire, and a powerful representation of the Papal See.
The Master's programme Eternal Rome focuses on Rome and offers an in-depth examination both of the city of Rome and its role as the capital of the Roman Empire, and of the representation of the ’idea’ of Rome throughout the centuries. Eternal Rome presents a unique programme, taught by a group of specialists from the fields of ancient, Byzantine, and medieval history. Their expertise includes the status of Rome beyond the Middle Ages into the Renaissance and modern times as well.
Notions of change and continuity, even of eternity, have played a prominent role in the history of Rome. What makes Rome such a potent image of the past, the present, and the future? It is no coincidence that rulers such as Charlemagne or Benito Mussolini positioned themselves as legitimate successors to the power and traditions of Rome. Similarly, the inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire, Rome's most direct successor empire, continued to call themselves ‘Romaioi' well into the twelfth century. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the legacy of Rome persisted, with Moscow claiming to be the Third Rome.
As you analyse Rome and its impressive legacy, you will become acquainted with several specialist areas of research, such as ancient history, medieval history, art history, classical philology, archaeology, and literary theory. Each field offers different perspectives and methodologies that will both expand your knowledge and ideas of Rome and deepen your insight into many questions relevant for the functioning of our modern society.
The programme is coordinated by dr. Kati Ihnat.
Learning outcomes
The graduate of the Master's programme Eternal Rome:
- has - in addition to the knowledge acquired in the Bachelor's programme - an understanding of the political and cultural significance of Rome in the ancient and medieval periods, of the far-reaching effect of Rome (the ‘idea' of Rome) from antiquity to the present, and of the theory and historiography related to these core considerations;
- knows how to analyse a historical debate on the ‘idea' of Rome and to form an opinion based on diverse points of view. The scholarly attitude of the graduate and the methodological and critical processing of expert knowledge related to the field of study are reflected in this analysis and its foundations;
- knows how to identify and contextualize the enduring impact of Rome, and the diverse perceptions of Rome as a political, religious and cultural centre, from antiquity to the present. The graduate is able to recognize how and why connotations attached to Rome were appropriated by different users throughout the centuries;
- is able to tackle a problem related to the historical development of the ‘idea' of Rome by means of suitable concepts and research methods. Proceeding from a research question, the graduate knows how to select, analyse and interpret pertinent information;
- knows how to present, in writing and orally, the results of his or her research in a well-founded and academic manner, in accurate English;
- knows how to organize his or her activities, either individually or as a member of a team. The graduate is able to use the feedback of others to evaluate and adjust these activities. He or she can detect gaps in his or her own expertise and knows how to fill in these through goal-oriented actions. The graduate is able to make well-considered career choices;
- knows how to participate in scientific discussions and contribute to public debates in a well-founded manner.