Agenda for Day 07, 05-24-15

Dear Writers of Rome,

Tomorrow's Pentecost Mass at the Pantheon begins at 10:30 a.m. It's a popular event, so if you plan to go, you should be there at least by 9:30, and make it clear that you mean to attend the mass (as opposed to simply being a tourist).

The mass will last about an hour and a half, and you'll very likely be standing for most of it. But when the petals drop at noon, you can say you've witnessed a singular Roman experience.

(If you miss it, you won't miss the Pantheon. We'll be back on day 08.)

In the afternoon, we'll convene at the top of the Spanish Steps at 1:00 p.m. (13:00), outside the church of Trinità dei Monti. After hearing about the Piazza di Spagna, we'll continue our tour of the Campus Martius, including the column of Marcus Aurelius, the Horologium of Augustus, the Area Sacra of the Largo Argentina, and (of course) more Talking Statues of Rome.

http://www.skidmore.edu/~dcurley/writingrome/itinerary.html

DC/gs

Assignment for Friday, 02-06-15

Dear Roman Readers,

For Friday, February 6, please do the following:

(1) Visit and read the Discussions page of our website and familiarize yourself with the details and dates. (NOTE: We've moved Team E to Friday, April 10.) Please note any questions and come to class prepared to ask them.

(2) Read the following sections in the Blue Guide:

• Historical Sketch: The Early Empire (pp. 14–15);
• The Ara Pacis (pp. 160–2);
• Piazza Augusto Imperatore (p. 162); and
• The Pantheon (pp. 163–6).

As you might suspect, we're moving into the age of the first emperor, Augustus, and beyond. We'll start with a bit of history, especially the transition from the Republic to the Empire, then move on to Augustus and his impressive building program.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Dates for the Discussions exercise are on the course Calendar. Also, Prof. Spinner has graciously made room in Unit 2 to make up for the snowpocalypse of Monday, for which I am grateful. This means that Unit 2 now starts a day later, on Feb. 20.

We hope to see you for Gladiator tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.

DC