About this course: The Arch of Titus: Rome and the Menorah explores one of the most significant Roman monuments to survive from antiquity, from the perspectives of Roman, Jewish and later Christian history and art. The Arch of Titus commemorates the destruction of Jerusalem by the emperor Titus in 70 CE, an event of pivotal importance for the history of the Roman Empire, of Judaism, of Christianity and of modern nationalism. Together with your guide, Professor Steven Fine, you will examine ancient texts and artifacts, gaining skills as a historian as you explore the continuing significance of the Arch of Titus from antiquity to the very present. Course members will accompany Professor Fine on virtual "fieldtrips" to museums and historical sites in Los Angeles and New York where you will "meet" curators, scholars and artists. You will attend an academic colloquium and even "participate" in office hours. Students will participate in the latest advancement in the study of the Arch - the restoration of its original colors. You will learn how color was used in Roman antiquity and apply that knowledge to complete your own 'color restoration' of the Arch of Titus menorah relief.

Created by: Yeshiva University

Taught by: Steven Fine, Professor
Jewish History

Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.4 stars Average User Rating 4.4See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Why the Arch of Titus Matters

This module introduces the Arch of Titus and the larger themes of the course. Students will begin to view the Arch from the perspectives of Roman and Jewish history, of the victors and the vanquished, and the continuing history of this artifact. They will be...

8 videos, 1 reading

Graded: “The Arch of Titus is everywhere, if you know where to look!”

WEEK 2

The Arch of Titus as a Work of Art

This module explores the Arch of Titus as an artifact. Students will learn to look closely at this and other historical monuments in order to draw out the meanings of its iconography. They will see the Arch and especially its carved relief panels through sel...

8 videos

Graded: Some Basic Facts About The Arch of Titus

WEEK 3

The Arch of Titus in History

Roman and Talmudic sources on Titus's triumphal parade in 71 CE will be the focus of this module. Students will read these ancient texts critically and assess the historical value for understanding the Arch and its later reception.

4 videos

Graded: Assignment 3: Short Essay - Romans and Rabbis on Titus’ Triumph: Evaluating the Primary Sources

WEEK 4

The Arch of Titus from Antiquity to the Modern Era

Students will explore Jewish and Christian perspectives of the Arch and be able to explain how these perceptions affected their experience and interpretation of this artifact. Conversations with scholars and museum "visits" demonstrate a broad range of contem...

13 videos

Graded: Assignment 4: Short Answer - Some Visitors to the Arch of Titus

WEEK 5

The Arch of Titus in the Modern World

We will explore the ways that moderns have viewed and used the Arch, through the close reading of primary visual and literary sources. "Fieldtrips" and conversations contextualize the search for Arch imagery in our world, and demonstrate ways to recognize thi...

9 videos

Graded: Assignment 5: Writing a Short Essay, Modern History of the Arch of Titus Using Primary Sources.

WEEK 6

The Arch of Titus: Restoring its Color

Recent advances in the study of the original color, polychromy, of ancient Roman art will be presented. Students will learn the reasons for this rethinking of ancient art, and apply this learning to their own restorations of the polychrome of the Arch of Titu...

8 videos, 3 readings

Graded: Assignment 6: Colorizing The Arch of Titus Menorah Panel

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Yeshiva University

Now in its second century, Yeshiva University is the oldest and most comprehensive educational institution under Jewish auspices in America. It is an independent university that ranks among the nation's leading academic research institutions and, reflecting the time-honored tradition of Torah Umadda -- where Judaic and secular words intersect-- provides the highest quality Jewish and secular education of any Jewish university in the world. YU Global is YU Online and the content creator for all Coursera courses.

Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4.4 out of 5 of 75 ratings

Fantastic course - I truly enjoyed this and learned so much - many thanks to Professor Fine and team.

The only art history class I've ever taken from a Jewish perspective.

A superbly informative yet easy-to-follow course that leaves plenty of room for the students' own thoughts and encourages us to look for more information online or in the printed media. I especially enjoyed Professor Fine's inspiring, thought-provoking way of presenting the information. He is a personality who challenges his listeners, in a positive way, and who gives his subject matter true spirit and perspective. Thank you!

I absolutely loved this course; as a Classics major, I never really got the other perspectives in the Roman world aside from the Romans. It was enlightening to approach interpreting archaeological evidence through a Jewish lens rather than through that solely of the Romans.

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