The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City from edX

We can read a city in a number of ways: in its plan, in the buildings that make its streets and public spaces, in the skyline. We can ask, what are the buildings or spaces saying? How do they say it? How does it all stitch together?

In this architecture course you will learn how to “read” Rome, an ancient city, reborn in the fifteenth century and reshaped substantially in the following three centuries. You will discover how Renaissance and Baroque Rome’s urban form, art, and architecture projected the city’s image of itself to its citizens (urbi) and the world (orbi).

Popes, architects, scholars and sculptors invested in Rome a variety of narratives that strove to explain the city’s history, convince its citizens and visitors of its harmony, and exhort society at large to share in and shape its destiny. The city that resulted became a destination for pilgrims and Grand Tourists, and still is today.

The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City is organized around three themes—the city and memory, the city as reliquary, and the city as theater. In uncovering some of the meaning of Rome, you will be equipped with the skills necessary to consider how our own cities and communities are, or could be, meaningful. You will come away from this course not only better informed about the cities of the past, but also better equipped to think about the cities of the present and the future.

Students who successfully complete all of the required course assignments will have the opportunity to compile a Digication ePortfolio and earn a digital badge.

What you'll learn

Discover the major players and events that shaped the architecture of Rome and the world beyond.
Explore ways that sacred relics and monuments, theaters, and other buildings convey meaning and how this meaning reflects a people's values.
Learn to ‘read’ cities, by applying the concepts covered in class to cities other than Rome.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discover the major players and events that shaped the architecture of rome and the world beyond.
Explore ways that sacred relics and monuments, theaters, and other buildings convey meaning and how this meaning reflects a people's values.

Learn to ‘read’ cities, by applying the concepts covered in class to cities other than rome.

Discover the major players and events that shaped the architecture of rome and the world beyond.
Explore ways that sacred relics and monuments, theaters, and other buildings convey meaning and how this meaning reflects a people's values.
Learn to ‘read’ cities, by applying the concepts covered in class to cities other than rome.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive study of one aspect of the human condition

Taught by respected experts in the field of architecture

Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials

May require learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to academia

Reviews summary

Enriching exploration of renaissance rome

Learners say this is an interesting and informative course that explores the history and culture of Renaissance Rome. The course is highly rated, with reviewers saying it provides a comprehensive overview of the period through lectures, readings, and assignments.

Career center

Learners who complete The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Planner

Urban Planners create livable, sustainable, and resilient cities and communities by analyzing land use and zoning regulations, environmental conditions, population trends, and transportation systems. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City introduces concepts of urban form, art, and architecture that are essential for understanding the historical development of cities. By learning how Rome's urban landscape has evolved over time, students can gain valuable insights into the principles of urban planning and how they can be applied to contemporary cities.

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Architect

Architects design buildings and other structures, taking into account factors such as function, aesthetics, and environmental impact. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the architecture of Rome and the world beyond. By studying the architectural styles and techniques used in Rome's iconic buildings, students can develop a deeper understanding of architectural design and its role in shaping the urban environment.

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Architectural Historian

Architectural historians research, document, and interpret the history of architecture. They may work in museums, universities, or historic preservation organizations. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Rome's architecture, from its ancient origins to its modern developments. Students will learn about the major architectural styles and movements that have shaped Rome's urban landscape, as well as the social and cultural factors that have influenced its development.

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Art historian

Art historians research, analyze, and interpret works of art. They may work in museums, galleries, or universities. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City focuses on the art and architecture of Rome during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Students will learn about the major artists and movements of these periods, as well as the social and cultural factors that influenced their work. This knowledge will provide a foundation for understanding the history of art and its role in shaping culture.

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Museum curator

Museum curators plan and manage exhibitions, conduct research, and provide educational programs for the public. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of art and architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the art and architecture of Rome. By studying Rome's iconic works of art and architecture, students can gain valuable insights into the curatorial process and how museums can be used to educate and inspire the public.

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Historic Preservation Specialist

Historic preservation specialists research, document, and preserve historic buildings and sites. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the architecture of Rome and the world beyond. By studying the architectural styles and techniques used in Rome's iconic buildings, students can develop a deeper understanding of historic preservation and its role in preserving our cultural heritage.

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Urban Designer

Urban designers plan and design cities and other urban areas. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of urban design, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the urban form of Rome. By studying the urban planning and design principles used in Rome's iconic neighborhoods and public spaces, students can develop a deeper understanding of urban design and its role in creating livable and sustainable cities.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and plazas. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of landscape architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the landscape architecture of Rome. By studying the design principles and techniques used in Rome's iconic gardens and public spaces, students can develop a deeper understanding of landscape architecture and its role in creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.

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Real Estate Developer

Real estate developers acquire, develop, and manage real estate properties. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of urban development, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the development of Rome. By studying the urban planning and design principles used in Rome's iconic neighborhoods and public spaces, students can develop a deeper understanding of real estate development and its role in creating livable and sustainable cities.

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City Planner

City planners develop plans for the future development of cities and other urban areas. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of urban planning, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the urban form of Rome. By studying the urban planning and design principles used in Rome's iconic neighborhoods and public spaces, students can develop a deeper understanding of city planning and its role in creating livable and sustainable cities.

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Urban Sociologist

Urban sociologists study the social and cultural dynamics of cities and other urban areas. They may work for universities, research institutions, or government agencies. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of urban sociology, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the social and cultural development of Rome. By studying the social and cultural factors that have influenced the development of Rome's iconic neighborhoods and public spaces, students can develop a deeper understanding of urban sociology and its role in creating inclusive and equitable cities.

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Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural anthropologists study the cultures of different societies. They may work for universities, research institutions, or government agencies. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of cultural anthropology, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the cultural development of Rome. By studying the cultural factors that have influenced the development of Rome's iconic neighborhoods and public spaces, students can develop a deeper understanding of cultural anthropology and its role in creating inclusive and equitable societies.

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Architectural Photographer

Architectural photographers specialize in photographing buildings and other structures. They may work for magazines, newspapers, or architectural firms. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the architecture of Rome and the world beyond. By studying the architectural styles and techniques used in Rome's iconic buildings, students can develop a deeper understanding of architectural photography and its role in documenting and interpreting the built environment.

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Architectural Engineer

Architectural engineers design and supervise the construction of buildings and other structures. They may work for architectural firms, construction companies, or government agencies. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the architecture of Rome and the world beyond. By studying the architectural styles and techniques used in Rome's iconic buildings, students can develop a deeper understanding of architectural engineering and its role in creating safe and sustainable structures.

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Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They may work for construction companies, government agencies, or private owners. The Meaning of Rome: The Renaissance and Baroque City provides a foundation in the history of architecture, with a focus on the major players and events that shaped the architecture of Rome and the world beyond. By studying the architectural styles and techniques used in Rome's iconic buildings, students can develop a deeper understanding of construction management and its role in delivering successful construction projects.

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The Meaning of Rome

The Renaissance and Baroque City