The Romans were impressive architects and engineers. They absorbed many ideas from other civilizations, such as the arch and the use of concrete, perfecting and expanding those ideas into accomplishments never before seen in the ancient world. Examples of Rome’s engineering prowess are plentiful. Infrastructure such as roads and aqueducts raised the Roman standard of living while buildings such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum advertised Rome’s power and glory to the world.
For this week’s Reflection, we are handing out an award for Rome’s most impressive Architectural or engineering accomplishment. The Nominees are Roman Roads, Roman waterworks (aqueducts and sewers), the creation of waterproof concrete, the Pantheon or the Colosseum. Make a case for your favorite, and be sure to support your choice with detailed and convincing evidence as to why it is the most impressive.
Required Sources/Citations: Textbook and at least one assigned video for the week.
Important Notice: The purpose of Reflection questions is to demonstrate that you have completed the assigned readings, videos, and other materials for the week and have attempted to understand and reflect on the material. To accomplish this, be sure to offer analysis rather than merely summary. It is also very important to include specific quotations and examples from the assigned materials, including the textbook, to support your ideas. Be sure to include detailed citations to identify where the information came from. When discussing the material, it is important to identify where your supporting evidence comes from by citing the names of assigned articles and videos and providing page numbers for information from the textbook. It is also best to use direct quotations from the assigned materials whenever possible. Citations should include page number whenever possible and timestamps for video sources.
Since Reflection questions are meant to explore your personal interactions with the assigned materials, no outside materials are allowed (or necessary). This is not a research assignment. This means you are not to use the internet at all. Do not simply google the question and copy what comes up. If any sources are used beyond those that are assigned and provided, significant points will be deducted.
Weekly reflection responses must reach a minimum of 500 words and should present clear analysis supported by specific examples from the assigned materials themselves. Since this is a Gordon Rule course, it is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills; therefore, grammar, sentence structure, and word choice will also be a factor in grading. Reflection responses should be in MLA format including a works cited page and citations in the text of the response itself which identifies where each source was used. This includes material that is quoted directly and material that is summarized in one’s own word (direct quotes are preferred).
Submissions must be in either MS Word or PDF file formats. Pages documents cannot be submitted. I am unable to open them; therefore they cannot be graded.