VISST200 Italian Art & Contemp Culture
June 20–July 4, 2008

CCA, April 26, S, 10 am-12 pm Italy, June 20-July 4 CCA, August 14, TH, 10 am-4 pm Rich in history and culture and with a singular place in the development of western art, Italy offers unique perspectives to all students of the arts. This interdisciplinary course examines the art, culture, and everyday life of Italy, while providing students an opportunity to work in the medium of their choice. The course traces Italian art and culture from Renaissance to present-day. Students receive a reader pertaining to museums and historical sites to which they must respond before their arrival in Italy. Florence: The class begins in Florence, viewing the masters of the Renaissance in museums such as the Uffizi, San Marco, Accademia Gallery, Santa Maria Novella, and Brancacci Chapel. Sant'Anna in Camprena: Students then stay in the Tuscan countryside at a restored 15th century former monastery, Sant' Anna in Camprena in Val D'Orcia, the Italian film site for The English Patient. While here the class focuses mainly on working in the studio, preparing an exhibition, a tradition enthusiastically supported by the mayor and township. The exhibition takes place at the historical Museum Diocesano in the renaissance town of Pienza (Pope Pius II). Italian Language Workshop: While staying in the monastery, students attend a five-day Italian Language Workshop at Camprena Scuola Di Lingua E Cultura Italiana. Bologna: Participants spend time in Bologna, a dynamic and politically active city, home to the oldest active university (founded in 1088). Along with its Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern museums, Bologna offers many contemporary venues for art. Venice: The class ends in Venice, viewing its various contemporary art venues. This course fulfills a studio elective, or 3 credits of the Visual Studies requirement; or for students who achieve junior or senior standing by the end of spring 2008, this course may count for an Upper Division Interdisciplinary studio requirement.