Dates: July 6- Aug 4th
Group leader(s): Vincent Rocchio, v.rocchio@neu.edu
Course description: Based in Rome, the purpose of this course is to expose students to the art, culture, and political history of Italy. Applying theories of two major cultural dynamics - Realism and Modernism - this course looks at the ways in which Realism and Modernism exercise enduring roles in the shape and contours of Italian art, culture, and politics. In particular, the course will analyze these two concepts as dynamic and evolving practices in painting, sculpture, architecture and film, that respond to shifting political formations and issues. It examines how these two dynamics function through the evolution from empire, to city-state, to the nation-state and the shift from an agrarian to industrial society. Using John Cabot University as an instructional base, the course will extensively use the city of Rome as a classroom, including tours of the Vatican and Vatican Museums, the Borghese Gallery, the ruins at Ostia Antica, the Colusseum, and Forum, the modern EUR district, and the Capitoline Museum. In addition, the class will be taking field trips to different locations featured prominently in the Italian films screened during the course.
This is an interdisciplinary course exposing students to both Italian culture and theories of cultural studies. It is an opportunity to explore another culture and to experience first hand how theory can provide a deeper, more complex understanding of culture, art, and politics.
Course credits: CMNU 306 (4SH) IAFU 939 (4SH)
Cost of program: Summer tuition
Application Process: Download the Dialogue of Civilizations application, enrollment form, and waiver form. Turn in two copies of each completed form and two copies of your unofficial transcript to the Office of International Study Programs in 10 BV.
Application Deadline: November 14, 2008
Disclaimer: Some information posted here is tentative and subject to change based on costs and dates of available flights. The website is updated as current information becomes available.
