The Duke University Office of Study Abroad, in cooperation with Venice International University, will offer a six-week, two-course program in Venice, Italy in the summer of 2007.
The program is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to study Venetian civilization, religion, culture, and art history, along with some of the ideas about art, politics, and religion that have been important in the shaping of modern thought.
Sam Miglarese, instructor in the Department of Religion at Duke, and Director of Community Engagement in the Office of Community Affairs, will direct the program. The city of Venice, with its scenic canals and islands, will serve as the participants' home and classroom for this six-week summer program.
ARTHIST 135A
01 Topics in Italian Art and Architecture: Venetian Art of the Renaissance (15th-16th century) ALP, CCI, CZ
The course opens with an introduction to Byzantine and Gothic art in Venice, and goes on to concentrate on major early Renaissance painters, such as Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini and Vittore Carpaccio. Art, sculpture and architecture of the sixteenth century, which is considered the Golden Age of Venetian art, are all taken into account, along with important foreign influences. Here our focus is primarily on the work of Giorgione and Titian. We also give some consideration to the first development of Mannerism, the painting of Tintoretto, Veronese and Bassano, and the architecture of Sansovino and Palladio. Lectures in class are supplemented by visits to churches and museums of Venice. Taught in English by Professor Maria Agnese Wiel, a Venetian art historian.
One course credit.
RELIGION 185.01
Selected Topics: The Venetian Empire (VXth & XVIth Centuries) and its Imperial Piety: Catholic Christianity and the role of the Virgin Mary, St. Mark, and the saint protectors of Venice.
The course will examine the religious, devotional and hagiographic traditions of Catholic Christianity as it was lived in the Empire of Venice. These traditions are best captured in the religious art and architecture as well as the current practice of liturgical ceremonies and traditions unique to Venice. Topics will include the place of Christ Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Evangelist Mark and other saints in Catholic life and thinking then and since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). We will study the influence of prized relics as well as the history and legends attached to the saints connected to the political history of Venice. We will also explore at the same time Venice and the Jews and the role of Shakespeare's, The Merchant of Venice. Excursions into the churches, palaces, museums, and galleries that embody Venice 's imperial piety will demonstrate the place and power of the religious sensibilities of imperial Venice. Taught in English by Sam Miglarese.
One course credit.
Prerequisites
An introductory art history course or introduction to Christianity would be helpful. Some knowledge of the Italian language is also helpful. Students must be in good academic standing and provide a current transcript. Duke students will register for both courses; non-Dukes will be registered by the Office of Study Abroad. Neither the pass/fail option, nor auditing is permitted. Due to the academic nature of the program, late arrival and/or early departure will not be permitted.
This program is run by Duke University and all applicants must apply through Duke.
For further information consult the Duke University web site.
This six-week, two course summer program examines the myth of Venice through plays, poetry, novellas, letters, trial transcripts, contemporary accounts, travel literature and films that celebrated this city.
Taught in English by Duke Professor Valeria Finucci, ITALIAN 136P/HISTORY 175B/ICS 128 City and City Life in Italy: Special Topic: The Myth of Venice will focus on the many facets of Venice, a city of luxury and mercantile pursuits as reflected in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and Othello, as well as the epitome of lust, greed, seduction and power. Known as La Serenissima (a most serene city), Venice combined incomparable beauty and urban charm, beautiful women and lavish art.
The second course, ARTHIST 135A Topics in Italian Art & Architecture: Venetian Art of the Renaissance (15th-16th Century), examines a retrospect of sixteenth-century art, sculpture and architecture - considered the Golden Age of Venetian art. Extensive museum, church and archaeological site touring will enhance course lectures and readings. This course will be taught by Professor Maria Agnese Wiel, a Venetian art historian.
Students live in the dormitories of Venice International University on San Servolo Island.
Summer 2010 June 6 - 27 Three different courses will be offered during this edition.
Drawing from the Venetian Masters
Fulfills: Fine Arts Core, Fine Arts major/minor elective
Credits: (3 credits)
Introductory-level studio art course examines the process, materials, and issues addressed in exploration of the basic principles and concepts of making visual artwork.
Professor Alston Conley, Department of Fine Arts
The Imaginary City: Why Writers Love Venice
Fulfills: Philosophy major elective, Romance Language major elective, English major elective
Credits: (3 credits)
A detailed exploration of the world's most beautiful and enigmatic city through fiction, essays, cinema, philosophy and on-site wanderings. What can this dream city built on water teach us about the fundamental questions of truth, beauty, and human existence.
Professor Kevin Newmark, Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, A&S Honors Program
Venice and New Orleans: A Comparative Study of Two Imperiled Cities
Fulfills: Political Science major elective
Credits: (3 credits) Focuses on two great cities that are perennially imperiled by floods. It examines how floods and the threat of flooding have shaped Venice and New Orleans physically, politically and culturally.
Professor Marc Landy, Department of Political Science