SCFC661
From Antipasto to Rome: Strolling in the Eternal City
Join us on a virtual tour of Rome using Google Earth. Through its streets, corners, and piazzas, the most spectacular city on earth combines culinary traditions with monuments that have witnessed historical events for the last 3,000 years. Experience the a dolce far niente attitude that captures the emotion of all Rome’s visitors amidst the joyful chaos of a very crowded city.
We will follow preset scripts for each session as we stroll the urbis. On each "walk," we will observe the best-known and greatest monuments and put them in the context of history. On the same walks, we will discover the little gems and less-visited heritage that reflect in detail the fascinating and varied history of the city.
We will wander with a purpose: as we examine scenes of the city, we will narrate its history, traditions, and attractions: The great gelateria next to the Pantheon and the Pantheon's dome, the great pizzeria next to St. Peter and St. Peter's fascinating facade, the great panini maker in a cold-cuts shop next to the Capitoline hill crowned the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the best market in the city next to the shard dump of ancient Rome. With these varied tips and bits of crucial information about how to go about the city smoothly, you will be able to experience a Rome that few travelers will ever see.
Please note that enrolment in this course is limited to adults 55+.
| Section | Sessions | Dates | Time | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCFC661-VA1121 | 6 - Thu | Jan 12–Feb 16 | 2:30–4:20 pm | Van | Alvaro Higueras | $104 | Closed |
You may take this course as part of the following program:
What will I learn?
We will examine the following topics:
- Week 1 - Life in the most spectacular city on the face of the earth. What to do first? What about the heritage and attractions? Where is the pizza?
- Week 2 - The history of the city: the ebb and flow of Classical Rome up to a not-very-heroic fall.
- Week 3 - The Dark Ages in Rome: Eleven centuries as a backwater town.
- Week 4 - Exploring Rome off the beaten path. We’ll go back in time to explore the wonders of underground Rome.
- Week 5 - The rebirth of a city as a meeting place for geniuses once again. Masterpieces for free!
- Week 6 - Rome today and for the ages, and management and development of a historical city.
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Video clips and photos
- Discussion (may vary from class to class)
- Papers (applicable only to certificate students)
Who should take this course?
This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the culture and city of Rome.
How will I be evaluated?
(For certificate students only)
Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”
Textbooks and learning materials
Reading material (if applicable) will be available in class. Some course materials may be available online.