Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the cultural and intellectual accomplishments of a specific city that achieved prominence in a particular time period, and had substantial impact and influence on human civilization. Examines the political, social, religious, and cultural factors that help to explain a city's significance and investigates the achievements of its citizens. This course may be repeated for credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

VENICE: Between East and West

This course introduces students to the study of the political, cultural, and artistic life of the Republic of Venice, one of the most powerful States of the Italian peninsula from the 13th to the 17th century, later to be incorporated into the Italian State. Situated at the crossroads of trade routes with the East, Venice was able to create a powerful maritime Empire that looked to the East as much as it was rooted in the West, while being challenged in its political and economic interests by neighboring political powers. A thriving mercantile State, it allowed many religious and cultural groups to coexist within its borders, thus profiting from the labour and traffic of many groups. But material wealth was not the only reason for the outburst of cultural production in painting, sculpture, music, and literature. Venetian citizens’ love for social pleasures and erotic delight also played a major role. Readings comprise two novels, two plays, two memoirs, as well as historical documents, ranging from the origin of the Republic until modern day Venice. In-class discussions will also briefly address the role of Venice as “city of art” and tourist site in contemporary Italy (from the Biennale to the carnival), its role in contemporary ecological politics as well as its participation to political separatist

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in the following activities:  

1. Read and analyze Humanities texts creatively and to academic standards.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Venice in relation to mercantilism, East-West trade routes, republican government, citizenry and Jewish culture, print culture, European imperialism, the history of sexuality and the history of diseases.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of Venetian cultural production (theatre and art) in relation to its historical and social context.
4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze works of art using relevant terminology.
5. Write about Humanities texts analytically by becoming proficient in modeling interpretation, linking claims to evidence, developing a thesis, structuring a paper, and using sources effectively.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

RECOMMENDED READING: