Duke in Venice, Summer 2008

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.