Duke in Venice, Summer 2011

The Duke University Office of Study Abroad, in cooperation with Venice International University, will offer a four-week, single course program in Venice, Italy in the summer of 2011. The program is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to study aspects of Venetian history and culture, which have been particularly important in the shaping of European civilization.

ENGLISH 142 - 01

The Venice of Our Imaginations (ALP, CCI, R)

Taught in English by Professor Marianna Torgovnick. One course credit.

Venice has long had a special lure and special meanings for Europeans and Americans. What are the meanings and how have they changed over time? Has the lure been seen as dangerous as well as seductive?

This course will enrich your Duke in Venice experience through the study of selected readings, one selected musical composition, and touring and discussion of selected world class art. Readings to include: Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and Othello; Poe's "Cask of Amontillado"; James' The Aspern Papers; Thomas Mann's Death in Venice, and Geoff Dyer's Jeff in Venice. We will also see and discuss selected films. The class format will be lecture-discussion. To check images against the historical record, students will read assigned portions of a history of Venice and take tours of specific sites in the city.

Because 2011 is a biennale year, significant time will be devoted to touring and discussing the amazing art installations around the city. In addition, the class will include trips to sister cities, such as Verona, Padua, Ravenna, and perhaps (depending on class desires) Florence.

Students will be assigned either an oral report or two short written exercises and will write a term paper due the final week of the semester.

PUB POL 101/ VISUALST 190.01/ POLSCI 100Z

The Art of Politics and the Politics of the Arts: Music, Art and Politics in Northern Italy (CCI, ALP, SS)

Taught in English by Professor Ken Rogerson. One course credit.

This course will examine the tense and inspirational relationship between art, music and politics in northern . Students will explore examples of art and music in state-building, social and grass roots movements and revolutions, as well as how political institutions supported and encouraged artistic creation and development. The course will also make occasional field trips to opportunity to go on day trips to nearby cities such as Mantua, Padua, Ravenna, Treviso, Vincenza, and Verona . While at these locations, students can visit museums, churches, public monuments and archaeological sites.