Academics > Spring 2008 Spring 2008
Rome Experience Spring 2008 Student Quote: Emily Byers "The great thing is, while I'm reading about the contemplations of the beauty of nature, and the philosophy behind beauty and aesthetics, I'm outside in a sunny courtyard staring at beautiful Roman pottery and olive trees and grape vines and cracked stones....AND IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL I WANT TO CRY!" Student Blog: Anna Wilson, February 25, 2008 Yesterday, we went to Roma! We took a train and then caught the underground at Termini. We got off at Spagna, and I soon found myself standing in Piazza Di Spagna. The Spanish steps and the surrounding plaza were spectacular. Cobblestone streets, fountains, horse carriages, and more designer stores than you could imagine. We ascended the stairs until we were level with an endless array of rooftops covered with plants, clothes hanging to dry, and swooning Italian couples. We then explored the rest of plaza, and let me tell you, Italians looove their designer fashions. Valentino, Gucci, D&G, Hermes, Prada, Armani, Ferrari, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, the list goes on and on. We then worked our way to St. Peter's Square. Along the way, we passed several Embassies, The Palace of Justice, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Tiber River and so many other beautiful sights. We stopped for lunch at a pizzeria and then went to the Square. it was just as I remembered, it felt so good to be back! The exquisite sculptures, the fountains, the Swiss Guards, and so many people from all over the world. While there, we stopped at the Vatican Post Office, and I bought Francobolli (stamps) in Italian, successfully, whew! We headed back to the metro around 5 and barely caught the train back to Castel Gandolfo. I enjoy the train ride very much. It is a good time to relax and even meet Italians and communicate with them. We eat dinner at 8pm every night. It is a simple several course meal with white wine. Before and afterwards, we hang out, play cards, enjoy Fanta or other various drinks, and laugh until we cry. Today, we went to visit the Museo Di Villa Giulia, a beautiful villa once used as an afternoon getaway for the pope. It is now housing an Etruscan exhibit. The villa was absolutely beautiful and the Etrsucan artifacts were exquisite. The tour was lengthy but still interesting. We hit up the Piazza Di Popolo (Plaza of the People), another beautiful square with so much to see and do. The twin churches loomed before us and fountains gushed cool clear water all around. There is always so much to take in and no camera can possibly capture the essence of my surroundings. We walked down the cobblestone streets, stopping in shops and grabbing some gelato. Then it was back to the underground, to catch the train back home. Dinner is filled with plenty food and laughter and it becomes evident that we are becoming a family.
Everywhere I go, there is something new that takes my breath away; a new view that I cant tear my eyes from; an alluring smell that sparks my interest (the cigarettes smell way better here); a unique moment that I want to turn into an eternity.
I could get used to this.
Program Information
Dates: Feb. 23 – Apr 18, 2008 Faculty Director: Dr. John Trapani Rome Coordinator: Danilo Mori Courses Offered: The City of Rome: The City as Story and Tradition – 3 cr. “All roads lead to Rome;” this course asks: why?Why had a small group of shepherd’s hamlets on the fringes of the civilized world become the center of the most powerful empire the world had ever known?Why does the city of Rome, long after its political decline, still attract thinkers, saints (and sinners), artists, poets, musicians, and tourists to this day?This class will literally follow in the footsteps of those who had been drawn to Rome before: from the conquering Emperors of the ancient world, to the pilgrims of the Middle Ages, to the aristocrats of the European “Grand Tour,” to the poets, artists and philosophers of the modern age, we will seek out the city as these travelers saw it.We will read their words, visit the same monuments and explore the same neighborhoods.The approach will be inter-disciplinary, taking a historical, literary, theological, philosophical, and cultural approach to the study of Rome as a city of story and tradition. Fulfills Tier II requirement The Art and Culture of Rome – 3 cr. As the center of a vast empire and of Roman Catholicism, the arts have flourished in Rome.This course will survey the history of art through Roman art, architecture, and the decorative arts.Also, we will focus on “culture” more generally through art as expressed in religious, political, and domestic spheres. Fulfills Tier I requirement
Philosophy – 3 cr. The Great Challenges that Shook the Western World (PHIL 290) In this course, students will examine and understand the major intellectual changes that have challenged and shaped the history of the western world view. Drawing upon the interrelation of philosophy, theology, the experimental sciences, and the fine arts of painting, music, and literature, students will trace the significant shifts and transitions in these fields, observing the way that they have influenced and fashioned our 21st century thinking and understanding of the world.
Fulfills Tier II requirement Elementary Italian – 3 cr. Independent Study – 3 cr. (optional) |
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