Fall Break in Italy:
Art and Architecture from Antiquity to the Baroque World
Romans celebrate the traditional founding of their city on April 21, 753 BCE. From this moment of mythical creation, the city has been a center for artistic endeavors in the Western world and beyond. Beginning in antiquity and ending with the urbane popes of the 17th century, this Intensive Course Abroad will examine over 1,000 years of Roman art and architecture and how this visual culture defined each major age in the city. Starting with the Roman Republic, the group will look at how senators and the patrician class sculpted a new and elite identity. For the Empire, students will explore how imagery was exploited to promote Rome as a major world power. In the Middle Ages we will discover how the city became a hub for the new religion of Christianity. In the Renaissance, students will learn how artistic philosophy followed and eventually surpassed the humanist movement begun in Florence. Finally, the group will witness how art and architecture transformed the city in the Baroque era into a powerful seat of Catholic propaganda after the Protestant Revolution.
The classroom for this program is the city of Rome itself. Each day, students will visit a series of monuments, museums, or churches organized around a time period and theme. The program will be conducted as a seminar, with student participation a critical component. Each student will prepare presentations on two monuments of their choice to supplement professor lectures.
Credit/Registration: Students will be registered for ARTH T380: Art and Architecture from Antiquity to the Baroque World for 3 credits during the Fall Term. Students must leave room for the 3 credits in their credit load when registering for fall term or will be billed for credits exceeding the 20 credit maximum.
Pre-Travel Requirements: There will be three mandatory preparatory meetings on campus during summer term.
Instructor: Emily Urban eau32@drexel.edu
Arrival Date: September 12, 2023
Departure Date: September 23, 2023
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates, but are fully responsible for all activity, logistics, and precautions during that time.
Itinerary Overview
DAY 1: TUESDAY 9/12: Introduction and Walking Tour
Arrivals and check in; Afternoon walking tour of centro storico and overview of city
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 9/13: Ancient
Morning
- Temples of Portunus and Victory
- Bocca della Verita
- Ponte Rotto
- Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Afternoon
- Ara Pacis
- Mausoleum of Augustus
- Pantheon
DAY 3: THURSDAY 9/14: Ancient
Morning
- Colosseum
- Arch of Constantine
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Basilica of Maxentius
Afternoon
DAY 4: FRIDAY 9/15: Ancient → Medieval
Morning
- Museo della Mura
- Catacombe di San Sebastiano
- Appian Way
Afternoon
- Free afternoon for exploration of monuments for assignment
DAY 5: SATURDAY 9/16: Medieval
Morning
- Santa Pudenziana
- Santa Prassede
- Santa Maria Maggiore
Afternoon
- San Clemente
- Santa Maria in Trastevere
DAY 6: SUNDAY 9/17: Medieval → Renaissance
Morning
Afternoon
DAY 7: MONDAY 9/18: Renaissance
Morning
- Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
- Villa Farnesina
Afternoon
- Free for exploration of monuments for assignment
DAY 8: TUESDAY 9/19: Renaissance
Morning
Afternoon
DAY 9: WEDNESDAY 9/20: Baroque
Morning
- Santa Maria del Popolo
- Sant’Agostino
- San Luigi dei Francesi
Afternoon
DAY 10: THURSDAY 9/21: Baroque
Morning
- Acqua Felice
- Santa Maria della Vittoria
- San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
- Palazzo Barberini
Afternoon
- Il Gesu
- Sant’Ignazio
- Piazza Navona
DAY 11: FRIDAY 9/22: Baroque
Morning
- St Peter’s
- Ponte Sant’Angelo
Afternoon
- San Francesco a Ripa
- Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
DAY 12: SATURDAY 9/23: check out/fly home
Due May 1st: $500 Advance Payment + $25 Application Fee
Due July 1st: $1,610 Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
--11 nights Accommodations
--Local transport
--Tours and entrance fees for program activities
--All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Not Included in Program Fee (Estimates):
--Round trip flight to Italy $1,550
--Passport
--Airport transfers $100
--Some meals $320
--Visa if required (if applicable)
--Spending money $200
- US Citizens are not required to apply for a visa. Other nationalities should confirm on the Italian Embassy website whether a visa is required.
- Students are responsible for booking their own flights. A suggested flight itinerary will be provided after acceptance.
