The Program

The primary purpose of this program is to advance the students' appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of visual arts through a first hand examination of historically significant works of Italian art and architecture. It is also our intent to provide the student with cross-cultural experiences and to promote cultural awareness while expanding their creative studio skills.

Location

The program travels through Florence, Rome, and Venice. As the major cultural points in Italy, these cities will give students a greater opportunity to cultivate their cultural experiences and provide a better understanding of the Italian way of life.

Classes and Academic Credit

The study abroad to Italy program provides the possibilities for a unique learning situation that focuses on art historical research and traditional studio practices. The art history component consists of a series of visits to museums, and historically significant architectural sites. The student will have the opportunity to observe, analyze and view some of the most accomplished works in European art.

The studio component places emphasis on the development of critical content and the improvement of basic studio skills.

Working from observation, students will develop a daily written journal and a collection of visual exercises within two individual books. The ideas within the journals should be representative of their Italian experience by relating to Renaissance masterworks, architecture, and cityscapes.

Students are expected to work in group situations and also individually to accomplish the tasks set forth by the instructor. It is obligatory that students take full advantage of the surroundings and emerge themselves daily into the art and culture of Italy whether in a group setting or individually.

Students may earn up to six hours of upper division elective credit.

Eligibility

The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students in good standing, and to non - degree students with permission of instructor. Student participation is not limited to member institutions.

Lodging

Students will be housed in safe and comfortable hotels or apartments. The accommodations are usually in walking distance to many sites of interest and affordable restaurants and cafés. Students will stay in either double or triple occupancy rooms.

Cost and Payments

The program cost includes housing, roundtrip airfare, and group transportation fees. Not included are daily meals, extended travel, cell phone rental, health insurance, museum fees, three day water taxi pass (in Venice), and recreational expenses. Costs are based on currency exchange rates and expense estimates for the summer of 2010. Please remember actual costs are variable and subject to international monetary fluctuations.

Payment Schedule

Application Deposit: $500.00
Due November 2009 (date to be specified)

Program Cost Balance: $3300.00
Due March 2010 (date to be specified)

Tuition: Approximately $1200.00
Six hours credit to be paid directly to MTSU when registering for Summer Sessions I and II Art Courses.

Total: $5000

Tentative Schedule

Depart from Nashville International Airport: May 13, 2010

Arrive in Italy: May 14, 2010

Return to Nashville International Airport: June 4, 2010

Cities visited:

Inquiries may be made to: Marisa Recchia (615-898-2012)