 Visual Arts and Italian Culture in Florence
Italy
May 19 – June 12, 2008
Professors Alex Bostic and Cinzia Corubolo
$3,950 + airfare + VCU tuition
Registration deadline: March 15, 2008
Program description and application [PDF]
The Office of International Education, the Department of Communication Arts, and the School of World Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to study on site in one of the world’s foremost cultural capitals. Florence is a quintessential Italian town with cobblestone streets, art museums on every corner filled with some of the most historical and impressive pieces created by man, quaint cafes and galleries and grand piazzas where you can watch the world go by. There’s something to view around every corner — whether it be statues, fountains, churches or something as simple as a picturesque, winding alleyway.
Course and credit options: 6 VCU credits
All participants will register for COAR 491: Drawing in Italy and HUMS 391: The Italian Genius
 Course description:
COAR 491 Drawing in Italy
This course will engage students in drawing from a myriad of opportunities of Italian scenes including street scenes, landscape and monuments. A variety of drawing techniques and media will be employed such as pencil, oil pastels and watercolor.
HUMS 391 The Italian Genius
An in-depth look at the cultural and artistic accomplishment of the Italian civilization and its world-wide influence as related to extant monument and literary and artistic artifacts. Topics will include intercultural contact between Western and Eastern civilization in Italy, Italian humanism and the Renaissance revival of classical culture, civic and urban culture in Italy from the Middle Ages forward, with a particular focus on the urban fabric of Florence, Siena, Venice and Rome. We will also discuss representations of Italian lifestyle and culture in a small selection of works in the European literary canon. The course is taught in English.
2008 estimated program budget
Program cost: $3,950 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $3,950 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Italian health insurance
- Study tours and admissions
- Weekend excursion to Venice
 On-site program director support- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International student identification card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Most meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $1,000)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Activities and excursions: The program will include museum visits and study tours, most notably an overnight excursion to the historic and breathtaking city of Venice. Venice is considered an architectural marvel, one that has been discovered to be in jeopardy of sinking. Participants also will have the opportunity to join other excursions to a variety of memorable Italian locations or may spend their weekends enjoying the marvels of Florence.
Accommodations and meals: Students will be housed in two or three bedroom apartments. About four or five students will share each apartment. Students may prepare meals in their apartments, or eat in cafés and restaurants in the city.
 Airfare: Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the United States to Italy. Professor Bostic will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For best fares you should purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
Eligibility: Students must have a 2.0 GPA to participate in this program. All majors are welcome, as well as non-VCU students.
Registration deadline: March 15, 2008. Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Program directors: Alex Bostic, professor of communication arts, has been at Virginia Commonwealth University for more than 16 years. Bostic has led nine study abroad programs, including programs to Florence and Gualdo Tadino, Italy and Zimbabwe. He is a professional illustrator, and has been drawing and painting for almost 30 years. Cinzia Corubolo is a professor of Italian and French in the VCU School of World Studies. This is her 6th year taking students to Italy.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.
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