9 July - 2 August 2001
Rome, Florence, Nürnberg, München

                                           
Trevi Fountain Coin                 Charlie's Angels in Florence?                 In Nürnberg, Nazi Rallies
 for return to Rome                           (just call me Bosley)

Course Description
The Art of Power was a six-credit, Study Abroad course. The course examined the connections among art, history, and social history over several centuries from ancient Rome through the era of Hitler. The group of students and professors examined how social, political, and economic power is reflected in the art and architecture of Italy and Germany, and how recurring themes changed over the course of the millennia from the founding of the Roman Republic (ca. 509 B.C.) to modern Germany. Students studied painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Reformation, and Baroque eras and observed how these changing styles unlock the histories of Rome, Florence, Nürnberg, and München.  In addition to studying art and history, students experienced modern Italian and German cultures, and learned how to travel in European cities.

The theme of art and power developed during the first two editions of the Italy-Germany course.  We kept making the connections and then decided we could build an entire course about the relationships between art and power.  This course was shaped the most by LynnRose, my colleague and spouse, who added the ancient Rome section and the pre-trip to the art museum in Columbia, Missouri.  Unfortunately, Lynn did not get to go because enrollment fell below the minimum of 6 students per professor, and Julia and I and the students missed her cheerful presence and her expertise in ancient history.

Sixteen students enjoyed this class and they traveled well.  This group made it to the highest point in Germany, the Zugspitze, although quite a few people spent the long cable car ascent huddled together telling stories and trying to forget how far below was terra firma!  We had an especially productive tour and discussion about the National Socialist party rally site in Nürnberg.