13 July - 6 August 1998
Rome, Florence, München, with a day trip to Nürnberg

                                  
     Posing in Rome                                                 Francesca, our wonderful                                      Julia holding class
                                                                                          guide in Rome

Course Description
This study abroad course examined the connections among art, history, and social history during the 14^th, 15^th, and 16^th centuries.  Students studied painting, sculpture, music, and architecture from Gothic, Renaissance, Reformation, and Baroque eras and how these changing styles unlock the histories of Rome, Florence, and Munich.  In addition to studying art and history, students experienced modern Italian and German cultures, learned how to travel in European cities, and visited major historical sites, such as St. Peter’s and the Roman Colosseum, the cathedral complex and Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Dachau concentration camp, Ulm Gothic cathedral.

A group of 12 students and one high school teacher, many of them art history majors, learned a great deal on this trip.  Julia DeLancey, art history professor at Truman and Florentine Renaissance specialist, developed and taught the class with me.  It was my first lengthy exposure to Rome and Florence and I enjoyed myself immensely, even though it was very hot that summer.  Reaching the cooler climate of Munich was a relief.

Each student researched and presented a work of art in its historical and social context, such as Albrecht Dürer's "The Four Apostles" in the Alte Pinokothek in München as a reflection of Martin Luther's theology.  The experience of speaking about a painting, sculpture, building, or square while standing next to the work was exciting to the students.