Session	Dates	Price
Fall Semester 2009 - Palazzo Rucellai - Architecture	Late August - Mid December 2009	TBA
Fall Semester 2009 - Palazzo Rucellai - Liberal Arts	Late August - Mid December 2009	TBA
Academic Year 2009-2010 - Palazzo Rucellai - Liberal Arts	Late August 2009 - Early May 2010	TBA

Full Description

Course Description

Against the backdrop of the evolution of architecture in Italy, the course will examine historically significant sites which have been preserved or adapted for contemporary use. Historical and technical, as well as legal and bureaucratic aspects of preservations will be considered. Selected readings, class discussion, site visits and guest lectures will form the body of the work of the course. Paper topics may be chosen accordind to the specific interests of the individual student.

The aim of the course is to give students the basic information and adequate tools to foster their awareness in the field of preservation of the historical-architectural heritage.

The students will be guided to perceive and understand today’s edifices in relation to their historical and urban context. At the end of the course students will be able to establish the historical value of the buildings examining their present condition and identifying each element and all characteristics by means of their knowledge both of the history of Italian architecture and of the basic theory and practice of historic preservation. This knowledge is the base of the critical process that will permit the re-elaborating and re-interpreting of all that is already known of the building in order to distinguish the different phases of its transformation into what we are examining today. In addition, the student will acquire familiarity with the styles and works of some major masters, including Brunelleschi, Palladio, Michelangelo and Bernini, as they emerge within their cultural context. The course combines slide lectures with numerous visits to monuments, historical buildings and sites, including a two day field trip to Venice, a day trip to Rome and another to Orvieto. Students must complete one term paper. Participation includes two brief, informal, oral presentations. The participation grade also reflects in-class discussion, which is based on the reading assignment.

Course descriptions may be subject to occasional minor modifications at the discretion of the instructor.

Textbooks

During orientation at the Institute, students will receive a list of textbooks they are required to purchase. Students should not purchase any texts before orientation.