ALES 291 (*3)  Mythical, Agricultural and Nutritional Origins of the Mediterranean Diet

An examination of the mythical origins of the food species that encompass the Mediterranean diet.  The crops (including their nutritional aspects) as well as the health benefits of the diet (compared with the North American diet) will be covered through lecture, discussion, and practical field trips (including visits to local farms and vineyards).  Prerequisites waived.  

Fall 2013 (October 7 - December 13, 2013)

ART H 211 (*3)  Italian Art History from late Antiquity to the Renaissance

An introduction to the main themes in Italian art from the establishment of Christianity as a State Religion to the death of Michelangelo. Field trips to Assisi, Perugia and Florence. Prerequisites waived.  

CLASS 255 (*3)  From Rome to Ravenna          

A survey of the society and culture of ancient Rome from 509 B.C.through the rise of Byzantium.  We will study the politics, the archaeology and monuments as well as the popular culture of spectacle. Field Trip to Pompeii. Prerequisites waived.

CLASS 399 (formerly 358) (*3)  Archaeological Study of Ancient Italy

A study of ancient Italy as defined by archaeological evidence, theory and interpretation. We will also study the way artifacts are displayed in museums and consider the rationales that determine restoration, preservation, and presentation of archaeological material.  Field trips to Paestum and Roccagloriosa. Prerequisites waived.

HIST 300 (*3) Art and Culture in Fascist Italy

An examination of art and culture under the Fascist regime in Italy, and how it supported Mussolini’s vision of creating a ‘Third Roman Empire’ (ancient Rome being the first, and Renaissance Italy being the second).  Field trip to Rome. Prerequisites waived.  

INT D 125 (*3) Introduction to Italian Language and Culture             

This course will give you the basic skills to communicate effectively in your daily interactions and travel while also introducing you to Italian culture to provide a better appreciation of the similarities and differences between Italy and Canada.  Not open to students with credit in ITAL 111/112 or any higher level Italian course. NOTE: Students who successfully complete Int D 125 do not have the prerequisite to register in ITAL 112.  Students wishing to continue in Italian language studies should register in ITAL 111.  This course will not fulfill the Language other than English requirement for BA program at the U of A.

ITAL 111 (*3)  Beginners’ Italian I                          

Designed for students with little or no previous background in Italian.  Focuses on development of basic grammar and communication skills.  NOTE: not to be taken by students with native or near-native proficiency in Italian, or with Italian 30 or its equivalents in Canada and other countries.

POL S 354 (*3)  Modern Italian Politics and Society          

An overview of Italy’s major socio-political, cultural and economic issues over the past 50 years, the social/political roots of organized crime and its interaction with national politics, the role of the Catholic Church and its influence, and the turbulence of Berlusconi’s time in office and how it has affected Italy and the European Union. Field trip to Rome. Prerequisites waived.

Winter 2014 (January 13 - March 21, 2014)

ART H 202 (*3) History of Renaissance Art                        

Taking the art and architecture of Cortona as a starting point, this course will explore the history of visual art and culture in the 15th and 16th centuries. Not open to students with credit in ART H 252. Fields trips to Assisi and Perugia. Prerequisites waived.

CLASS 255 (*3)  From Rome to Ravenna                    

A survey of the society and culture of ancient Rome from 509 B.C. through the rise of Byzantium.  We will study the politics, the archaeology and monuments as well as the popular culture of spectacle.  Field Trips to Paestum and Pompeii. Prerequisites waived.

CLASS 478 (*3)  The Power of Beauty                                  

A study of cultural appropriation, intellectual property and the history of classical archaeology.  We will concentrate, first, on Greek Art in Italy, then on the Roman use of Greek Art and lastly the appropriation of the Classical Past and the Classical heritage (in particular the role of Greek Art  in modern nation building).  Field trip to Rome. Prerequisites waived.       

HIST 300 (*3) Culture and Society in Medieval Rome               

A study of the cultural implications of the social and political life of Rome during the Middle Ages starting in the 4^th century A.D. and ending in the 13^th century with a focus on the ideological implications of art and architecture. Field trip to Rome. Prerequisites waived.

INT D 125 (*3) Introduction to Italian Language and Culture             

This course will give you the basic skills to communicate effectively in your daily interactions and travel while also introducing you to Italian culture to provide a better appreciation of the similarities and differences between Italy and Canada.  Not open to students with credit in ITAL 111/112 or any higher level Italian course. NOTE: Students who successfully complete Int D 125 do not have the prerequisite to register in ITAL 112.  Students wishing to continue in Italian language studies should register in ITAL 111.  This course will not fulfill the Language other than English requirement for BA program at the U of A.

ITAL 112 (*3) Beginners’ Italian II                                  

A continuation of ITAL 111. NOTE: This course should not be taken by students with native (or near-native) proficiency in Italian, or the equivalents in Canada or other countries. Prerequisite: ITAL 111 or consent of Department.

MLCS 305 (*3) Carnival

An examination of the history of carnival as well as various versions of it in the world (including the Caribbean, Louisiana, Québec City, Rio and Venice).  The notion of carnival as a subversive practice will be examined in order to understand how folklore develops in relation to, but not necessarily in harmony with, religion, politics and social structure. Field trip to Viareggio.  Prerequisites waived.

MLCS 399 (*3)  The Borgias

An introduction to Renaissance Italy through an examination of the television series, The Borgias. Close analysis and performance of several episodes alongside related historical material will highlight the differences and similarities between history and fiction. You will consider the following questions: what makes certain historical figures more memorable, or sensational, than others? What makes a good story? What makes good history? What are the benefits or disadvantages of historical fiction? Is there fiction in history?  Field trip to Florence. Prerequisites waived.

POL S 359 (*3) Migration and Immigration in the European Union

An analysis of the immigration policies of the European Union, with particular focus on the strategies defined by the EU and by the Council of Europe. The aim of the course is to examine all aspects of immigration, including admission to the state, judicial and social implications, expulsion, and centres of detention for illegal immigrants.  Prerequisites waived.