Santa Reparata International School of Art

Catalog of Courses 2005

 


Course Descriptions

Photography

 

Note: Course offering vary by semester, students should check for course availability on the schedule of classes.

 

Note: All photography courses require that student bring a 35mm camera that has a manual setting.  In addition students will be responsible for purchasing film and photographic paper.  Students bring digital cameras should also bring a card reader for downloading images.  It is also recommended that students purchase a

 

Discovering Florence through Photography    

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 23-2651 SR                                                              

Dept: Photography

Students will explore the history and craft of photography while developing their personal vision against the backdrop of Florence and Tuscany. The class will examine such topics as urban and rural landscape, portraiture, and digital techniques. Open to students of all levels of photo experience. Beginners will master the basics of camera usage, film development, and black and white printing while advanced students will work on projects more concerned with personal vision. The digital component of the class will be developed on an individual basis according to interest and previous experience. The class will be structured to profit as much as possible from our time in Florence--photographing in and around Florence as well as visiting museums and galleries. In addition to these field trips, class time will be used to work in the lab, for technical demonstrations, individual and group critiques.

 

Black and White Photography I                                 

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90         

Course # 23-1105 SR                       

Dept: Photography

Course Description: Students will learn basic photographic principles and techniques along with darkroom and laboratory procedures. Aimed at encouraging creativity, emphasis is given to developing a critical sense of the visual language that modern photography uses so expressively. An understanding of technical and critical skills in photography enables students to translate their ideas from other areas of art into the medium of photography.

 

Black and White Photography II                            

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 23-1106 SR

Dept: Photography

Offered: Spring & Fall

Course Description: Designed for students who already have a strong foundation in black and white darkroom practices, this course will present detailed information on advanced techniques. These will include pinhole photography; studio lighting; use of techniques such as solarization, still life and portrait photography; use of the medium format camera; and a complete description of the uses of different papers, developers and films. Classes meet twice a week, 3 hours per class. Students have generous use of photo lab at other times during the week. Prerequisite: Black & White Photography I

 

Color Photography                                                  

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  23-2105 SR                                                            

Dept: Photography

Course Description: Designed for students wishing to add the element of color to their work in photography. Early projects will be designed to help students make the transition from shooting images for black and white to seeing with color film in mind. Slide presentations and discussions will be offered to help students recognize the many new possibilities the use of color offers for making photographs.

Prerequisites: Black & White Photo I and Black and White Photo II

 

Documentary Photography                          

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  23-3520 SR                                                            

Dept: Photography

Course Description: Social and aesthetic aspects of this vital and evolving photographic tradition are explored through and examination of methods, concepts, and history, and put to use in one or more photographic projects.       

Prerequisites: Black and White Photo 

 

Experimental Photography                          

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course# 23-3700

Dept: Photography

Course Description: This course is a systematic exploration of alternative photographic processes, including Cyanotype, Kallitype and Gum Bichromate.  Students will experiment with images through manipulation of graphic arts film, creation of clich verre negatives, digital manipulation and photographic prints. Students will be introduced to a variety of historic, as well as some contemporary photo processes, that are typically classified as alternative or experimental.  In addition to mastering the technical side of these mostly unconventional processes, students will work on projects that extend beyond traditional means of presenting their photo work. This could mean printing imagery on unconventional materials such as fabric, glass or wood or presenting the photos in a more sculptural form.  The class will require students to make new imagery with conventional and less conventional cameras (pinhole cameras, for example), but will also ask students to work with found and collected imagery which can be collaged together with other materials, photos, drawings, prints, etc. to create mixed media pieces. Prerequisites: Black and White Photo II or equivalent

 

Independent Project Photography              

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  22-3798 SR                                                         

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: An independent project is the advanced study of a topic of particular interest to the student. An independent project must not be equivalent in content to courses offered at Santa Reparata. The project takes place outside the regular classroom environment and requires a faculty advisor who will evaluate the result of the project and submit the grade. It is expected that students create and develop a study or production schedule for their projects and that they are prepared to devote at least 3 clock hours of work per week (45 clock hours per semester) for each credit award to be awarded. Students are required to begin developing their project ideas and completing their independent project form before the add period ends. The faculty advisor must approve the proposed project by signing the form. The completed form must be presented to the Director.

 

History of Photography                                              

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course #  23-2652 SR                                                              

Dept: Photography

Course Description: As an introduction to the history of photography, this course covers work from Europe and the United States from the late nineteenth century to present. Students will develop familiarity with the complex and contradictory genres of photographic images: between documentary and discourse; between mass culture and avant-garde art. Particular emphasis will be given to Italian photography.

 

Graphic Design

 

Digital Imaging I                                                       

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  23-2201 SR                                                                         

Dept: Photography

Course Description: Using Adobe Photoshop, a scanner and digital cameras, beginning students learn to create images using the computer.  Step by step tutorials guide students progress from simple color corrections and digital painting to complex collage projects that offer unlimited possibilities for the creative artist.  Students may also be introduced to Adobe InDesign or Adobe Illustrator programs to compliment work done with Photoshop. Projects will be diverse, sometimes requiring students to shoot or collect photographic images while, at other times, they may use the program as a tool for painting and beginning from scratch.  Some projects will be wholly within the art world and might ask, for example, students to express their own thoughts and feelings in a project.  Other projects may be more design-oriented and so deal less with the personal

 

Digital Imaging II                                                      

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  23-3202 SR                                                                         

Dept: Photography

Course Description: Class broadens students understanding of digital media in this diverse manifestations through slide presentations, critical and theoretical readings, CD-ROM viewing, gallery visits, and class discussions., Using Adobe Photoshop, students cover advanced image manipulation techniques including layers, levels, curves, paths, masks and channels, and filters and models.  Assignments are given in this class, but emphasis is placed on project development using digital tools. Supplementary programs such as Fractal Design Painter and Adobe Illustrator are introduced as complementary creative tools.  Class strengthens and expands students competence and knowledge of digital techniques, research, verbal, and conceptualization skills within realm of digital imaging. Prerequisite: Digital Imaging I  

 

Fashion Design

 

Fundamentals of textiles for fashion design  

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-1620 SR                                                                       

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course demonstrates the interrelationship between textiles and clothing design. It explores the importance of the textile industry to the fashion industry.  Students acquire understanding of fibers, fabrics, manufacturing techniques, trends, definitions, and uses of textiles applied to both industries. On-site visits of local textile factories and when possible to textile fairs give students the opportunity to gain a first hand look at the Italian textiles industry. Prerequisites: Introduction to fashion design

 

Topics in Fashion Design: The Italian Fashion Industry

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3670 SR                                               

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Using the Italian fashion industry as a model, students are introduced to the different workings and interrelationships of various industries and services that compose the fashion business. From textiles design and accessories to haut-couture and prt-a-porter, students explore the many aspects of the Italian fashion industry. Visits to design studios, fashion exhibits and textile factories introduce students to the industry first hand.  The course looks at how trends are evaluated, fabrics are selected and final products find their way from the drawing board to the runway and clothing racks. Prerequisites: Introduction to fashion design

 

Fashion Illustration I                                             

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2603 SR                                                                        

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: A thorough foundation in fashion illustration is established in this course, which covers fashion figure and garment interpretation.  Students study and develop the basic structure unique to fashion figure and its characteristics, history stylization, influence, and use in fashion illustration. Students learn to interpret draping quality and surface texture of fabric. Individual interpretation and creative drawing skills are emphasized.

 

Fashion Illustration II                                            

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-3603 SR                                                                        

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course introduces advanced application of fashion illustration in forms of communication such as advertising, marketing, and designing of clothing. Students demonstrate further development of individual interpretation and stylization of fashion illustration in various problem-solving assignments. Refinement of drawing and conceptual skills is stressed.

 

Garment Construction I                                       

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  22-1600 SR                                                                       

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course is an introduction to basic sewing and construction skills. Fabric definition, construction, and function are studied. Students learn hand sewing and finishing, body measurements, pattern use, fabric layout and cutting, and machine operation.  Students are required to create and complete garments.

 

Garment Construction II                                      

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2600 SR                                                                      

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course presents more complex and specialized manufacturing techniques in clothing construction. Applications of skills, organization, and evaluation of the manufacturing process, and acquired methodology are developed, discussed, and demonstrated.  Emphasis is on the development of a quality product. Prerequisites: Garment Construction I

 

Millinery: Hats and Beyond                           

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2621 SR                                                                        

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description:  This course introduces students to the design and construction of hats.  3D design principles and hat-making techniques are studied and applied to wearable and non-wearable creations.  Students learn basic skills of millinery construction through the methods of patterned and blocked forms.

Textile Design

 

Fabric Design: Batik FUJI STUDIO                         

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2620 SR                                                                        

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description:

The word batik (pronounced ba-teek) is Indonesian word meaning wax writing.  This process involves brushing or applying melted beeswax to fabric.  The waxed fabric is then submerged in wet dyes.  The waxed areas resist the dyes creating designs in the fabric.  These fabrics are recognized for their crackle or veining that appears in the design.  This course covers the dyeing techniques of wax resist, silk painting, and the tied and shaped resist processes of Shibori. Projects are designed to teach ways of controlling the image making process through solving color and design problems with the manipulation of the resists and dye bath sequences. The course also includes emphasis on dyes and fiber techniques for the finishing and embellishment of fabrics such as quilting and sewing. Students may choose only one course from the Special Studies list per semester

 

Fabric Design: Silk Screen FUJI STUDIO              

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2226 SR                                                                        

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Silkscreen techniques range from hand-cut lacquer and paper stencils to photographic emulsion techniques using both hand drawn acetates and photographs with lithfilm. Instruction is given in color theory, registration techniques, darkroom procedures, and equipment use. Assignments cover a variety of textile surface design problems covering various systems for design repetition.. Students may choose only one course from the Special Studies list per semester.

 

 

Fabric Design: Weaving FUJI STUDIO STUDIO     

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  TBA                                                                      

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course is an introduction of the traditional art of weaving fabrics.  In this beginning weaving course students work on four harness weaving looms. The basic loom techniques include: weaving terminology, textile analysis and pattern drafting, preparation of wrap, dressing and operating the loom.  Weaving techniques covered are: twills, basket, satin rep, double weave, and hand manipulated techniques: tapestry, inlay, pick-up, brocade, rug knots, leno and lace, and belt weave.  This course is intended for fashion design and textile design students.

 

Jewelry Design

 

Beginning Jewelry                                                     

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2242 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Offered: Spring & Fall

Course Description:

Through hands-on experience, students will be introduced to all of the basic        elements of design and fabrication of contemporary and traditional jewelry. This course will give a solid foundation in workshop practices while placing emphasis on both the quality of design and craftsmanship.

 

Jewelry II                                          

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # missing                                                                               

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course is designed to give beginning jewelry students direct practical experience in the design and fabrication of contemporary and traditional jewelry.  Students are introduced to workshop safety, use of tools and materials, and aims to provide a solid foundation in workshop practice. Emphasis is placed on both design and craftsmanship.

 

Advanced Jewelry                                                     

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # missing                                                                               

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description:

This course is designed to give intermediate jewelry students further direct practical experience in the design and fabrication of contemporary and traditional jewelry. Students are introduced to workshop safety, use of tools and materials, and aims to provide a solid foundation in workshop practice. Emphasis is placed on both design and craftsmanship.

 

Painting & Drawing

 

Color Strategies                                                       

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2260 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Color Strategies will examine the study of traditional color theory in depth, along with modernist color applications.  The basic text sources for the course are Johannes Ittens The Elements of Color, and Joseph Albers The Interaction of Color.  Many of the color exercises taught at the Bauhaus will be a foundation of the course.  The students will be able to orient their color thinking towards their major area of study throughout the semester. This course or its equivalent is a prerequisite for Beginning Painting

 

Beginning Painting                                        

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2220 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: In this introductory oil painting course, students will learn the basic techniques of pictorial representation: color mixing, color composition, the depiction of light and form through painterly means, alla prima painting, under-painting and glazing.  Through studio assignments, students will explore a variety of approaches to oil painting and gain competence using these techniques and materials. Studio assignments will be augmented by discussions, critiques, illustrated lectures, museum visits and the analysis of historic and contemporary paintings. Prerequisites: Drawing I and Color Strategies

 

 

Painting II                                                                  

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2221 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This intermediate painting course builds upon the formal skills learned in Beginning Painting and cultivates further conceptual understanding.  Through a series of studio projects based upon a variety of historical approaches to painting, students will strengthen their mastery of materials and techniques while developing an increased understanding of the relationship between form, subject and content..Museum visits, illustrated lectures, critical readings and critiques will supplement studio projects. Prerequisites: Drawing I, Beginning Painting

 

Figure Painting                                                          

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2223 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Compositional context of the figure and individual form development are studied, using both nude and costumed models, various media and techniques, and individualized instruction.  Acrylics, oils, pastels, watercolors, canvas, and paper are used.. Prerequisites: Figure Drawing I, Beginning painting

 

Painting III                                                                 

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-3222 SR                                                          

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Painting III is an advanced painting course that provides students with a loosely structured sequence of conceptual painting problems based upon modern and contemporary artistic practices.  Through studio projects that engage broad topics in painting, students will begin to define their own personal interests and develop an informed individual aesthetic.  This course leads students to develop a greater level of conceptual knowledge and technical skill, which prepares them for the self-generated problems of Advanced Studio and independent professional practice.  Studio projects will be augmented by critical readings, illustrated lectures and visits to contemporary art exhibitions. Prerequisites: Drawing II, Painting II

 

 

Painting Studio                                                          

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-3223 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Students will be encouraged to choose subject matter and materials that relate to their individual visual concerns and interests. Students will work on developing their own body of work that deals with the issues of content, process, and technique. Classes will include discussions of painting, slides, videos, and visits to museums and contemporary galleries. Prerequisites: Drawing II, Painting III

 

On Site Drawing                                                         

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  22-2217 SR                                                         

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course introduces beginning and advanced students to the formal and technical issues of on site drawing.  Students will learn to accurately and creatively render from life.  The class will address the challenges and benefits posed from working on site.  Taking advantage of the city of Florence and its environs students will work primarily on location in museums, gardens and other historic locations of interest to the instructor and students.   Student will be encourage to use a wide range of mark making tools including:

 

Special Studies in Art: On Site Painting and Drawing          

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Dept: Art and Design

Course # 22-2218 SR                                                          

Course Description: This course introduces beginning and advanced students to the formal and technical issues of on site painting and drawing.   Students will learn to accurately and creatively render from life.  The class will address the challenges and benefits posed from working on site.  Taking advantage of the city of Florence and its environs students will work primarily on location in museums, gardens and other historic locations of interest to the instructor and students.  For practical reasons students will be encourage to use only water based colors though more advanced students may choose to further develop work done on location in other medium outside of class time.

 

On Site Painting                                                        

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  22-2219 SR                                                                       

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description:

This course introduces beginning and advanced students to the formal and technical issues of on site painting.   Students will learn to accurately and creatively render from life.  The class will address the challenges and benefits posed from working on site.  Taking advantage of the city of Florence and its environs students will work primarily on location in museums, gardens and other historic locations of interest to the instructor and students.  For practical reasons students will be encourage to use only water based colors though more advanced students may choose to further develop work done on location in other medium outside of class time.

 

 

Landscape Painting

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 90

Course #  22-2226 SR                                                                       

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: In the Landscape Painting class students will develop critical thinking skills about thematic issues in art by exploring the subject of landscape through drawing, painting, discussion and readings.  We will look at the issues surrounding the use of landscape in art by examining different cultures attitudes about space and place.

Using Florence and the surrounding countryside, the class will consist of several sessions of on-sight sketching and painting.  We will also have studio time to develop a long-term project using landscape as the subject.

 

Independent Project Art & Design           

Credit hours: 1-3 Contact hours: n/a

Course #  22-3998SR                                                          

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: An independent project is the advanced study of a topic of particular interest to the student. An independent project must not be equivalent in content to courses offered at Santa Reparata. The project takes place outside the regular classroom environment and requires a faculty advisor who will evaluate the result of the project and submit the grade. It is expected that students create and develop a study or production schedule for their projects and that they are prepared to devote at least 3 clock hours of work per week (45 clock hours for semester) for each credit award to be awarded. 3 credit hours equal about 9 hours per week of work outside of class time. Students are required to begin developing their project ideas and completing their independent project form before the add period ends. The faculty advisor must approve the proposed project by signing the form. The completed form must be presented to the Director.

 

Drawing I                                                                    

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-1210 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Through observational drawing, using black and white media, students learn the skills needed to realistically render 3-dimensional objects on a 2-dimensional surface. Renaissance systems of perspective and chiaroscuro drawing are explored along with the formal aspects of drawing such as line, tone, shape, rhythm, composition, space and proportion.

 

Drawing II                                                                   

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-1211 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: While the emphasis remains on accuracy, clarity, observation and realistic rendering, individual creative solutions are encouraged in this class. Throughout the semester, students will be challenged to find their own creative means to eloquently express their ideas in drawing. In this class, there is a choice of various drawing media and color. Prerequisite: Drawing I

 

 

Figure Drawing                                                          

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2214 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Using live nude and costumed models, on-site visits to draw from sculptures, and street life in Florence, students will study the anatomical and structural dynamics of the human figure. This course will emphasize the role of the human figure in both traditional and contemporary art. Materials used include pencil, charcoal, conte and wash drawing. Prerequisite: Drawing I

 

Printmaking

 

Printmaking I                                                 

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2224 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Students explore the expressive forms and history of printmaking while learning various printmaking techniques. Projects will start with simple one-color relief prints and graduate to multi-color relief, intaglio, monotype and  photomechanical processes. The inter-relationships of these media to other art disciplines and ideas are stressed.

Pre-requisite: Drawing I

 

Printmaking II                                                

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22- 2225 SR                                                           

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: The approach to printmaking at Santa Reparata includes low-tech processes such as relief prints, intaglio and monotype, combined with the most advanced digital and photomechanical processes. Students will be encouraged to build on their prior experience in printmaking and learn new processes in order to develop their personal approach to image making. Pre-requisites: Drawing I and Printmaking I

 

Woodcut Printmaking                                     

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-2227 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Introduction to simple black and white woodcut printing and more complex methods of working in on color. Students will learn reduction printing, multiple blocks, chine-colle, and the use of the jigsaw to divide the block for separate, multi-colored inking will also be demonstrated, as will various methods of registration and printing, both by hand and using the presses.

 

Serigraphy

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22- 2226 SR                                                           

Dept: Art and Design

Serigraphy or Silk Screen is a printmaking technique that can be applied to fine art prints, graphic design and photographic experimentation.  The course covers various stencil making techniques; paper and cut stencils; direct block out, with the main emphasis on photographic emulsion techniques using both hand drawn acetates, photocopies, computer printouts and photographs with litho film or diffusion transfer film.  Instruction in darkroom procedures, ink  mixing, registration; and printing  methods will be given.\

 

Book Arts                                                                    

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-3347 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description:  This intensive course will introduce students to the traditions and methods of the handmade book, as well as the expressive possibilities available with bookworks. The student will begin with simple foundational structures such as pamphlet-stitched and accordion style books and progress through more complex historical structures such as books sewn on supports, longstitch and coptic bindings. Exploration with materials is encouraged and students can combine other media (such as photography, printmaking, painting, etc.) they are familiar with in creating their bookworks. In addition students will be introduced to traditional methods of typesetting.  To help acquaint the student with the long and on-going tradition of book arts in Italy, time permitting, fieldtrips will be organized to visit contemporary artists (bookbinders, papermakers) in their studios as well as visits to museums and institutions in the area which maintain collections relevant to the art of the book. Lastly, through slide presentations, sample works and lectures, the student will be given an overview of the history of the book and its development in Western art.

 

Advanced Book Arts 

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 90

Course # 22-3348 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course is intended for intermediate and advanced book arts students.  In addition to learning three to four new book structures students will be given more complex projects and variations of structures learned in past semesters.  More emphasis will be given to craftsmanship and creativity in completed projects.  In the second half of the course students will project a book or series of books that will be completed by the end of the semester.  In addition to the final book project students must complete research in an area of book arts to inform and integrate into their final project.  This research may be on ancient manuscripts studying calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, ancient binding structures, typographic research or other areas relating to book arts. 

 

Art History

 

Art History: Early Gothic to High Renaissance              

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-1103 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: Beginning with the frescoes of the late 1200s from the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, this course covers the most important artists of  the 1300s, 1400s, and early 1500s. Students are guided through the major artistic developments of these centuries from the spatial discoveries of Giotto, to the mathematical discovery of perspective, and on to the rebirth of interest in the classical world. The course covers historical and political events and analyzes their influence on the artistic production. Many class sessions are held on-site in museums and churches to enhance the in-class slide lectures.

 

Special Topics in Art History                         

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3100 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This Special Topics course offers the opportunity for specialized study in the area of Art History not normally available as part of the course offerings. Possible courses that may be offered include Futurism; The High Mannerists; History of Printmaking and the Book; Roman and Etruscan Art and Archeology; Realism, Modernism and Post-Modernsim; Il Quattrocento; and Il Cinquecento.

 

Special Topics in Art History: The Quattrocento                  

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3100 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course will introduce students to Early Renaissance Italian Art, focusing mainly on Florence and Venice. The course is designed to explore the relationship between art history and history, between art objects and important episodes in political , social and intellectual history.  Students will learn a new way to see a work of art as a product and and a producer of its time. Beginning with the competition for Baptistery doors we will follow the evolution of the discovery of perspective, the rediscovery of classical elements in architecture,  painting and sculpture. While the contribution of artists such as Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, Ghiberti, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Michelangelo will be discussed in detail, the course will also cover lesser known artists such as Lippi.Pollaiolo, Verrocchio, Piero della Francesca, Paolo Uccello, Luca della Robbia, Beato Angelico, Andrea del Castagno, Rossellino.

 

Special Topics in Art History : The Cinquecento                  

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3100 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: The art, history, and culture in Florence ,Rome and Venice between Late XV century. and the beginning of the XVII cent are explored in this course. This historical period marked a shift in political, religious and artistic life of Italy.   During this time many of the values acquired in the previous periods were put in discussions. The works of writers and artists were deeply affected by the social and political climate.  It is during this period in History that we begin to see the roots of modern individualism.

 

History of Contemporary Art History             

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3100 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: The end of the 1950s brought new directions in artistic practices and beliefs. With the advent of Happenings, Pop Art, Conceptual Art, Body Art, Earthworks, Installations and many other investigations, the role of the artist in society changed significantly. Starting with a review of the formative artistic ideas, which led up to these new directions, this course will take a close look at the art of today. This inquiry is of absolute importance for artists wishing to understand the challenges faced as the 21st century begins.

 

History of Photography                                        

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3100 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: As an introduction to the history of photography, this course covers work from Europe and the United States from the late nineteenth century to present. Students will develop familiarity with the complex and contradictory genres of photographic images: between documentary and discourse; between mass culture and avant-garde art. Particular emphasis will be given to Italian photography.

 

Survey of Italian Architecture                       

Credit hours: 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22- 1131                                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This course will provide the student with a basic survey of the history of architecture, from antiquity through the twentieth century, using the city of Florence and Italy as a case study of major movements and issues in architectural and urban design.  We will examine the city from its earliest foundations as a Roman military colony through its great Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance monuments that still define the city today.  We will finish the course by looking at the interventions of Poggi and Michelucci in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

 

Special Topics in Art History: The Venice Biennale    

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 22-3100 SR                                                            

Dept: Art and Design

Course Description: This art history course focuses on the history and development of the Venice Biennale, one of the oldest and most famous international contemporary art expositions in the world. Founded in 1893, the Venice Biennale was the first exhibition of its kind to invite participating artists from around the world.  With the exception of the years during WW I and WW II, it has been held every two years since. The evolution of its organization has been interesting, complex, and includes historical, art historical and political influences.  Beginning with selected European countries and the United States, the Venice Biennale now represents more than 60 countries. The Venice Biennale was the first exposition that attempted to bring the most influential and important international art and artists together in one venue.  Since its founding it has been a model to many other international art exhibitions and biennials as well as a mirror of the developments of contemporary art trends.  In studying the history of the Biennale students will have the unique opportunity to explore all the aspects that make up such an event, from the practical to the political, and from the national to the international.  Beyond the historical developments of the Venice Biennale, topics of discussion will include:  the global art market; development of the concept of installation; the role of the curator; the proliferation of other international biennial exhibitions; and the changes in art criticism that have evolved from this event. Lectures will also be given on a selected number of artists represented in the exhibition. 

 

Humanities

 

An Italian Journal                                                      

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course #  51-2684 SR                                                  

Dept: Liberal Education

Course Description: This course is designed to broaden students Italian experience through a wide range of cultural activities and lectures on a variety of subjects. A local Instructor will coordinate and lead various field trips such as: visits to artist and artisan studios; a night at the Opera; a visit to Pietrasanta to see the marble-carving and bronze-casting studios; visits to museums, concerts and nearby towns. The course will also include lectures on topics ranging from the history of Italian Opera to Contemporary Italian Politics. One of the first classroom activities (lead by a professional book artist) is to create an original sketchbook or journal using traditional book-making techniques. Students will be asked to record their experiences by collecting materials, writing and sketching. Classes are held once a week with several guest visits and five additional field trips or workshops as well as local excursions. Students are given a schedule at the beginning of the semester so that they may coordinate their weekend traveling.  The Italian Journal course is designed to aid students in maximizing their stay in Florence. It seeks to provide a general framework into which students own experiences may be more contextually placed, whilst offering insights into various areas of Italian, and more particularly Tuscan, culture and society. It is hoped that the expressive elements of the course will offer students the opportunity to develop their communications skills whilst consolidating and solidifying the material learnt.

There is an additional lab fee for this course that covers transportation, museum entry fees, and other activities. This fee must be paid in addition to tuition fees or the student will not be enrolled in course.

 

 

Italian Cinema:  1942 to Present                               

Credit hours:3 Contact hours: 45

Course # Missing 

Course Description: In this course students are introduced to the world of Italian Cinema. It is a general analysis of post-war cinema and a parallel social history of this period using film as "decoded historical evidence". In the first part of the class discussion will focus on Neorealism, a cinematic phenomenon that deeply influenced the ideological and aesthetic rules of film art. The second part of the course will concentrate on the films that mark the decline of Neorealism and the talent of "new"  auteurs such as Fellini and Antonioni . Focusing on the latest developments of the Italian film industry the last part of the course is devoted to the cinema from the 1970's to the present. The class will also analyse the different aspects of Film Making both in Italian and the U.S. industry.

 

History

 

History of Modern Italy

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course #  49-3320                                            

Dept: Liberal Education

Course Description: In this history course, students will study the history of Modern Italy from the Risorgimento and continue on through the development and decline of the liberal Italian state, Mussolini and Italian Fascism, World War II, and post World War II Italy up through recent historical events.  Introduction to major literary, cinematographic, design, and artistic movements are covered as well as social aspects of Italian life including topics such as the development of the Italian educational system, the Italian Mafia, its roots and its influence, the feminist movement and the changing roll of the woman in Italian society.

 

History of Florence

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course #  49-3321  

Dept: Liberal Education                                                 

Course Description: Students will be presented with an interdisciplinary overview of the history of the city from its origins in antiquity to the late fifteenth century. Although the course emphasizes the artistic achievements of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries still visible in todays Florence, it will          lead up to these works through a consideration of their cultural context. Throughout the course, visits to local sites of relevant interest will be scheduled.

Sociology

 

The Italian Family

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course #  50-2515                              

Dept: Liberal Education

Course Description: This course is designed for both sociology and Italian studies students. The course is divided into two parts.  The first part will give background to the historical development of the Italian family from Roman Times.


  The Patriarchal system that began in Roman times and endured into the twentieth century will be explored.  The second part of the course will focus on the modern Italian family.  The roll of each member of the family will be explored in-depth. Topics of discussion will include the roll of the mother and how it has changed over the last century, the roll that grandparents play in child rearing, the change from extended family to nuclear family, the declining birth rate and the effect it is having on family dynamic, regional as well as socio-economic influences on the structure of the family nucleus will be studied. The course will give students the opportunity to have a greater understanding of the Italian people.  In addition, students will be asked to compare and discuss how their family dynamics and structures differ from those of the Italian family.  Students will be asked to interview native Italians to gain a greater more personal understanding of the subject.

Politics

 

Italian Politics and Govt.

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course # 50-2301                                                         

Dept: Liberal Education

Course Description: This political science course will introduce students to the Italian political system.  Students will study the Italian constitution, parliamentary system, political parties, electoral process and systems of administration.  Historical background to political parties and governmental structures are studied.  A daily discussion of current events is incorporated into lessons.  Special attention will be given to the relationship that Italy has with Europe and the United States.

Literature

 

Creative Writing                                                          

Credit hours:3 Contact hours: 45

Course# 55-1101 SR

Dept: Liberal Education

Course Description: Emphasizing the positive, interactive relationship among student, instructor, and class, students will explore the different genres of creative writing.  Students will move at their own pace developing perceptual, technical, and imaginative abilities in several forms of creative writing. This is a writing workshop with a strong literature component. In each meeting we will do a close reading of one or two short pieces of fiction or poetry by well known British or American authors and discuss two or three pieces of student writing. The literature gives students a good introduction to British and American authors from the Romantics to the present, and, more importantly for our purposes, it provides students with excellent examples of different genres and styles that will inspire students to try fresh approaches in their own writing.

 

14th Century Italian Literature: Dante, Bocaccio, Petrarca

Credit hours 3 Contact hours: 45

Course #  51-2105                                            

Dept: Liberal Education

In this Literature course students will study and read portions of the major literary works of three of the most influential and important poets in Italian Literature, Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarca.  These works will be read in translation.  Main readings will be taken from Dantes Diviine Comedy, Boccaccios Decameron and Petrarcas Canzoniere.  The historical, political and philosophic influences will be discussed in-depth. 

Pre-requisites: College level English composition course

Italian Language

 

Italian I                                                                        

Credit hours 4 Contact hours: 60

Course #  51-1320 SR  

Dept: Liberal Education                                                          

Course Description: This is an entry level Italian language course designed for students who have never studied the language before. After completing this course, students will be able to communicate in everyday situations such as introducing themselves, shopping for food or clothing, asking for directions, and making reservations. The course goal is a basic but solid grammatical understanding of the Italian language, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

 

Italian II                                                                       

Credit hours 4 Contact hours: 60

Course #  51-2305 SR  

Dept: Liberal Education                                                          

Course Description: Italian Language: Designed for students who have attended at least one beginning level Italian course, students will build on grammar and vocabulary learned in the first semester. Prerequisite: Beginning Italian

 

Italian III                                                                      

Credit hours 4 Contact hours: 60

Course #  51-2320 SR  

Dept: Liberal Education                                                          

Course Description: For students who have completed two semesters of Italian Language, this course will develop further grammatical proficiency, pronunciation and reading comprehension. Prerequisites:  Italian II or the successful completion of an entrance exam given at the beginning of the semester.

 

Italian IV                                                                      

Credit hours 4 Contact hours: 60

Course #  51-2321 SR                                                           

Dept: Liberal Education

Course Description: This is a course for students who have completed at least three semesters of Italian Language: it includes comprehensive reading skills, oral communication, and an extensive grammar review. The student is provided with authentic, unabridged reading materials that are both interesting and relevant.  Authentic texts provide the language learner with an invaluable source of culture, rich source of vocabulary and more difficult grammatical structures.  All exercises and activities will focus on the development of reading skills and stimulate students' ability to interact in the target language through meaningful and creative communication.

Prerequisites: Italian III or the successful completion of an entrance exam given at the beginning of the semester.

 

Intensive Italian I                                                       

Credit hours 6 Contact hours: 90

Course #  51-1329 SR                                                           

Course Description: This is an entry level Italian language course designed for students who have never studied the language before. It is a more intensive language course offering students the opportunity to focus a greater amount of time on the acquisition of the Italian language. After completing this course, students will be able to communicate in everyday situations such as introducing themselves, shopping for food or clothing, asking for directions, and making reservations, a writing and reading small basic texts in Italian. This focus on practical topics will give students the tools to interact immediately in their new environment.  As students develop their language skills, new and more complex topics of conversation are introduced.  Emphasis is given to the introduction of Italian culture (politics, history, art, traditions, social customs, literature, cinema, daily life, etc.) Many conversation topics are taken from local newspapers, television and Italian magazines. The course program is presented together with the grammar book chapters. At the end of each week there will be one brief quiz. The course goal is a solid grammatical understanding of the Italian language, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

 


 

Course numbering, leveling and grading systems

 

About Santa Reparata International School of Art:  Santa Reparata is a 501(c)(3) non-profit American art school located in Florence, Italy.  Santa Reparata is a program for study abroad students.  Students attending

classes at Santa Reparata do not graduate nor do they receive a degree. 

 

Course Numbering System

 

(Example: Course N. 23- 3620 SR)

Department Code: 23 

Level: 3  

Subject catagory: 6

Sequencing Independent Projects Internship: 20  

School code: SR

 

Departments:

Dept 22: Art and Design

Subject Category Code: 1= Art History; 2=Fine Art; 3=Graphics; 6= Fashion Design; 7= Product Design; 8= Interior Design

 

Dept 23: Photography

Subject Category Code: 1=Foundation; 2= Digital; 3= General/ Commercial Orientation; 4= Specific Focus- Commercial; 5= Documentary/ Photojournalism; 6= History/ Criticism; 7= Art;  8= Business; 9= Capstones.

 

Dept 49, 50, 51: Liberal Education

(49= History; 50= Social Sciences, 51= Humanities)

 

Dept 55: Fiction Writing.

 

Course Levels:

 

1000= Introductory courses that usually do not require prerequisites

2000= Intermediate courses that may require prerequisites

3000= Advanced courses that normally require prerequisites

 

Credit Hours:  One-credit hour indicates a minimum of 50 minutes of class time per week. Most academic offerings are 3-credit hour courses, requiring 45 contact hours per semester. Studio Art courses are 3-credit hour courses that require 2 contact hours per credit hour, per week, for a total of 90 contact hours per semester.

 

Contact Hours: Academic courses meet for a total of 45 contact hours.  Most academic courses require field trips and on-site visits.  These are mandatory and may be considered part of the total contact hours.  Attendance in ALL courses is mandatory.  Students with more than 20% of un-excused absences receive an automatic F for the course.

 

Semesters:

Fall & Spring, 14 weeks full time load=15-16 credit hours

Summer (three sessions)=3-4 weeks full-time load=6 credit hours per session.

 

 

 

Explanation of grading system:

Hours attempted are the number of  hours for which student has received a grade of A, A-, B+. B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, OR CR has been given.

 

 

Grades and Symbols:

Course work completed or incomplete is recorded on transcripts using the following codes:

A   =     4.0 grade points           (Outstanding)

A-  =     3.7 grade points 

B+ =     3.3 grade points

B   =     3.0 grade points           (Above Average)

B-  =     2.7 grade points  

C+ =     2.3 grade points           (Average)

C   =     2.0 grade points

C-  =     1.7grade points

D   =     1 grade point              (Below Average)

F    =    0 grade points              (Failure)

IN  =     0 grade points (Incomplete) is given at the discretion of the instructor. Incompletes must be made up by the end of the successive semester.

CR  =   0 grade points  Successful completion of all course work under the credit/no credit option.

W   =    0 grade points  (Withdrawal) indicates that the student was passing at the time of withdrawal.

EX  =                           (Expelled)

 

Release of Academic Records:  Santa Reparata transcripts and other student records are released by the Directors office located in Florence Italy or the Registrars office in San Antonio, TX, by  written request from the student or persons authorized to do so. 

 

Attendance Policy:  All students attending courses at Santa Reparata are required to attend classes regularly.  Attendance is daily in every course and reported weekly to the schools administration.  Students missing more than 20% in a course will receive an automatic F , failing grade for that course on their transcript.  Exceptions will be made for excused absences.  For an absence to be excused a student must present a valid doctors note signed by the Director and presented to the instructor.    Students with excused absence will be required to complete all work, exams an extra projects to make up for missed classes.  Field trips scheduled by instructors if indicated as such on the syllabus require attendance and are consider part of the course curriculum.  Attendance on these outings and events is mandatory.  Students will be informed in advance of the dates, meeting times and costs associated with these activities.