Spend four weeks in Florence in summer 2013 with Towson University.
The role of the observing eye, and its impact on the presentation of a narrative, has changed drastically in recent years. With the modern documentarian having an inclusive role in his or her own work, and "opinion" journalism prevailing over reasoned neutrality, we have entered an interesting period in visual communication. This program offers participants an opportunity to explore the process of nonfictional storytelling by visually documenting the human experience from an artistic/journalistic/ethnographic perspective. Drawing from a variety of academic disciplines, discussion topics will consider the influence of media technologies on contemporary visual communication, as well as the methods, means, and ethical practices involved in achieving specific storytelling goals.
Whether it's propaganda, directed exploration, or simply the presentation of someone's personal story, students will be encouraged to explore a variety of media formats (drawing, painting, photography, video, animation, audio, infographics, design) as their means for documenting observations, and constructing researched visual narratives.
Florence is regarded as the symbol of the Renaissance and for centuries travelers and admirers of the arts and culture have fallen in love with this city, and the Tuscan countryside that surrounds it. The historic center attracts millions of visitors each year and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks including the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Palazzo Pitti along with world famous institutions such as the Galleria dell'Accademia and Galleria degli Uffizi.
The program is based at Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM) in Florence. LdM's campus is housed in 15 buildings in the San Lorenzo area of Florence and together the buildings contain a full range of facilities including specialized art studios, a cafeteria, and a courtyard garden. It is a short walk from campus to some of Florence’s most famous sites. LdM offers a range of academic and cultural optional excursions which students may participate in for an additional fee. Typical destinations include Cinque Terre, Pompeii, and Rome.
Program participants will stay in shared self-catered apartments typically within walking distance (25 to 30 minutes) of the school faciltiies. Apartments are furnished and usually consist of 2-4 double-occupancy bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathroom. Bed linens, access to a washing machine, and free Wifi are provided.
Program Director:Prof. Penny Forester, Towson University Dept. of Art and Design, Art History, and Art Education.
Course: All students will enroll in ART 370: Visual Storytelling (3 credits) PLUS choose one additional course offered through LdM (3 credits). All classes are taught in English. ART 370 will meet Monday through Thursday from 1:15 p.m. until 3:45 p.m.
Costs: *4,350 includes academic credit, housing, local airport pickup, health insurance, museum entrances, walking tour, and welcome and farewell dinners. Additional costs include $150 study abroad fee, international airfare, meals, occasional local bus fare (€2,40), optional day trip to Torino (€139), and personal expenses.
Note: International airfare is not included in the program cost. Students will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to the program location to arrive by the designated date and time. The Study Abroad Office will identify an optional flight which participants may purchase independently if desired.
*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
Eligibility: Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, a high school diploma or equivalent experience, and be at least 18 years old.
Application Process: Fill out the application and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $250 deposit is required at time of application. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
