Departing from Memphis on May 19, returning on June 12, and now in its tenth consecutive year, the College of Fine Arts in collaboration with Florence University of the Arts will offer its summer study abroad program.

Check out the 2009 College of Fine Arts trip to Florence, Italy here.

Students enroll in two courses, one of the three ASU courses offered, and one from a wide variety of courses at Florence University of the Arts.

What ASU courses will be offered?

Florentine Art History “in situ”, taught by Dr. Daniel Reeves, Dean of the College of Fine Arts. Open to art and non-art majors, this is a survey of Renaissance art in Florence, from 13th century beginnings to the 16th century transformation into an age of artistic and intellectual giants. Lectures and discussions conducted on site in the presence of heroic works.  Attention is given to the changing functions of art in society and the impact of humanism, economics, science and ideas upon the arts as well as how the arts influenced ideas and world views.

Drawing in Brunelleschi’s Florence, taught by Roger Carlisle, Professor of Art.
A course exploring Filippo Brunelleschi’s influence. The first great genius of the Renaissance, Brunelleschi gained fame as an artist, architect, and engineer. He passed on his knowledge of perspective to friends: the artists Masaccio, Masolino and Donatello. These were the first to apply perspective to art since the fall of Rome. Florence was experiencing social, political, and theological upheaval, the first users of Brunelleschi’s perspective heralded it as a tool for restoring moral authority of the church. Today, his system still offers a remarkably satisfying clear, predictable rationality.
This on-site course will study the artwork by these artists and how they have influenced modern drawing. Drawings will be created using a variety of media in and around the many buildings Brunelleschi designed and built in Florence.

Advanced Printmaking, taught by Shelley Gipson, Associate Professor of Art.
A workshop in two parts:  For the first three weeks in Florence, students will study the history of printmaking and graphic images, compose artworks on location and make printmaking plates. Then, upon returning to ASU, the fourth week will be devoted to printing the portable matrix prints as lithographs, or monoprints and create works from compositions (etchings, mixed media).  By completing the artwork at ASU, you will be able to combine the energy and enthusiasm of the Florentine experience in a time-intensive, reflective and productive manner.

Why is there an estimated price?

Due to the exchange rate of the US dollar in relationship to the Euro, as well as fluctuating airfare prices, it is impossible to establish a final cost until we actually make purchases on your behalf. The program cost is contingent upon airline fares, airline fuel surcharge, airfare taxes, airport security fees, and rate of exchange of the US Dollar. Cost is also based on a minimum of 12 students per course. Final cost will be announced at later date.

What is included in the price?

Program cost includes application fee, six credits in-state undergraduate tuition, housing, airfare, and day of arrival ground transportation in Florence. Housing, included as part of the program, will be double rooms in student apartments. Course lab fees for “Florentine art history in situ” are included. Lab fees for FUA courses are not included. Graduate credit additional.

When is the application fee due?

A $200 non-refundable deposit is due at time of application. Application deadline is December 8, 2009. Half of the remaining balance is due on February 15, and the remainder is due on April 15, 2010.

Do I have to be an ASU student to be part of the program?

No. All courses are open to both ASU Students and Non-ASU Students. We have had students in our program from many major universities, as well as individuals from the community who are not university students.

Do I have to be an art major to be in the program?

No. The program is open to all majors. In fact, many of the students who have participated have had majors in business, mathematics, science, English, theatre, nursing, history, communications, journalism and education.

This website is updated regularly with new information when it becomes available.  Please check back at this web address for announcements.  (Last Updated: October 16, 2009.)

The College of Fine Arts reserves the right to make changes in this program at any time.