We propose in this program to study some of the enduring ideas which have come down to us by way of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Our interest is in not only the genesis of these ideas but how they have been passed on, made manifest, suppressed, recycled, rediscovered, and reinterpreted over the past two millennia by subsequent civilizations. To assist us in our research, we will look at various concepts of the Classical Legacy which embody some of our central program themes, such as Apollonian versus Dionysian forces, the human body as an art form, the concept of space, the myth of cosmogony and art as ritual.
Our reading list will include some theoretical texts, but mostly ones which deal directly with the artifacts and issues of the Classical world, both in their original context and as they recurred over the next twenty-three centuries. For the list, go to the <Reading> link in the menu at the bottom of the program home page.
We will not approach our studies in a strict chronological manner, but will jump back and forth between the ancient, the medieval, the Renaissance, and the modern world in order to see more clearly the connections between various time periods.
In addition to our historic, philosophical, and literary studies, there will be three elective studies: figure drawing, photography, and literarature. Each of the first two quarters, students can pick one of these three areas to pursue individualized work.
Successful completion of the first two quarters is prerequisite to participating
in the Spring quarter’s study abroad program in Europe to view first-hand
some of the sites we will have read about and discussed. For eight
weeks, we will travel to various sites in southern France and Northern
Italy (Marseilles, Nimes, Arles, Aix, Nice, Florence, and Rome, for example)
to see how the Classical Legacy is expressed both in the ruins of the ancient
world, museums and the contemporary art and architecture of Western Europe.