DESCRIPTION: This course studies selected texts and artistic programs from the late medieval period, 1300-1500. Offered in Orvieto, Italy, it will feature in-depth study of Giotto's "Life of St Francis" in the Upper Church of San Francesco in Assisi; Ambrogio Lorenzetti's "Good Government and Bad Government" in the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena; and Signorelli's fresco program in the Capella Nuova in Orvieto in the context of the theological and worship life of the late middle ages and early renaissance.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through reading, discussion, and visits students will (1) understand the medieval theological and historical context of the church, (2) experience the liturgical practices that emerged in that setting, and (3) be able to appreciate the artistic products that resulted from this setting.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Against the backdrop of the current rediscovery of ancient worship practices and increased use of the arts in worship, it is important for Christian leaders to understand the medieval context in which the traditions of Western art were born and the worship practices this art reflected.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will include lecture and discussion of readings that seeks to give students a basic understanding of biblical, historical and theological issues. Lectures will prepare students for visits to the Orvieto Cathedral, Siena Town Hall and St Francis' Church in Assisi, and participation in the Corpus Christi celebrations (including the performance of mystery plays) in order to enable them to understand art as theological practice in the context of medieval thought. Course will be taught in Orvieto , Italy, June 12-20, though residence in Orvieto June 12-24 is encouraged. Students are responsible for arrangements for housing and travel and for consulting with the International Services Office (ISO) regarding Fuller Seminary requirements related to travel abroad.

REQUIRED READING:

Augustine. On Christian Doctrine.

Bonaventure. The Soul's Journey into God. And The Life of St. Francis.

Riess, Jonathan. The Renaissance Anti-Christ: Luca Signorelli's Orvieto Frescos. Princeton UP, 1995.

Course reader: Quentin Skinner; G. R. Evans, Hayden MacGinnes et al.

Baxandall, Michael. Painting and Experience in 15th Century Italy. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford UP, 1988.

Burke, Peter. Culture and Society in Renaissance Italy: 1420-1540. London: B. T. Batsford, 1972.

Canali, Ferruccio. The Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi. Firenze: Bonechi, 1954.

Copleston, F. C. Medieval Philosophy. New York: Harper, 1952 (Dover ed., 2001).

Gilbert, C. How Fra Angelico and Luca Signorelli Saw the End of the World. Penn. State Univ. Press, 2003.

Lansing, Carol. Power and Purity: Cathar Heresy in Medieval Italy. New York: Oxford UP, 1998.

McLellan, Dugald. Signorelli's Orvieto Frescos. Perugia: Quattroemme, 1998.

Meltzoff, Stanley. Botticelli, Signorelli and Savanarola. Firenze: Leo S. Olschki, 1987.

Welch, Evelyn. Art and Society in Italy, 1350-1500. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.