Summer 2009/ Orvieto, Italy
TC519
Dyrness
TC519: TOPICS IN THEOLOGY AND ART: MEDIEVAL ART AND THEOLOGY.
William
Dyrness with Chris Slatoff.
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. Chris Slatoff will lecture on the
sculpture program of Lorenzo Maitani and lead the studio portion.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through reading, discussion and visits
students will (1) understand the theological and historical context of the
medieval 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 the 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
seek 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, in order to
enable them to understand art as theological practice in the context of
medieval thought. Studio experience in artmaking and spirituality will be
taught by Chris Slatoff. This course is taught in conjunction with SP521
Medieval and Catholic Reformation Spirituality, in which students must also be
enrolled as either a credit student or an auditor.
REQUIRED READING:
- Augustine. On Christian Doctrine.
- Bonaventure. The Soul's Journey to God. And Life of St.
Francis.
- Course reader: Quentin Skinner; G. R. Evans, Hayden MacGinnes, et
al.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
- Riess, Jonathan. The Renaissance Anti-Christ: Luca Signorelli's Orvieto
Frescos. Princeton UP, 1995.
- Welch, Evelyn. Art and Society in Italy, 1350-1500. New York: Oxford
University Press, 1997.
ASSIGNMENTS: The course grade will depend on three elements. Two smaller papers
(4-5 pp.) will reflect on a particular worship practice (mass, procession,
praying the hours) and the role that aesthetic elements play in that practice
(Note: reading and one of the papers and an analysis of Augustine's
On Christian Doctrine will be completed prior to class). And a final
project/paper that could be a artistic/dramatic project or a more traditional
research paper (12-15 pages). Online consultation will follow the class, with
final assignment due on September 18, 2009.
PREREQUISITES: Participation in Summer Program in Orvieto, Italy (June
16-28).
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets requirement for specialized courses in MA in
Theology and Arts and WTA. Meets the MACL in Integrative Studies requirement
for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (2/09)