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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Against the backdrop of the current rediscovery of ancient worship practices, the widespread cultural interest in spirituality, 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.

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.

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 TC515: Topics in Theology and Culture: The Medieval World and the Digital Age (Barry Taylor), 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, Pseudo-Dionysius, 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.

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.