There are three main works of craftsmanship and art I am most anxious about seeing first and foremost there is the Sistine chapel. In my opinion it holds Michelangelo’s greatest achievements. The symbolism buried in his work there, such as theCreation of Adam and the images of The Last Judgment are still impacting when you find them even after 500 years. For this reason I have even used the Creation of Adam in a research poster before. Although it was edited to relate to the topic at hand.
I’ve attached that at the bottom.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistine_Chapel
Another work that I am interested in seeing is Moses once more by Michelangelo. Although The David is what most people think of when they think of Michelangelo’s marble sculptures I have always thought that Moses is his most impressive work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_(Michelangelo)
Lastly, I am very excited to see the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus. Ever since I was a kid my cousins adoration of roman architecture and gladiators has always caught my interest. The Colosseum is actually were in my opinion Roman art was shown at its best. Mixing the architectures style of all the past influences in Rome. And the Circus Maximus, well I mean Ben Hurr thats just awesome!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_Maximus
In art you must know what you are looking at and why, if not the David just becomes another rock to the beholder. That’s why everyones experience will be different. Although I’m not sure how I’m going to feel when I see these works of art. From my knowledge of Rome I image for me its going to be an overwhelming feeling that will leave me breathless as I look at the true images of what these artists did. I have seen the images online and in videos before but I believe that seeing it through the lens of the camera, as incredible as it may be, is nothing compared to seeing their work in person. And many people have told me same.
Ramses Alcaide
To give you guys an idea of what I’m doing school wise over there and the reason this blog is up I am adding a copy of our work below along with our itinerary.
*WORK*
Classics 399
Rome OMAD 2009
Monuments of the Self
In our trip to Rome, I want you to explore not only the history, culture, and monuments of the ancient (and at times, modern) city but also the effects of this exploration on your sense of self and personal and cultural identity. In order to do so, I ask you to create three distinct “monuments” of your own.
1. The Journal. I want you to keep a journal that will provide the building blocks for your final essay (due in Spring, date TBA). This is a private journal, and I will not ask to see it (if you want me to, I will—but I do not ask this). For the journal, I want you to do the following:
a. Between now and your departure, I want you to describe—for yourself—what you expect to see and experience in Rome. Identify (using ancient City as your guide, if you wish) the specific monuments and places you believe you will see, and then describe the feelings you imagine will come over you as you first see them. You do not have to describe every monument or site you think we will see—just pick the ones you feel especially strongly about.
b. During your flights to Rome, articulate your feelings and experiences. How is the flight? How are you feeling? Excited? Nervous? Bored? Unsure? How will it feel to arrive finally in Rome? Getting into the van? Arriving at the Campo de’ Fiori? Is there anything you are nervous about? If at all possible, I would like you to have your journals out as you start to land, and describe your thoughts on first seeing Italy as you approach it.
c. On the evening of our first day, describe your impressions and whether or not these impressions matched your expectations. Did the city look, sound, and smell as you thought it would? What is your apartment like? What does if feel like facing your first night in this apartment, in a city thousands of miles from Seattle?
d. At the end of each day thereafter, name the places and items you saw in the day and briefly describe what impressed or surprised you the most. You may wish to include the following:
i. What did I learn about Rome and Italy (or the Italians) that I did not already know?
ii. What did I learn about my own culture, community, or country that I did not already know?
iii. What changes do I notice in my way of understanding my self or my education?
e. On the flight back to Seattle, review your entries and try to summarize the entire experience.
f. Three weeks into the next quarter, reread your journal and account for the similarities or differences between what you expected, what you experienced while there, and how the entire experience seems to you now that it has passed. Write an essay on the basis of your experiences as recorded in your journal. Fundamental points should include (1) how your expectations did or did not match your experiences (be specific), (2) what changes in your attitudes you can identify, and (3) what changes in your attitudes you can’t identify. Rome is almost certain to change you; I would like to hear how it has or has not. The essays should be between five and six pages long.
2. Monumental Sketches. While in Rome, return to three of the monuments we have visited and draw a sketch of them (I recommend pencil or pen, but you can use whatever medium you wish)—please note that these do not have to be high-quality art; just take your time and do the best you can. As you are working on your journal, select one of the drawings and describe the experience you had encountering it in this way—drawing it. The drawing and your account provide a graphic and verbal monument of your encounter. You will turn in both the drawings and your written account. The written account should be between one to two pages long.
3. Photographic Account. As you are working on your journal (i.e., when you return), select a photograph of yourself taken during the trip (ask a classmate, or me, to take one), study it, and describe what you see: both your memories of the day it was taken, and how you see the person there encountering that day. What does the photo reveal about that individual (you)? Is that person different now? How?The written account should be between one and two pages long.
*ITINERARY*
OMA ROME PROGRAM 2009!
Required Books:
Blue Guide: Rome and Environs. Macadam.
The Ancient City. Life in Classical Athens and Rome. Connolly and Dodge.
Streetwise. Rome
Daily Plan:
Note that from Tuesday, March 17th on, we meet downstairs at the Pio at 8:30; “walking class” lasts from about 8:30 to about 1:00 (or so); afternoon classes run from 4:00 to 5:30, in a third floor Pio classroom.
Sunday, March 15th
Students depart from Seattle on US Airways, flight 752.
Monday, March 16th
• Students arrive in Rome. A private van will take you from the airport to the a small piazza by Sant’ Andrea della Valle: from there, walk to Piazza del’ Biscione, where I shall meet you! I will then take you upstairs to get you situated in your apartments.
• Rome Center Orientation: noon
• Orientation and walk around the city
• Dinner, paid by OMA
Tuesday, March 17th
• Overview of the Seven Hills of Rome, trip to Capitoline Hill and Museum
• Possible afternoon trip to Montemartini
Wednesday, March 18th
• Visit to Ostia Antica: appointment at houses confirmed for 10:30 (Sheryl)
Thursday, March 19th:
Forum Romanum and the Palatine Hill
Friday, March 20th
Circus Maximus, Colosseum, Imperial Fora
Saturday, March 21st
Free day
Sunday, March 22nd
Campus Martius
Monday, March 23rd
Catacombs at Basilica of S. Costanze
Tuesday, March 24th
Baths of Diocletian, Caravaggio walk
Wednesday, March 25th
• Vatican Museum
• "Last Supper," paid by OMA
Thursday, March 26th
Students depart at 10:20 in the morning; a private van will take you to the airport.
In Preparation for Departure and First Days
As you prepare to depart, please read the following:
Blue Guide, pp. 60-74
Ancient City, pp. 105 – 169
During your first days in Rome, please read:
Ancient City, pp. 170 – 251
Wow... This is some pretty cool stuff Ramses! You are so smart... You gotta teach me how to do some of this stuff... See you in a few hours! Ciao for now...
ReplyDelete~Jonathan~