The Eternal City: Rome and the Performance of Power
Tentative Program Dates
December 28, 2025 - January 10, 2026
Program Overview
This two-week, interdisciplinary course will study the city of Rome, from the classical to the contemporary period, as a performative space that staged its political, economic, military, and cultural power through the arts. Through the combination of readings on and tours of the city’s art, architecture and historical sites, this course will examine the major sociopolitical and artistic forces that helped shape Rome and cast itself as an imperial and cultural power.
Program Eligibility & Admission
- Recommended for Performing Arts majors and Art History minors, but open to all majors and minors.
Course Information
All students enroll in the following course option:
- XX: TBD
Academic Highlights
- Explore and identify a variety of Roman artistic traditions and styles in their historical contexts to illuminate how the arts were in essential dialogue with society.
- Define and describe key elements of artistic forms, aesthetics, and conventions.
- Analyze, compare, and contrast the ways diverse Roman cultures expressed themselves in artistic forms.
Cultural Highlights
- Ring in the New Year and experience the unique Italian Feast of the Epiphany holiday
- Visit the Cinecitta film museum for a look at Italian cinema
- Excursion to the lost city of Pompeii
- Look at iconic sites such as the Roman Forum and Colosseum from the lens of performance
- Experience Papal mass and the influence of the Vatican on power in Rome
Costs & Inclusions
Program Fee: $TBD
Included in Program Fee
- Welcome and Farewell Meals
- Registration Fee
- Shared accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Included excursions and guest speakers
Not included in Program Fee
- Round trip airfare
- Tuition for 4 credits
- Most meals and incidental expenses
- Passports (or Visas)