131-272 Venice and Cultures of Consumption

Special entry conditions apply. Itinerary and travel arrangements available from Australians Studying Abroad. Prospective students must register with ASA prior to approval of enrolments at http://www.asatravinfo.com.au. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

Fifty points of first year from any area within the Faculty of Arts.

Students enrolled in this subject need to enrol concurrently in either 116-226 Beginners Italian: Study Abroad or 116-228 The Story of Italian: Study Abroad.

This intensive four-week study abroad subject will be taught in Venice. The Renaissance in Italy is regarded by many as the locus of the first consumer society in the western world. Venice was at the centre of the new commercial revolution and the trade and production of the luxury goods that were its staple. This module examines Venice's position as a trading empire, and the goods traded, produced and consumed from luxurious textiles, printed books, art works, dyes and spices, to slaves and prostitutes. Venetian authorities were actively involved in regulating consumption with the passage of extensive sumptuary laws, the development of copyright, the application of duties and taxes, and a complex system of surveillance. Students will complete this subject with a deeper understanding of Venetian society and its contribution to one of the key markers of the west and of modernity.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts;

• demonstrate international awareness and openness to the world;

• show awareness of new aspects of Italian culture;

• demonstrate skills in public speaking and confidence in self-expression through seminar participation and class presentations

A seminar presentation 15% (due during the intensive), a journal of 1,500 words 20% (due at the end of the intensive), and one research essay of 2,500 words 65% (due at the end of semester one 2008).

A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom 3 weeks before the beginning of the overseas intensive