The Catholic University for Independent Thinkers
Each summer, University of Dallas professors lead students through the most compelling works of Shakespeare's corpus in the midst of his most enchanting and breathtaking Italian settings on our Shakespeare in Italy program.
Shakespeare was a great English playwright and poet who chose to set many of his plays in Italy. Shakespeare's Italian plays depict different periods of time from the early moments of the Roman Republic through the decline of the Empire, to the height of the Italian Renaissance. The purpose of our travels in Italy is both to stimulate a genuine interest in literature, art and theology, and to raise certain main issues that are prominent in these fields. History and drama intersect at every site, resulting in a greater awareness of our Western heritage and a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's art.
Over the course of two and a half weeks, students will read selections from Shakespeare's plays and from his sequence of sonnets, as well as study three complete plays in detail. In past years these plays have included Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, Othello, Merchant of Venice, The Tempest and The Taming of the Shrew. Supporting readings will be drawn from a few of Europe's most thoughtful travelers to Italy such as Goethe and Henry James.
Unlike most study abroad programs, your classroom is Rome and the other cities and sites you will visit. You will see Ancient Roman sites such as the Forum and the Colosseum; Renaissance sites that spurred the art and literature of the age, including St. Peter's Basilica; Venetian sites featured in Shakespeare's plays like the Rialto Bridge, the Doge's Palace, and the first ghetto in Europe; and Baroque sites of marvel and wonder like the Borghese Museum. In addition you will travel into Rome almost every day, and take a short trip to Venice and Padua.
The dates for the Shakespeare in Italy program are July 10 - 27, 2013. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage students to apply as soon as possible to reserve a spot on the program. The total program costs $6000. Please read the cost description for detailed cost information.
Shakespeare in Italy enjoys the benefit of a staff that is well versed in overcoming the problems that often accompany travel in Italy. University professors who have lived in Italy and taught for the University of Dallas Rome Program are assisted by staff members who have had experience working with the University of Dallas' study abroad programs. All members of the staff are selected with an eye on the importance of eliminating the inefficiencies of traveling in a foreign country while also promoting a serious intellectual community. The student-to-staff ratio will not be greater than 5-1 so that students will have a safe and friendly experience.
No noisy city setting here. The University's ten-acre Eugene Constantin Campus rests in the beautiful foothills just off the Via Appia southeast of Rome, where ancient Rome got its start and where Romans and popes take their summer rest. Take a walk in the kiwi grove, kick around a soccer ball, eat fresh Italian food in our mensa, take a dip in the pool, work out in the exercise room, or just sit in the pergola above the working vineyard. You'll find it come paradiso-like paradise-on the grounds of this beautiful former villa.
See why the University of Dallas's Summer Programs will Expand Your World. Check out our Shakespeare in Italy YouTube video below. For more information please submit an online inquiry form or contact udsummer@udallas.edu.
