Venice and Cultures of Consumption

Subject HIST30051 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

November, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject is taught on site from 23 November to 21 December 2009
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Catherine Kovesi

Contact

Dr Catherine Kovesi x48160 c.kovesi@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

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 subject 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.

Objectives:
  • have a rounded picture of a particular past social and cultural context which has left a profound impact upon European culture of the succeeding centuries up to our own.
  • acquire an understanding of Italian culture and its contribution to understandings of modernity and the west.
  • gain intercultural skills: possess an understanding of a culture's complexity and respect for difference and diversity
Assessment: An essay proposal 10% (due during the intensive), a reflective journal of 1500 words 30% (due at the end of the intensive) and a research essay of 2500 words 60% (due mid February 2010)
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • 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
Notes: Special entry conditions apply. Itinerary and travel arrangements available from the School of Historical Studies. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Exact travel dates to be finalised. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Studies Major
History
History
History
History Major

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