Master Class: Urban spaces in medieval Rome (300-1600) (16-23 June 2014)

Master Class: Urban spaces in medieval Rome (300-1600)

16-23 June 2014

Deadline applications: 1 March 2014

Contents
This course offers students the opportunity to engage with concepts of urban space in the Middle Ages through an intensive and interdisciplinary interaction with experts and peers on location. Rome, the Eternal City, is mostly known for its heyday in antiquity and revival during the renaissance and baroque periods, but the extensive medieval past of the city has generally received less attention. Through a number of excursions the participants will become acquainted with the fabric of medieval Rome. By visiting the particular ‘spaces’ under discussion in situ, they will not only learn to conceptualize but also experience the significance of medieval urban spaces. Several international experts will be invited to expand on the theme of urban space in medieval Rome, based on their on-going research in this field. Students will thus become acquainted with the research culture of the various foreign institutes in Rome.

All participants will present a paper (to be prepared prior to beginning the course) that engages with one or more of the (sub-) topics of the course and their own research interests. PhD students are invited to present (parts) of their dissertation projects. ReMA students can gain and test ideas for their prospective master's theses. In situ presentations are encouraged, if possible.

Potential themes include:
- (R-)evolution of religious spaces
- Visualization of identity and power
- Theorizing space, concepts of urbanity
- Mendicant orders
- The papacy
- Pilgrimage to Rome
- Urban hygiene
- Narrative space

Course language
English

Credits
3 ECTS. MA students may expand this to 5 ECTS by writing a research paper under the supervision of their home institution.

Accommodation and costs
Free accommodation is provided at the Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome. Students are expected to book and pay for their own transportation to Rome; after successful participation of the course, travel costs will be reimbursed up to €100. Other expenses (local transportation; admission fees) as well as meals and consumptions are not included (cooking facilities are present at the Institute).

Enrollment
If you wish to participate in this course, please send us a short motivation letter (± 300 words) stating how your research/studies may profit from this course and why the theme of the course is relevant for you, as well as the envisioned subject of your presentation, reflecting on the larger themes it will engage with. Also include your full personal details: name, address, phone no., e-mail address, affiliation (home university), the title of your research project, the title of your master program (if applicable), and whether you are a member of the Onderzoekschool Medievistiek.

Applications should be sent to ozsmed@rug.nl by the 1st of March, 2014.