Lives in Science: Galilleo in Italy
Announcement for Lives in Science: Galileo in Italy
Honors Travel-Integrated Course, March 23-30, 2013
The Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Honors College announces an exciting opportunity for students to take part in an immersive travel-integrated course to Florence, Italy.
- Course topic: Designed to compliment the Great Works Symposium course on Lives in Science, this course will focus on Galileo. There are three main learning goals for this trip; first, we will deepen our understanding of the context of Galileo's life and work; second, we will deepen our understanding of Galileo's life and work itself; and, third, by exploring Florence and surrounding areas, we will consider Galileo's legacy.
- Itinerary: This course offers a number of site visits within Florence, as well as day trips to surrounding parts of Italy. In Florence, we will find the excellent Museo Galileo / Institute and Museum for the History of Science. Additionally, we will explore the artistic and architectural heritage of the Medici (rulers of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, was one of the most prominent in Europe in its day) in Florence, which will provide a vivid sense of the dynasty's efforts to maintain and increase their power and prestige, and is essential for understanding both Galileos work and his eventual trial and conviction by the Inquisition. A visit to his tomb, and to other sites in Florence, will help us to understand how views of Galileo changed in the centuries following his death. A day trip to the university town of Pisa will allow us to consider the early modern university, the alternative intellectual environment Galileo left to become a courtier. And finally, a day trip to the Vatican will allow us to consider the context of Galileo's run-ins with the Inquisition and the background to the Church's concerns about Galileo's work and publications.
- Course schedule: The course will count as a one-credit addition to the Winter Great Works Symposium course, Celebrity Science: The Lives of Geniuses and Heretics, and it will take place March 23-30, 2013. Students wishing to take part in this trip must also be enrolled in UNIV 241 Celebrity Science.
- Costs: In addition to any standard tuition costs you might have, each selected student will be expected to pay for his or her own plane ticket (estimated cost of $1200), plus a deposit of $200. The deposit is non-refundable if you are selected for the trip. Students will also be responsible for some meals, as well as any incidentals. Lodging, programming fees, and in-country transportation will be covered for Honors students.
- How to apply: If you would like to apply, please submit a one-page essay stating why you are interested in this trip and how it connects to your major/research interests. Please also be sure to include any foreign language expertise, foreign travel experience, and whether you have a valid passport or not. Along with your application essay, you will be required to submit the $200 deposit the deposit will be refunded ONLY if you are not selected for the trip. Please submit your application essay and deposit at the Honors College office by 5PM, October 19.
If you have questions, please contact Kevin Egan at kde25@drexel.edu for further information.