This course investigates the intertwining of art and nature in the Eastern Roman Empire. Ecocriticism, art, literature, philosophy, and theology will be called upon. Students will consider the correlation of art and the environment; will learn to work between text and image; will work with a range of visual media and literary genres; and will think through the recurrence of ideas in the history of the Eastern Roman Empire; and will consider the role of art outside of major urban centers. Sacredness, spirituality, artifice, and the erotic will be key themes in this course. A class trip to Sicily is planned for the Spring Recess.
