This course examines over a millennium of music, art, literature, and culture in Venice, using as its lens the theatricality of the city’s unique topography, environment, and geographic position. Moving between modern and medieval, from the stage to the street, this course explores the lasting fascination of this ephemeral, implausible place. Topics include: public opera; civic ritual; tourism; Venice in fiction and film. An excursion to Venice will take place over the spring break.