This course invites participants to photographically revisit the often-overlooked masterpieces of Florence, uncovering contemporary social relevance hidden within their iconography. Through the exploration of public art - sculptures and paintings - students will visually explore both Renaissance and contemporary Florence, using photography as a medium of documentation. They will learn essential photography skills, including composition, lighting (both artificial and natural), editing, and technical proficiency, applicable in both studio and outdoor settings. Furthermore, students will learn to critically evaluate images and consider questions of identity and expression in photography, examining how photographs serve as markers of cultural identity. Students will be encouraged to question and explore their own identities through photography, drawing inspiration from the cultural heritage and contemporary society of their host city. This course must be taken in addition to OSPFLOR 12 units of Stanford Program credit. Further information, deadlines and details on the application process can be found at: https://bosp.stanford.edu/explore/florence/academics/classes-local-institutions. Enrollment limited.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course invites participants to photographically revisit the often-overlooked masterpieces of Florence, uncovering contemporary social relevance hidden within their iconography. Through the exploration of public art - sculptures and paintings - students will visually explore both Renaissance and contemporary Florence, using photography as a medium of documentation. They will learn essential photography skills, including composition, lighting (both artificial and natural), editing, and technical proficiency, applicable in both studio and outdoor settings. Furthermore, students will learn to critically evaluate images and consider questions of identity and expression in photography, examining how photographs serve as markers of cultural identity. Students will be encouraged to question and explore their own identities through photography, drawing inspiration from the cultural heritage and contemporary society of their host city. This course must be taken in addition to 12 units of Stanford Program credit. Further information, deadlines and details on the application process can be found at: https://bosp.stanford.edu/explore/florence/academics/classes-local-institutions. Enrollment limited.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.