Field Study in the
Architecture of Medieval France: Castle, Cathedral, City &
Cloister
France, Bourbonnais: Summer 2004
Columbia University Art History and Archæology Professor
Stephen Murray and his colleagues invite you to consider the
Middle Ages through the intensive study and documentation of
its architectural monuments in the heart of France: parish churches,
abbeys, cathedrals, castles, manor houses, mills, granges, cities,
and towns. Our base for six weeks will be the Château
de Bostz at Besson near the city of Moulins. This private estate
includes the remains of four medieval castles once occupied
by the ducs de Bourbon and still held by their descendants.
The historic region of the Bourbonnais flourished in the eleventh
and twelfth centuries immediately prior to the dramatic turn
of history when France became France. It neighbors the ancient
regions of Auvergne to the south, Burgundy to the north and
east, and Berry to the west.
This summer, we will concentrate on a remarkable group of some three hundred medieval churches. Students will work in teams, each responsible for a particular aspect of architectural practice, including the overall plan of the church; sculptured capitals; techniques of masonry construction, such as walls, buttresses, and vaults; and liturgical furniture and devotional objects as well. Each week we will undertake a longer visit to a site of major importance. Readings will be provided digitally and through access to local libraries and archives.
This Columbia University field school is open to both advanced
undergraduate and graduate students from any major or discipline—including
science and engineering. Emphasis will be on the architecture,
history, culture, economics, and technology of the Middle Ages
and the application of archival research, archæology,
photography, videography, and digital media techniques. The
Fondation Bourbonnais has provided funding to subsidize accommodations.
Faculty/Staff: Art History and Archæology Professor Stephen Murray; Graduate Field Director Andrew Tallon; and guest lecturers.
Pre-requisites: An enthusiastic interest in the history and culture of France—particularly in the Middle Ages—and a mature ability to work individually and in groups. Coursework in French above the high school level is suggested, though not required.
Calendar: Six weeks, from June 16 to July 29.
Credit/Cost: Art History and Archæology s4460z Architecture of Medieval France, 4 points (semester hours) or 1 course; independent study credit may be arranged for a separate fee; NB: open to both advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
$5,000 includes tuition, course materials, housing, two meals
daily, local travel; does not include airfare, personal expenses,
independent travel, language tutorials, independent study
credit,
or a transcript fee.
Further Information:
Andrew Tallon, Field Director
ajt76@columbia.edu
Application:
Overseas Programs
203 Lewisohn Hall
2970 Broadway, MC4119
New York, NY 10027
212.854.2559
212.854.7400 Fax
fjj1@columbia.edu
http://www.ce.columbia.edu/summer/fieldstudy.cfm
Space is limited; rolling admissions until March 12, 2004; send completed application, 250-word personal statement addressing your background and academic interest in the program, recommendation from a professor or dean describing your personal and academic capabilities to successfully participate in the program, official transcript, and a $35 application fee (non-Columbia/Barnard students only).
View images from the Bourbonnais Program in the summer of 2002.
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| Château of
Fourchaud, view of exterior. |
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| Church of Saint
Menoux, detail of capital. |
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