Anthropology: Different Faces in a Different Country

A Little Traveler- 
What a Class is like Abroad: Sculptures, Drawing, and Anatomy

         A class abroad is not all that different from a class here in Ohio, except you have the entire city of Florence as your classroom! A class abroad can change who you are as a student and inspire your mind. It pushes you to step beyond the line and learn something different through a hands on living abroad experience. My anthropology class was centered around human head anatomy in anthropology. My first blog post explains the first week of classes in Florence.

       During the first week of classes we went to La Academia and the Bargello. We were asked to compare each interpretation of the David. Michelangelo's David is very different that Donatello's. In the anthropology class it was interesting to see both statues in person rather than trying to analyze two pictures of the statues. As both statues are from different art periods we as students had to take into account how art during the periods would have influenced the sculptors. We also compared and contrasted the anatomy and perspective of muscles and different parts of the body and how it influences the appearance. In Michelangelo's David, the boy is not a boy but rather a man and does not include the head of Goliath at the feet. Donatello's David is very clearly a boy and the anatomy is not nearly as anatomically correct, but the detail in Goliath's dead head is quite detailed.

       During our next weeks we were able to visit the anthropology museum which contained many different skulls and displays of our ancestors pasts. In the second picture this was a display of the Sri Lankan people and their artifacts. This was particularly interesting to me because I did not think that I could see the history of my ancestors all the way in Italy! We were also given time to look at skulls in the anthropology lab at the university thanks to Professor Moggi. We were also given the incredible opportunity of looking at the vast skull collection that the university has including a giant skeleton! Being in Florence and getting the opportunity to see this many skulls in one place and analyzing the jaws and head structure of them is a privilege that I would not get if I had not gone abroad.

    Throughout the month that we were in Florence we learned how to sculpt the front of skulls by using the model skulls that Dr. Spurlock brought for us. I sculpted the petite Asian woman. We used our hands to fells the creases and smooth edges of the skull. We were surprised when we made the eye sockets and cheek bones as to how many details go into it. We also had extra clay so we learned how to sculpt ears which I personally found much easier. We were even able to fire one piece each in the kiln and I got to fire my skull which was my favorite souvenir that I brought back. There were only ten of us in this class which made it very nice as we had a very hands on approach with the sculpting.

          My favorite part of the whole class was getting to use the tissue depth markers to reconstruct a face. I am not by any means an artist, but I surprisingly really enjoyed sketching faces and analyzing the shapes and curves on the skulls, teeth, and nasal cavity.

          This class is one of my most favorite. I most likely would never have gotten to take it if I had not made the decision to study abroad. I did not think that I would enjoy the art aspect of the class, but Dr. Spurlock really encouraged us as students to step out of our comfort zones and try something new and experience Florence as a part of the course. Study abroad opens the mind to new opportunities that I never thought possible. It made me a more well rounded student and taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to.  If you have the opportunity to study abroad I highly recommend it and the Education Abroad Office and the College of Arts and Sciences is incredibly helpful. 

Until the next adventure, Ciao! 

A Little Traveler

Weekend Trips All Over Italy!

A Little Traveler- 
 Weekend Trips- Cinque Terre, Siena, and Venice!

       When you're abroad traveling outside of your city is very easy through buses and trains. Each city has a rich history, traditions, and beauty like no other. From the colorful buildings in Cinque Terre to the canals of Venice-- Italy truly is beautiful in every aspect. 

Cinque Terre- Vernazza, Manarola, and Monterosso 

        Cinque Terre is the gorgeous seaside that calms all minds. The five cities that make up Cinque Terre are known for the fishing, sailing, olive groves, vineyards, hiking trails and swimming. Cinque Terre is not a mainstream tourism destination, but it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Monterosso- This is the main destination for anyone looking for an amazing beach with crystal clear water and sun for miles. You can even rent paddle boats, kayaks, and swim to your hearts content. 

Vernazza- Another one of the five cities in Cinque Terre. This is not a place to swim, but there is good kayaking and hiking. There is also a stone tower that is well preserved and perfect for viewing the entirety of the sea and a good place to have insightful thoughts. 

Manarola- This is the city that has the famous colorful buildings that Cinque Terre is known for. There are small shops, amazing gelato, and great hiking spots. There are also the perfect swimming coves where the water is crystal clear. The rocks are covered in clams, crabs, and algae. There are caves waiting to be explored, but the rocks are very sharp!

Siena- The city that rivaled Florence

            The city is adorned with many monuments and symbolic frescos. Their main attractions are the Palazzo Pubblico-- the large public square used in many traditions, their duomo-- that was meant to rival Firenze's Duomo, and the Torre del Mangia- the main tower in the square. The Facciatone is also climbable and has an amazing view of the city and its surroundings. 

Venice- Murano Glass and Wanderlust Canals

                 Venice is completely breathtaking. From the Grand canal to the Piazza San Marco Venice is a true mark of history and beauty. A city comprised of small islands and water for miles-- the water calms the soul and opens the mind. The streets are curve and turns in different ways, getting lost is inevitable, but the small alleys and bridges are perfect for photo opportunities. 

Even though I'm back from Florence now, all the little trips and culture will stay with me forever! Weekend trips were the perfect getaway to explore everything else Italy has to offer. Stay Tuned for more updates on the classes I took and opportunities on how you can study abroad too! 

Until the next adventure ciao!

A Little Traveler