Cultural Connections: Venice & Western Asia (With V&A visit)

About this course

The course examines political, social and economic connections between Western Asia, North Africa and the Italian states from around the 14th to the 18th centuries. It considers interactions involving the Mamluks, Safavids, Ottomans and Venetians, including trade, diplomacy and material culture. Teaching combines a lecture with group discussion, followed by an offsite visit to the V&A. At the museum, participants study selected objects and use them to place the historical themes from the earlier session in context.

What you'll learn

• Outline key events affecting Western Asia, North Africa and the Italian states between approximately the 14th and 18th centuries.
• Describe connections between the Mamluks, Safavids, Ottomans and Venetians through trade, diplomacy and material culture.
• Contextualise selected museum objects in relation to the periods and regions studied.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels. Participants should be able to follow simple written and spoken instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. The teaching includes group discussions, and the museum visit involves participation outside the classroom.

• The offsite visit requires walking between sites and standing while viewing objects for some time.
• Access arrangements can vary between buildings; wheelchair users should confirm access details in advance.

Before you go

• Handouts are provided.
• A notebook or sketchbook and pencils may be useful.
• A portable gallery stool may be brought if required, although seating at the museum cannot be guaranteed.
• Museum entry is free.
• A reading list may be provided; books from it may be purchased separately.