CU 345 - The Cultural Heritage of Austria

Study of the rich cultural history of Austria from the Celtic and Roman heritage (150 B.C. – 400 A.D.), the Bajuvarian immigration from Southern Germany (starting about 500 A.D.), the Babenberg dynasty (976 – 1246), the Habsburg Empire (1278 – 1918), the proclamation of the Republic of Austria after WWI (1918), the Austrian Civil War (1934), the Anschluss of Austria by Nazi Germany (1938) and the occupation of Austria after WWII (1945 – 1955) which was ended by the State Treaty (1955) re-establishing the sovereignty of Austria. In 1995 Austria joined the EU and in 2001 Austria introduced the Euro currency.

The course explores the European exchange of intellectual, artistic and cultural ideas and movements which shaped the expression in art, music, theater, architecture and social history in the 'Austrian' realm. The class includes visits to numerous museums and churches (e.g. Art History Museum, Upper Belvedere Palace, National Library, Imperial Burial Vault [Kapuzinergruft], St. Stephen's Cathedral, Imperial Palace, Treasury, Natural History Museum, Wien Museum including Roman Ruins, St. Charles' Church, Schönbrunn Castle, …) and walking tours around the city of Vienna.