Wake Forest University Venice: Casa Artom
Discover Venice at WFU Casa Artom
Spots available for Fall 2023. Applications due on March 15th, but admission decisions are rolling.Visit Program Homepage
Dates and Deadlines
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring: WFU House | 2024 | 08/15/2023 | Rolling Admission* | TBD | TBD |
| Fall: WFU House | 2024 | 03/15/2024 | 03/15/2024 | TBD | TBD |
| Spring: WFU House | 2025 | 03/15/2024 | 03/15/2024 | TBD | TBD |
Program Description
Need Help? Get an advisor at 1-336-758-5938
Explore the magnificent sights, narrow streets, canals, and piazzas of Venice, the city surrounded by water. Each semester, Wake students reside at Casa Artom, an historic site once home to the American Consulate located on the Grand Canal and flanked by the Peggy Guggenheim Art Museum and the charming 15th century home Ca'Dario. A WFU faculty member serves as resident professor and lives with the students while teaching and overseeing the academic program in a city that not only captures your attention with its beauty but also provides opportunities to attend cultural activities and festivals including Venice Biennale, Venice Film Festival, Regatta Storica on the Grand Canal, Carnevale, and the Festa della Madonna della Salute.
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Students participating on the WFU/Casa Artom program are required to obtain a visa prior to the program's start date. To help students and families understand the Spanish visa process, the Center for Global Programs and Studies has created a useful WFU Visa website.
Students should also check their passport's expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program's end date. If students need to renew their passport, they should visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website for information on this process. Students can also contact their study abroad advisor with any questions about this.
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Students participating on the WFU/Casa Artom program are required to obtain a visa prior to the program's start date. To help students and families understand the Spanish visa process, the Center for Global Programs and Studies has created a useful WFU Visa website.
Students should also check their passport's expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program's end date. If students need to renew their passport, they should visit the U.S. Department of State's passport website for information on this process. Students can also contact their study abroad advisor with any questions about this.
Surrounded by water, Venice is an enchanting city built on 117 small islands. Its magnificent sights are best seen by walking along the narrow streets, crossing the many canals, and meandering through the piazzas. The Piazza di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, and the Rialto bridge are three among numerous sites that make Venice an unforgettable city. In addition, Wake Forest students may conveniently explore other parts of Italy including Rome, Florence, Pompeii, and Sicily.
In 1971, the University, with the assistance of Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy and Wake Forest alumnus, leased the building that formerly housed the American Consulate. In 1974, the building was purchased by Wake Forest and named Casa Artom in honor of Dr. Camillo Artom, a professor at the Baptist Medical Center until 1969. His wife, Bianca Ara Artom, taught Italian at Wake Forest for many years and served as the director of Casa Artom during the summers until her death in 1994.
Casa Artom is a magnificent two-story building facing the Grand Canal. It is flanked by the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which houses the Peggy Guggenheim art collection, and the magnificent 15th century home Ca'Dario.
Click the following link for pictures of Casa Artom: Casa Artom Photographs.
In 1971, the University, with the assistance of Graham Martin, Ambassador to Italy and Wake Forest alumnus, leased the building that formerly housed the American Consulate. In 1974, the building was purchased by Wake Forest and named Casa Artom in honor of Dr. Camillo Artom, a professor at the Baptist Medical Center until 1969. His wife, Bianca Ara Artom, taught Italian at Wake Forest for many years and served as the director of Casa Artom during the summers until her death in 1994.
Casa Artom is a magnificent two-story building facing the Grand Canal. It is flanked by the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which houses the Peggy Guggenheim art collection, and the magnificent 15th century home Ca'Dario.
Click the following link for pictures of Casa Artom: Casa Artom Photographs.
Each fall and spring semester, a group of Wake Forest students and a Resident Professor live and study together at Casa Artom. Many returning students cite the close relationships formed not only among students but also between students and the Resident Professor as a highlight of the program. All students take four courses taught in English and an Italian language course. While all classes are held at Casa Artom each professor sees the city of Venice as their classroom and often take the students out exploring. Local Italian professors teach language courses and courses within other disciplines including Art, History, and Literature. Local staff coordinate Venice Today, a 1.5 hour pass/fail course all students take. In addition, the Wake Forest Resident Professor teaches two courses from his/her discipline. Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday, leaving a three-day weekend to explore Venice or travel to other destinations.
It is the student’s responsibility to speak to their major and minor advisor(s) regarding their abroad coursework and how (or if) it will count towards their degree plan.
Standard Courses
Italian Language (3h or 4h)
Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced. (Prior study of Italian is not required.)
HMN 160 Venice Today (1.5h) (p/f)
Using Venice as the classroom, students will examine the history of the city, through its buildings, urban planning, arts, and artifacts.
Students will learn the basic theories and techniques of public speaking, practicing speaking for various purposes and different contexts. Students will develop speeches on topics related to their time in Venice and the surrounding community. The students will research local topics, talk to residents, and connect to other classes, linking what they will be learning about language, culture, art, and life in Venice, to the public speaking skills from class.
COM 370 Citizenship, Mobility, and Time (3h)
This class will encourage students to go in more depth with the understanding of their presence in Venice and Europe as temporary citizens, as they reside in Venice longer than tourists, but not as long-term citizens and full members of the community. Students will read, reflect, and practice their own mobility, as they discover Venice and travel across the region, possibly beyond Italy, while developing an analytic understanding of their temporary role and the ways in which they relate to others, be they other Wake students, the local faculty and staff, neighbors and other residents, and tourists.
Other possible courses offered will include two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Structure, function, and taxonomy of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Topics include microbial ecology, industrial microbiology, and medical microbiology. Lab emphasizes microbial diversity through characterizations of isolates from nature
ENV 304 Topics in Environmental Studies: Environmental Issues of Venice (2h)
Seminar and/or lecture courses in selected topics, some involving laboratory instruction. May be repeated if the course title differs.
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Dr. Curran's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Introduction to ways literary artists shape experience, focusing on one topic or selected topics; primarily discussion; writing intensive.
ENG 302 Ideas in Literature: Belonging Beyond Citizenship (3h) (D)
Study of a significant literary theme in selected works. May be repeated when the course is taught by a different professor on a different topic.
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Dr. Franco's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
JOU 340: Magazine Writing (cross-listed as WRI 344)
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Phoebe Zerwick's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Spring 2025 with Jacqui Carrasco, Music
MSC courses TBD
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Jacqui Carrasco's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
It is the student’s responsibility to speak to their major and minor advisor(s) regarding their abroad coursework and how (or if) it will count towards their degree plan.
Standard Courses
Italian Language (3h or 4h)
Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced. (Prior study of Italian is not required.)
HMN 160 Venice Today (1.5h) (p/f)
Using Venice as the classroom, students will examine the history of the city, through its buildings, urban planning, arts, and artifacts.
Spring 2023 with Dr. Alessandra Von Burg, Communication
COM 110 Public S peaking (3h) (D)Students will learn the basic theories and techniques of public speaking, practicing speaking for various purposes and different contexts. Students will develop speeches on topics related to their time in Venice and the surrounding community. The students will research local topics, talk to residents, and connect to other classes, linking what they will be learning about language, culture, art, and life in Venice, to the public speaking skills from class.
COM 370 Citizenship, Mobility, and Time (3h)
This class will encourage students to go in more depth with the understanding of their presence in Venice and Europe as temporary citizens, as they reside in Venice longer than tourists, but not as long-term citizens and full members of the community. Students will read, reflect, and practice their own mobility, as they discover Venice and travel across the region, possibly beyond Italy, while developing an analytic understanding of their temporary role and the ways in which they relate to others, be they other Wake students, the local faculty and staff, neighbors and other residents, and tourists.
Other possible courses offered will include two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Fall 2023 with Dr. Jim Curran, Biology and the Environmental Program
BIO 332 Microbiology (4h) (D)Structure, function, and taxonomy of microorganisms with emphasis on bacteria. Topics include microbial ecology, industrial microbiology, and medical microbiology. Lab emphasizes microbial diversity through characterizations of isolates from nature
ENV 304 Topics in Environmental Studies: Environmental Issues of Venice (2h)
Seminar and/or lecture courses in selected topics, some involving laboratory instruction. May be repeated if the course title differs.
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Dr. Curran's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Spring 2024 with Dr. Dean Franco, English
ENG 150 Literature Interprets the Word: On Being a Stranger (3h) (D)Introduction to ways literary artists shape experience, focusing on one topic or selected topics; primarily discussion; writing intensive.
ENG 302 Ideas in Literature: Belonging Beyond Citizenship (3h) (D)
Study of a significant literary theme in selected works. May be repeated when the course is taught by a different professor on a different topic.
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Dr. Franco's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Fall 2024 with Phoebe Zerwick, Journalism
JOU 278: News Literacy (cross-listed as COM 270)JOU 340: Magazine Writing (cross-listed as WRI 344)
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Phoebe Zerwick's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Spring 2025 with Jacqui Carrasco, Music
MSC courses TBD
In addition to Italian language courses, HMN 160 and Jacqui Carrasco's courses there will be two electives taught by local professors.
ART 269 Venetian Renaissance Art (3h) (D)
A survey of the art of the Venetian Renaissance, with slide lectures and museum visits.
HST 119 Venice and the World (3h) (CD, D)
Traces the role of Venice as an important cultural, military, and economic power from its founding in the 8th century to today.
Satisfies the Division I requirement or can be taken for History major credit.
Resident Professors:
Spring 2023: Dr. Alessandra Von Burg, Communication, beaslea@wfu.edu
Fall 2023: Dr. Jim Curran, Biology, curran@wfu.edu
Spring 2024: Dr. Dean Franco, English, francodj@wfu.edu
Fall 2024: Phoebe Zerwick, Journalism, zerwicp@wfu.edu
Spring 2025: Jacqui Carrasco, Music, carrasj@wfu.edu
Spring 2023: Dr. Alessandra Von Burg, Communication, beaslea@wfu.edu
Fall 2023: Dr. Jim Curran, Biology, curran@wfu.edu
Spring 2024: Dr. Dean Franco, English, francodj@wfu.edu
Fall 2024: Phoebe Zerwick, Journalism, zerwicp@wfu.edu
Spring 2025: Jacqui Carrasco, Music, carrasj@wfu.edu
Casa Artom can accommodate twenty students. The house has bedrooms, a library, classrooms, a dining room, a living room, two kitchens, a patio, and an open courtyard. Modern kitchen facilities are available, and students often prefer to cook their meals together in the house. The house is wired for Internet access and students should bring their laptop computers. The Resident Professor has a suite upstairs consisting of two bedrooms and a bath. Washers and dryers are available in the laundry room.
Click the following link for pictures of Casa Artom: Casa Artom Photographs.
NOTE: All students participating in the WFU/Venice: Casa Artom program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.
Click the following link for pictures of Casa Artom: Casa Artom Photographs.
NOTE: All students participating in the WFU/Venice: Casa Artom program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.
The Resident Professor is responsible for the selection of each group based on the following criteria:
- Academic suitability
- Social and emotional maturity
- Classification (seniors given some priority)
- Priority may be given to students that have completed Italian 111 or 113
- Seriousness of the student in pursuing the academic and cultural aims of the program
- Applicability of the program to the student's interests and studies
Majors in all disciplines are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Students pay current Wake Forest tuition and housing fees. Students are responsible for all meals, round-trip airfare, additional travel, books, visa fees and other personal expenses. Students on this program are eligible for additional scholarships.
Special scholarships for study at Casa Artom are available through the Camillo Artom Fund and the Hubert Humphrey Studies Abroad Scholarship. Interested students should apply through the Center for Global Programs and Studies. Students are also eligible for additional scholarships through the Center for Global Programs and Studies (Reynolda Hall 116).
Dr. Alessandra Von Burg
Program Director of Casa Artom
Associate Professor of Communication
Phone: (336) 758 5405
E-mail: beaslea@wfu.edu
Christina Canon
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
116 Reynolda Hall
E-mail: canonc@wfu.edu
Casa Artom Global Ambassador
Willa Baker: bakewk20@wfu.edu
House Address:
Casa Artom
Dorsoduro 699
San Gregorio
30123 Venice, Italy
Phone: 011-39-041-522-2709
Fax: 011-39-041-522-0277
Program Director of Casa Artom
Associate Professor of Communication
Phone: (336) 758 5405
E-mail: beaslea@wfu.edu
Christina Canon
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
116 Reynolda Hall
E-mail: canonc@wfu.edu
Casa Artom Global Ambassador
Willa Baker: bakewk20@wfu.edu
House Address:
Casa Artom
Dorsoduro 699
San Gregorio
30123 Venice, Italy
Phone: 011-39-041-522-2709
Fax: 011-39-041-522-0277