Understanding our Baroque heritage

Once again, the International Institute for Baroque Studies at the University of Malta, which is a multi-disciplinary institution specialising in teaching and research activities dealing with European Baroque heritage with particular reference to Malta, will be offering a Diploma in Baroque Architecture course for interested candidates from different walks of life.

The course will be spread over two years, with lectures being held once a week on Fridays. The subjects covered in the first semester aim to provide students with a background of the evolution of Baroque art and architecture in the context of the political, religious and intellectual scenarios of Baroque Europe.

They include 'An Introduction to Baroque Europe', 'Baroque Architecture', 'Baroque Sculpture' and 'Baroque Painting'.

The subjects covered in the second semester aim to provide information about the physical-environment relationships that affected the Baroque lifestyle in 17th and 18th century Europe, particularly the dialogues established between fortifications and territory, urban and rural spaces, splendid Baroque palaces and man-made garden landscapes.

The subjects in this semester include 'The Baroque City', 'Fortification Building', 'Baroque Gardens' and 'Baroque Music and Theatre'.

The subjects taught in the third and fourth semesters in the second year of the course aim to introduce students to the anatomy of Baroque buildings and their conservation so that the subjects include the 'Stereotomy of Baroque Buildings', 'Docum-entation', 'Conservation Philosophy' and 'Methods and Building Materials used in the Baroque Age'.

The course ends with a long essay of not more than 15,000 words on a subject chosen by the students and approved by the Board of Studies of the course.

When contacted yesterday, the director of the International Institute for Baroque studies, Professor Denis De Lucca, said that this year a number of lecturers from foreign universities specialising in various aspects of Baroque studies and the conservation of the Baroque heritage will also be participating in some of the teaching sessions.

Applications for the Diploma in Baroque Architecture course, which is being sponsored by the Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure, can be forwarded to the Admissions Office of the University this month.

Anyone interested in applying is advised to contact the diploma course co-ordinator on e-mail hermann.bonnici@um.edu.mt.