C7560 - IL CORPO UMANO E GLI SPAZI DELLO SPORT E DEL BENESSERE

Academic Year 2025/2026

  • Docente: Valeria Rubbi
  • Credits: 3
  • SSD: L-ART/03
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Exercise and Sport Sciences (cod. 8512)

Learning outcomes

The course explores the evolution of the representation of the human body in art, with particular focus on the “sporting” body as an aesthetic ideal and a symbol of well-being. Through a historical-critical analysis, it examines the relationship between visual culture, sport, and body perception. At the same time, it investigates the spaces of sport and wellness, from ancient stadiums to modern wellness centers and contemporary sports facilities, highlighting how art and architecture have contributed to the creation of spaces dedicated to sport and psycho-physical health.

Course contents

The Body in Service of Beauty in Ancient Greece: "Balance, Proportions, Rhythm, Harmony, Symmetry"

Artists and Anatomy between the 15th and 16th Centuries: From Experience to Representation

Leonardo’s Anatomical Studies: The Vitruvian Man

The Representation of the Body and Buildings in the 16th Century

Spaces Dedicated to Well-being: From Ancient Thermal Complexes to Private Bathhouses in the Renaissance

Architecture for Sport from Antiquity to the Contemporary Era: Stadiums, Gymnasiums, Sports Halls, and Amphitheaters

Readings/Bibliography

Rappresentare il corpo. Arte e Anatomia da Leonardo all'Illuminismo, catalogo della mostra (Bologna, palazzo Poggi, 10 dicembre 2004-20 marzo 2005), a cura di Giuseppe Olmi, Bologna, Bononia University Press, 2004, pp. 3-132, pp. 175-183.

Assessment methods

1. 30L/28, the highest range of grade, is given when the student shows to be able to deeply, critically and creatively analyze the texts and the images and to put them in the broader context. Special attention is given to the articulation with which the student presents and delivers his ideas during the interview.

2. 24/27 is the range of grade given to the student that shows only a mnemonic knowledge of the material and delivers his interview with a fairly proper language at times inappropriate.

3. 18/23 is the range of grade that reflects a sufficient or superficial knowledge and critical understanding of the material.

4. Lower than 18: Lacunae

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Pdf texts and images of the illustrations showed in class. Additional bibliography when needed.

Office hours

See the website of Valeria Rubbi

SDGs

Good health and well-being

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.