AHST 210: Italian Art: Selected Topics (Florence)                              1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Art History

This course, taught during mandatory site visits to Venice and Rome, is a survey of Italian figurative art and architecture from c. 1200 to 1600. Emphasis is put on artistic techniques, styles, patronage, and the political and religious contexts in which the artists worked. During site visits to museums, palaces and churches in Florence, Rome and Venice students will have a unique opportunity to experience the works as their original viewers did and as their creators intended. Participation to Rome and Venice field trips is mandatory.

AHST 340: Palaces and Villas of Florence                                              3 Credits

Prerequisite: One college level Art or Art History course, some prior historical knowledge preferable

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Art History

This course examines the development of public and domestic buildings - specifically villas and palaces – from the 12th to the 17th century. The course will have an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the buildings which will be analyzed from an architectural point of view but also from an historical point of view with a special focus on their public and/or private functions in relation to the social, political and economic evolution of Florence through the centuries. Students will discover the role of the great families of Florence, such as the Medici and the Strozzi as patrons of the city, their need to live in the public environment, and their private world of the Palazzo and the Villa – places of retreat from city life.

AHST 362: Museums of Florence                              3 Credits

Prerequisite: One college level Art, Art History course or equivalent

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Art History

The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the city of Florence and its renowned museums. Students are trained to comprehend the uniqueness of the artistic heritage of the city known as ‘the cradle of Renaissance’. They will have the extraordinary opportunity to experience art in its sites, often churches, as their original viewers did and their creators intended, and in museums, through the visits to the major cultural highlights of Florence such as Uffizi, Accademia, Bargello, Santa Croce, and Opera del Duomo.

ANTH/HIST 360: Food Culture in Italy                     3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory history or anthropology course, plus intermediate culinary or anthropology course, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Sociology

In exploring the history of Italian foodways, a myriad of aspects of Italy’s culture and history unfold. Through the means of food, this course aims at uncovering various changes and trends in Italian history and society. The most striking factor that emerges is the important role gastronomic traditions have had in shaping Italian national and regional identities. Food as nourishment of body and spirit, as a social divider or unifier, as a means of communication and ultimately as a promoter of power takes us through history up until the contemporary rediscovery of ‘authentic’ and ‘traditional’ foods; a response to on-going globalizing processes and a way to construct new social identities. An ultimate expression of this is the Slow Food Revolution, a movement initiated in Italy that has now worldwide following.

BUSI 340: European Union: Business and Institutions                                     3 Credits

Prerequisite: Strongly recommended an Introduction to Business course or equivalent

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Economics

Europe is the largest market in the world, and also the most complex and highly regulated. Numerous business regulations and directives have been implemented as a result of intense political bargaining between member countries over decades, with the aim to create a single market in which goods, services, labor and capital can move freely. Understanding the implications of this legal, political and economic complexity is essential in understanding how business and organizations operate in Europe. This course will examine the factors and influences at work in the European business environment.

COMM 340: Fashion Communication                     3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intro Communication or Fashion course, plus intermediate course in communication studies or fashion studies, or advisor approval (or equivalent) 

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Communications

Fashion in itself is a form of communication with both tangible and intangible elements; often its visual and aesthetic value is greater than its functionality. This course sets out to explore the key developments of communication within the fashion industry, from the early and iconic fashion magazines with their role as promoters of both new images and identity, through the importance of fashion photography to new and developing social media platforms and digital technologies. The means of communication used by fashions firms, brands and companies to communicate their identity will be discussed and seen in light of challenges and opportunities the fashion business faces, such as sustainability, gender identify, and the importance of fashion influencers as new key communicators.

COMM 372: Social Media, Journalism, Public Relations                 3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations course, plus intermediate course in social media or journalism, or advisor approval (or equivalent) 

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Communications

This course analyses the main aspects of the professions of Public Relations and journalism focusing on the writing techniques used by journalists and PR practitioners and on how journalists and PR practitioners use social media communication to reach a mass audience. The course also examines the similarities and differences of both professions as well as the ethical issues that both journalists and PR practitioners have to cope with. It teaches students the principle writing techniques and social media strategies that journalists, news organizations and PR firms use.

COMM 383: Symbols of ‘Made in Italy’                  3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory communication studies course, plus intermediate social economics course, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Communications

Italy leaped from being mainly an agricultural based economy up until the post war era, to becoming one of the worlds’ greatest industrial entities and biggest global economies today. This course covers themes of contemporary Italian society that brought about such change, focusing on how traditional artistic and craft excellences were combined with technological modernization and the creation of a mass consumer society. By looking at Italy’s achievements in sectors such as fashion, interior design, industrial design, automobiles and advertising, it will emerge how designers and industrialists played a critical role in manufacturing an iconic Italian image, appealing to domestic and international consumers. Through social, cultural and anthropological approaches, this course sets out to detect the symbols of Italian identity.

FNAR 140: Intro to Drawing                        3 Credits

Prerequisite: None

School of Record Articulation: Beginner Level Studio Art

This course introduces students to traditional and contemporary drawing techniques and concepts. Students will practice figure drawing, structural drawing, and outdoor drawing in the city of Florence and in the surrounding areas, thus developing both technical abilities and creative responses to the assigned materials and subjects. A wide range of drawing media, such as lead, graphite, charcoal and ink will be experimented. Practical demonstrations, traditional lectures, group and individual critiques will be given throughout the course in order to develop students’ critical thinking skills. No prior experience with drawing is required. A studio fee is required for this course.

FNAR 150: Intro to Painting                        3 Credits

Prerequisite: None

School of Record Articulation: Beginner Level Studio Art

This course is intended for students with little or no previous Painting experience. Students will learn how to handle brushes and mix colors in order to create the illusion of light, shadow, perspective, volume, and proportion. Students will explore different materials and the way to use them, different techniques and the way they have been used by famous master painters of different periods. Assignments will progress from specific exercises intended to build on techniques to complex projects which will include out of doors landscape paintings of the hills around Florence and of the beautiful gardens of the city but also still life and figure painting. A studio fee is required for this course.

FNAR 240: Intermediate Drawing                             3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing or an equivalent drawing course or advisor permission

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Studio Art

This course is a continuation of Introduction to Drawing. It aims to reinforce basic drawing skills and introduces additional drawing media and techniques focusing on linear perspective, objects, spatial perception and human anatomy. Some classes and the relevant assignments will focus on a more realistic approach, others will focus on more conceptual approaches such as abstraction and surrealism. Emphasis is placed on the development of expressive and perceptual skills. A studio fee is required for this course.

FNAR 250: Intermediate Painting                             3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intro to Painting or an equivalent course or advisor’s permission

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Studio Art

In this course students work to develop their technical proficiency and emphasis is put on specific light related issues such as artificial lighting, candle lighting and side lighting. Students will continue to develop observational skills through assigned and independent painting projects which will include open air paintings of Florence and of the surrounding areas, and in studio works. Students at this level are encouraged to confront and to discuss their projects with the teacher and with other students. A studio fee is required for this course.

FNAR 260: Italy Sketchbook                        3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intro to Drawing or an equivalent course or advisor permission

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Studio Art

Through this course students will acquire a broad grasp of the roles and aims of drawing as both an analytical and an expressive tool of artistic and communicative inquiry. Florence is at the center of the drawing process, which aims at exploring and communicating in a visual way the most peculiar sites of the city, from the Arno river to the art collections of the numerous galleries and museums of the town. The course is organized in both indoor and outdoor sessions. The production of a sketchbook is an essential part of the course and it helps the students to record the city, create ideas, and show how drawing is an open and mobile tool for exploring reality. A studio fee is required for this course.

FNAR 340: Advanced Drawing                    3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intermediate Drawing or an equivalent course or advisor’s permission

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Studio Art

This course aims to develop students' personal styles using all the knowledge and experience acquired in previous art courses. Students will develop and refine drawing techniques and concepts and be guided towards a better understanding of human anatomy for the purpose of artistic expression. Emphasis will be put on spatial perception, compositional structure, linear perspective, figure/ground integration. Students will work on complex assignments which will require not only strong technical skills but also critical thinking, and analytical abilities necessary to verbalize the conceptual projects from which they originated. A studio fee is required for this course.

FNAR 350: Advanced Painting                    3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intermediate Painting or an equivalent or advisor’s permission

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Studio Art

This course is intended for students who already have a good grasp of techniques and concepts of painting. Students are guided to develop a personal style, expression, and analysis of the painting process while familiarizing with professional painting techniques and materials. The course includes outdoor painting in the most beautiful spots of Florence and work in the studio. Discussions and critiques are an important part of this course aimed to develop students’ conceptual skills, critical and visual vocabulary of art, creative expression. A studio fee is required for this course.

HIST 345: The Medici: Masters of Florence                          3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory world history course, plus intermediate level Italian studies or history course, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level History

This course covers the full history of the famous House of Medici from the humble beginnings of founder Giovanni di Bicci and his tyrant son Cosimo, to the extraordinary life of Lorenzo the Magnificent and the final collapse of the house of the Medici with the death of the last Medici Duke in 1737. The Medici where merchants, bankers, statesmen and patrons of the arts thus students are introduced not only to the socio-political history of Florence but also to the philosophical and artistic movements that flourished under their patronage. The course uses primary source readings by such authors as Giovanni Villani, Niccolò Machiavelli, Agnolo Poliziano and Francesco Guicciardini to depict the life of Florence and of the Medici family as perceived by their contemporaries. Students will visit palaces, churches, museums, and galleries, which are relevant to the study of the Medici family.

HIST/CRM 350: History of the Mafia                       3 Credits

Prerequisite: One introductory History or Criminal Justice course, a 200-level History or Criminal Justice course (or equivalent), or advisor approval

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level History

This course analyses the evolution of the Mafia as a criminal enterprise from Italy’s national unification in 1861 to the present days. Although this course has an historical-political focus it follows a multidisciplinary approach considering also the sociological aspect of Mafia not only viewing it as a   form of organized crime. The criminal justice component of the course will take into consideration the history of the fight against it by critically examining the achievements and shortcomings of Italy’s government throughout the years, and the efforts, often successful, made by Italian law to enforce its fight against organized crime from the early 1990s onwards. Its most recent developments and its move towards a global dimension of crime are analysed in the last part of the course.  

ITAL 101: Elementary Italian I                     3 Credits

Prerequisite: N/A

School of Record Articulation: Beginner Level Italian

A thorough introduction to the Italian language for absolute beginners or students with little previous experience, the course teaches essential vocabulary and grammar and develops students’ ability to communicate in an authentic linguistic context.

ITAL 102: Elementary Italian II                   3 Credits

Prerequisite: ITAL 101: Elementary Italian I, and/or minimum 70/100 score on the diagnostic test

School of Record Articulation: Beginner Level Italian

This course is designed for students with some knowledge of Italian. Starts with a review of basic grammar and vocabulary before progressing to more complex structures and functions. Conversation is a central part of every class, with opportunities for all students to practice listening and comprehension of authentic material as well oral and written production. They will also have a greater awareness of Italian culture and society. 

ITAL 201: Intermediate Italian I                 3 Credits

Prerequisite: ITAL 102: Elementary Italian II, and/or minimum 70/100 score on the diagnostic test

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Italian

In this course students develop their ability to communicate effectively and accurately, making use of expanded vocabulary. Students practice conversation and improve listening and oral production skills in an authentic Italian context. The course covers cultural elements of the Italian society and lifestyle. Reading and writing exercises improve skills in understanding prose and writing letters and messages with appropriate vocabulary.  
 

ITAL 301: Intermediate Italian II                                                3 Credits

Prerequisite: ITAL 201: Intermediate Italian I, and/or minimum 70/100 score on the diagnostic test

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Italian

This course builds upon the abilities and knowledge acquired in Intermediate Italian I and develops them to enable students to understand and respond to complex lines of written and oral arguments. 

Students review complex grammar structures and work regularly on reading, composition, phonetics, syntax, and style assignments. Constant conversation practice enables them to communicate competently in Italian.  

ITAL 401: Advanced Italian                          3 Credits

Prerequisite: Four/five semesters of Italian, and/or a pass at ITAL 301: Intermediate Italian II, and/or a minimum 70/100 score on the diagnostic test

School of Record Articulation: Advanced Level Italian

This course prepares students to use advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary, and enables them to interact with the Italian world at a sophisticated level. Students practice understanding of complex lectures and arguments, in both written and oral form. They are expected to become fluent and spontaneous in their verbal interaction, as well as capable of presenting an argument, orally and in writing. 

MKTG 340: Marketing Today’s Fashion                  3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory Marketing, plus one 200-level Marketing course or equivalent and one Communications course or equivalent, or advisor permission

School of Record Articulation: 3000 Level Marketing

The marketing of a brand occupies a crucial role in the fashion industry; alongside the creative work of designers and stylists, successful fashion brands will also heavily depend upon marketing plans, publicity, communication and advertising strategies in order to develop their business and brand worth. This course will introduce students to the principles of fashion marketing and explore how the fashion industry faces challenges in the global market and is constantly striving to investigate unconventional and innovative tactics within the field of marketing.

MKTG 350: Marketing of Wine in Italy                   3 Credits

Prerequisite: Intro to Marketing plus one 200-level Marketing course or equivalent and one Business course or equivalent, or Advisor permission

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Marketing

The world of wine is divided in parallel spheres; is wine a cultural expression, a result of passion and tradition, or even an art form? Or is it simply a business, and if so, what business? Wine has deep roots in our Western way of life and this course aims at exploring wine as both an agricultural product but also as a luxury product that is sold on markets. By applying the most relevant theories and techniques from the marketing discipline this course aims to equip students with a powerful set of skills and knowledge for the practice of wine marketing. Students will be introduced to the use of consumer and market behavior theory, branding and services techniques and business-to-business theory. In combining the understanding of wine both within a cultural context and in a business setting, students will analyze wine as ultimately both a “local” produce, and a “glocal” product.

MKTG 364: Marketing of Italian Luxury Fashion                3 Credits

Prerequisite: A Foundation of Business or a basic Marketing course is strongly recommended

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Marketing

Italian fashion occupies a prominent place in today’s globalized economy. This course explores how luxury and fashion have evolved in the past and how they are marketed to-day. For this purpose, we will analyze and discuss innovative and effective marketing strategies, branding and consumer behavior within the context of the consumption of luxury fashion products and services. The focus will be on key Italian luxury brands such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, and Versace. Field trips and visits to fashion retailers, corporate museums and design studios will allow students to acquire a first- hand knowledge of trend-setting marketing strategies developed by Italian fashion brands.

PHOT 370: Street Photography                                  3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory plus intermediate coursework in photography, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Studio Art

Aims to capture everyday life in public places and create realistic images focusing on the way people act and interact with each other and with the environment. Students learn how to use visual intelligence, skills and strategies to create meaningful images that reflect different multicultural realities. The works of the masters in this genre from its origin to Henri Cartier-Bresson, Helen Levitt, and Robert Frank will be analyzed and provide a source of inspiration. The course has a strong on–site component and students will be guided to identify meaningful ‘local' subjects and acquire confidence in photographing people on the streets and in a variety of different situations.

Required: A digital single lens photographic camera (DSLR): 10,0 megapixels minimum with an optical zoom lens at least 3X and a laptop.

PSYC 310: Cross Cultural Psychology                       3 Credits

Prerequisite: One college level Psychology course

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Psychology

The course explores human behaviour from the social point of view and in a cross-cultural perspective, both in theory and in practice. The focus will be on Italy and the Italians. This course in cross-cultural psychology, through elements of sociology, ecology, anthropology, biology, sociology, gives students the opportunity to discuss the shaping and deployment of human attitudes, behaviour, values, communication process and social organization. Specific attention will be devoted to issues such as the individual vs the social, mental health and crosscultural communication. Students will engage in field research, conducting interviews on topics related to their own study abroad experience while visiting various locations in Rome and Italy. The research as a practical tool of the course, and the course itself, aim at providing students with the opportunity to apply methodologies of inquiry focusing at studying how relationships and behaviour in cross-cultural contexts take shape.

RLST 310: Comparative Religions                             3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory communication studies course, plus intermediate social economics course, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Religious Studies

The course explores the entire panorama of world religions, from a comparative perspective and using methodologies from various, related disciplines. Ancient Roman, Greek, Eastern religious traditions, as well as the three monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – and the polytheistic religious systems - Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism – will be discussed and analysed along with current developments and the “new-age” religions. Religious, historical, anthropological, sociological, philosophical approaches will be considered to discuss the evolutions of religions and central religious issues, such as the problem of evil, free will, the construction of organized religious institutions, and the shaping of religious identities.

SOCI 353: Soccer and Italian Identity                      3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory plus intermediate coursework in sociology, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Sociology

Analyzing the role of soccer in Italian society the course provides unique opportunities to investigate and understand the multidimensional features of contemporary Italian identity. Through sociological lenses, the course examines the role of soccer within Italian history, culture, politics, media environment, and social change. The main focus is on the socio-cultural dynamics of the relationship between soccer and Italian society. Field trips to matches at the local soccer stadium are an essential part of the course. Students can have field experiences and interpret the social dynamics of sporting events, adopting a comparative, cross-cultural perspective.

SOCI 364: Magic, Religion, and Popular Beliefs                  3 Credits

Prerequisite: Introductory sociology course, plus intermediate course focused on social science, religion/humanities, or advisor approval (or equivalent)

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Sociology

The course is based on an interdisciplinary approach focusing on the sociological and anthropological analysis of the role of magic, witchcraft, and the supernatural in various religious and cultural contexts in both past and contemporary world. It will critically engage with classical theories, considering positivism and the first ethnographic studies. Differences and similarities between Magic and Witchcraft will be analyzed .The role religion plays in human experiences of sickness, death, and uncertainty will be explored along with a discussion of contemporary pagan religions and unconventional beliefs.

SOCI 360: Italian People, Symbols and Traditions                              3 Credits

Prerequisite: One college level Sociology course

School of Record Articulation: Intermediate Level Sociology

This course aims at discovering some of the key elements of the great social changes and cultural issues that came about in Italy during the post-war period. From the early 1950s on, a sense of new beginning and the birth of what later would be known world-wide as the Italian Style, would characterize most spheres of productive and cultural life such as fashion, design, film and music. The coexistence of tradition and innovation has been a main feature in contemporary Italy; this course will focus on Italian cultural expressions like foodways, Italian cuisine and wine, and the impact of change in relation to new dynamics in family life and gender roles, in popular beliefs and superstition.