Immerse yourself in Tuscan life! SAI intensive semester students at FUA can enroll in an 11 week session, or opt for the 12 week session that includes a 1 week field learning traveling course prior to the regular session start. Students select multiple elective courses from the wide range of offerings for a total of 9 - 12 US credits. In addition to typical liberal arts courses, FUA includes such courses as Travel Writing, Pairing Food and Wine, Fashion Design, and Health Science. Students in this program have opportunities to pair academic coursework with internships, and unique experiential learning courses for hands-on experience. SAI also offers a longer 15 or 16 week semester program at FUA.
Application open until: October 15, 2024
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo & signature page)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Complete an internship for credit.
- Enroll in unique Experiential Learning courses.
- Spend 11 weeks in Florence – No student visa required!
Program Dates
11 wk Semester: Feb 18 – May 10, 2025
12 wk Semester: Feb 17 – May 10, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Business and Economics | Decision Sciences
Business and Economics | Economics
Business and Economics | Entrepreneurship Resources
Business and Economics | Management
Business and Economics | Marketing
Business and Economics | Real Estate
Digital Imaging and Visual Arts | Photography
Digital Imaging and Visual Arts | Video Production
Digital Imaging and Visual Arts | Visual Communication
Fashion, Accessories and Tech | Accessory Design & Technology
Fashion, Accessories and Tech | Fashion Communication & Publishing
Fashion, Accessories and Tech | Fashion Design & Technology
Fashion, Accessories and Tech | Fashion Merchandising
Fine Arts | Art Education
Fine Arts | Ceramics
Fine Arts | Film Photography
Fine Arts | Painting & Drawing
Fine Arts | Sculpture
Food and Wine Studies | Baking and Pastry
Food and Wine Studies | Culinary Arts
Food and Wine Studies | Dietetics & Nutrition
Food and Wine Studies | Food & Culture
Food and Wine Studies | Wine & Culture
Food and Wine Studies | Wine Expertise
Global Studies | Anthropology
Global Studies | Happiness Sciences
Global Studies | Multicultural Diversity and Gender Studies
Global Studies | Peace Studies
Global Studies | Urban Studies
Horticulture | General Horticulture
Hospitality | Hospitality and Tourism Management
Hospitality | Hotel and Lodging Management
Hospitality | Restaurant, Food and Beverage Management
Hospitality | Spa Management
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Architectural Restoration & History of Architecture
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Architectural Studies
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Interior and Visual Design
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Product Design
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Sustainable Architecture and Design
Italian Studies and Linguistics | Italian Cultural Studies
Italian Studies and Linguistics | Italian Language
Italian Studies and Linguistics | Italian Literature
Journalism, Communication, and Publishing | Creative Advertising
Journalism, Communication, and Publishing | Journalism
Journalism, Communication, and Publishing | Mass Communications
Journalism, Communication, and Publishing | Publishing
Liberal Arts | Art History
Liberal Arts | Comparative Literature
Liberal Arts | Criminology
Liberal Arts | English Composition and Creative Writing
Liberal Arts | History
Liberal Arts | International Education
Liberal Arts | Music and Performing Arts
Liberal Arts | Philosophy
Liberal Arts | Political Science and International Relations
Liberal Arts | Psychology
Liberal Arts | Religious Studies
Life Studies and Human Sciences | Environmental Studies
Life Studies and Human Sciences | Health Humanities
Life Studies and Human Sciences | Sociology
Professional Studies and Experiential Learning | Community Service
Professional Studies and Experiential Learning | Experiential Learning
Professional Studies and Experiential Learning | Field Learning
Professional Studies and Experiential Learning | Internships
Professional Studies and Experiential Learning | Portfolio Development
Professional Studies and Experiential Learning | Professional Studies and Experiential Learning
Sciences and Mathematics | Chemistry
Sciences and Mathematics | Mathematics
Sciences and Mathematics | Physics
Sport and Health Sciences | Physical Education & Physical Therapy
Sport and Health Sciences | Sport Sciences
Through this internship course, the student will be exposed to a commercial business environment or accounting office. The type of business will depend on seasonality and resume evaluation. The student will be able to follow the daily operations of the business establishment and participate in the organization’s activities according to his or her skills and competencies. The type of tasks may concern communication with international clients and project development. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. The internship enhances student knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor who regularly monitors the internship progress and development, and guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Main tasks: Analysis of day by day operations, communication with international clients or research for new partnerships, project development based on business trends, market research, client and data analysis, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: B2 level of Italian language. Successful completion of Introduction to Accounting or equivalent required. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The course covers the fundamentals of accounting theory and practice and is designed for the non-accounting and finance students. Topics cover accounting terminology, revenue expenses, net income, the accounting equation, debits, credits, balancing the accounting formula, the account structure, and ledgers. Emphasis is given to the use of basic financial accounting concepts to make well-informed business decisions.
This course explores the major concepts and theories of the psychology of bargaining and negotiation, and the dynamics of interpersonal and inter-group conflict and its resolution. Students will familiarize with negotiation strategies and planning, as well as with ethics in negotiation. This course will also focus on international and cross-cultural negotiation strategies.
The course on the history of global economy is divided into two sections. The first will provide an overview of the evolution of global economy over the last five centuries. Topics will discuss the emergence of the New World Economy and will examine the integration of product, labor, and capital markets. The second part of the course will employ micro and macroeconomic analysis tools to examine the catalysts and obstacles of market integration, and the impact of globalization on the economy and welfare of nations. Other topics include the role of international institutions such as the IMF and the WTO, the impact of changing economic environments on competitive strategy, the emerging trade blocs (European Union, NAFTA), the fluctuation of exchange rates, and the emergence of new markets. Prerequisites: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, or equivalent.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
The primary purpose of this course is to provide marketers with an in-depth understanding of product development practices including innovation, product strategy and processes, customer needs identification, idea generation, concept development and optimization, forecasting, and launch. The course will analyze the marketing development strategies of new entrepreneurial companies with low budgets and little or no brand development. An important component of the coursework features hands-on approaches to real-life business problems that require application of topics learned in the classroom. Students will be introduced to highly creative and effective experiential forms of learning ranging from case studies to business plans, entrepreneurs in the classroom, conducting entrepreneurial audits, working with concepts of marketing inventions, and consulting projects. Furthermore, students will be part of a dedicated lab team of cross-disciplinary learners led by faculty and advisers, and will collaborate with executives and representatives from real companies on comprehensive business issues. Coursework includes site visits to local companies and special guest lectures from local prominent entrepreneurs.
The primary purpose of this course is to provide marketers with an in-depth understanding of product development practices including innovation, product strategy and processes, customer needs, identification, idea generation, concept development and optimization, forecasting, and launch. The course will analyze the marketing development strategies of new entrepreneurial companies with low budgets and little or no brand development. An important component of the coursework features hands-on approaches to real-life business problems that require application of topics learned in the classroom. Students will be introduced to highly creative and effective experiential forms of learning ranging from case studies to business plans, entrepreneurs in the classroom, conducting entrepreneurial audits, working with concepts of marketing inventions, and consulting projects. Furthermore, students will be part of a dedicated lab team of cross-disciplinary learners led by faculty and advisers, and will collaborate with executives and representatives from real companies on comprehensive business issues. Coursework includes site visits to local companies and special guest lectures from local prominent entrepreneurs. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This internship course exposes students to the world of non-profit fundraising. Fundraising strategies are employed by charitable and non-profit institutions to raise financial support for projects and initiatives, and represent an essential feature of non-profit organization and operations. Students will become familiarized with philanthropic activity, donor relations, and strategies. Through the sponsoring organization, students will gain a meaningful experience in fundraising practices in areas such as development, promotion, and communications. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
This placement offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of business ventures and entrepreneurship through a set of activities within the EntrepreLearn lab. This CEMI affiliated with FUAs International School of Business (ISB) is dedicated to business and entrepreneurial operations with a specific aim of fostering new ideas and inventions for startup companies. Responsibilities range from research on business opportunities to the development of strategies for other community engagement systems at FUA. Students will assist the ISB division with researching and selecting startup companies within the local territory for institutional collaboration. Furthermore, they will develop entrepreneurial and innovative strategies to increase awareness of non-profit cultural activities. Collaboration with startup ventures and Italian entrepreneurs will be an integral part of the placement. Students will provide data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as specific planning development shared between ISB and the local industrial association of the province of Florence – Confindustria (confindustriafirenze.it). Special projects are assigned depending on the area of skills and interest. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts or shifts that take place on weekends. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire, business attire for formal meetings and external site visits. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
Introduction to Management or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
Brand management is a fundamental element of competitive strategy. This course is intended for those interested in learning how brands are managed as some of the most valuable assets by companies. Students will discover how brand names are associated with their products and services. Strong brands can influence purchase decisions by communicating the value of and providing differentiation for products and services. Effective brand management is critical to maintaining the long-term profitability of products and services. This course is therefore designed to develop an understanding of the importance of brand equity as well as how to build, measure, and manage a brand. Topics will include understanding brands from the customer’s perspective; building, measuring, and leveraging brand equity; and managing brand portfolios over time.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of human resources management, with particular emphasis in human resource planning and strategy, personnel selection, equal employment opportunity, training, performance appraisal, compensation, and contemporary issues. The course has been developed for the those whose job requires managing people in a global environment according to the traditional HR. Topics covered include: human resource planning, job analysis, recruitment, personnel selection, performance, employee turnover, the importance of HR in an industry like the hospitality sector, ethics and practices within personnel.
This course is geared towards students interested in international business ventures and partnerships. Management, leadership, human resource management, organizational skills and strategy will all be analyzed from a cross-cultural business perspective. The class will focus on strategies adapting managerial skills across cultures. Guest lecturers and on-site visits to international business ventures form an integral part of the course.
The course provides the tools and strategies required for the development and marketing of new products. Topics include conducting market researches for product launches, practices for differentiating specific products from the competition, incorporating innovative processes for cutting-edge results, capturing a market position for new products, marketing plans, forecasting sales and customer satisfaction, and delivering new products to the market.
This course focuses on the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of sales execution. Topics range from developing a market strategy to choosing a sales methodology, establishing a successful sales culture, developing and implementing a talent management system, offering rewards to support the sales force, and evaluating success via the metrics system. The course engages students in the current issues of sales management. Students examine case studies of leading sales organizations and develop their own sales execution plan in teams throughout the term.
Recent years have seen the evolution and revolution in business communication. The birth of the web was the inspiration that led to a different way of relating between companies and customers. Approaches led to a constant customer participation in the creation and development of the business image. Web marketing is based on techniques and principles applicable to all sectors and also suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises up to now often cut off from mass media because of the enormous budget required. But the web is not just sites, in recent years social networks have pointed the way towards a clear undisputed sway. Communication on social networks isn’t only about purchasing advertising as in traditional media or even on most websites. The social is the most striking feature of what is called Web 2.0: the network of conversations; and the conversations don’t occur only among customers, but must exist between the company and customers to stimulate the most powerful communication tool: word of mouth. A company that does not speak with customers is bound to be forgotten.
The primary purpose of this course is to provide marketers with an in-depth understanding of product development practices including innovation, product strategy and processes, customer needs, identification, idea generation, concept development and optimization, forecasting, and launch. The course will analyze the marketing development strategies of new entrepreneurial companies with low budgets and little or no brand development. An important component of the coursework features hands-on approaches to real-life business problems that require application of topics learned in the classroom. Students will be introduced to highly creative and effective experiential forms of learning ranging from case studies to business plans, entrepreneurs in the classroom, conducting entrepreneurial audits, working with concepts of marketing inventions, and consulting projects. Furthermore, students will be part of a dedicated lab team of cross-disciplinary learners led by faculty and advisers, and will collaborate with executives and representatives from real companies on comprehensive business issues. Coursework includes site visits to local companies and special guest lectures from local prominent entrepreneurs.
The course will analyze the marketing development strategies of entrepreneurial companies that are starting out, therefore those with lower budgets and little or no brand development. Students will study segmentation, positioning, marketing methods for new ventures, finding competitive strategies in limited resource environments, and implementing strategies aimed to launch successful enterprises.
This course further develops the main principles of marketing by exploring the strategic implications of marketing in different countries and cultures and identifying specific marketing techniques and the modifications necessary to accommodate cultural differences. Topics include global marketing, marketing planning, segmentation, culture and business customs, political and legal factors and restraints, economic and technological development, and the international monetary system. Prerequisites: Introduction to Marketing or equivalent.
This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the brand in today’s consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and experience shopping – visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).
Through the public relations placement, students will learn how to promote an organization’s business and image. Public relations activities will focus on managing an organization’s key messages through content management. Communication strategies, including those related to special events, will be a major emphasis in public relations-related projects. Students will be guided throughout their involvement in PR operations and measuring PR results. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
The world of global fashion is becoming increasingly complex as the market evolves. This course is designed to respond to the challenges presented by the competitive environment that the fashion industry is facing. Students will acquire knowledge on how to develop strategic fashion marketing plans in order to respond to continuous economic and environmental changes. In addition, students will learn how different business environments require equally different strategic and competitive behavior from the players involved. A number of fashion business case studies will be analyzed with a particular emphasis on the Italian market. Branding and brand management will be an integral part of the course, especially with regards to how brands acquire and sustain value in the marketplace. The course explores how successful marketers develop, manage, and protect brands. A focus on successful case histories, visits to fashion enterprises, as well as case analyses will complete the course and help students gain practical examples of how markets adapt and grow in this highly competitive industry. Prerequisites: Introduction to Fashion Marketing, Introduction to Marketing, or equivalent.
The aim of this course is to provide student with an overview of the main characteristics of the real estate industry. Students will learn about the real estate business and will compare the Anglo-American and Italian systems. This course includes an introduction to real estate contract law and to Civil Law and Common Law in order to understand the different approaches of the legislation that regulates the real estate world. Students will also gain knowledge of the basics of real estate market economics including USA’s foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Italy.
The aim of this placement is to expose students to the principles of real estate management with an emphasis on property management. Students will be familiarized with planning and organizing all the relevant activities and operations of a real estate business in the on-campus bed & breakfast, Dimora. This experiential learning program focuses on front desk operations including reservation management, welcoming guests and basics of customer care. Students will learn how to independently run a hospitality business including property maintenance and quality control management. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code.
Through this course, students meet and collaborate with designers, art directors, hair and make-up teams, and professional models to come up with a specific fashion ad campaign and lookbook for up-and-coming Florentine designers in the field of fashion. Students will learn how to meet with clients, present ideas (story and mood boards), design sets, and execute a campaign according to client needs. The course examines studio and location lighting, flash units, light metering, and set design according to a specific project. Photography software is utilized at an advanced level to process and produce a final campaign and portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course examines major philosophies and concepts that have contributed to the discussion of art theory, aesthetic discourse, and contemporary criticism. Reading and analyzing various texts from antiquity to the present, students will explore the underlying questions and meanings of art and how they interact or conflict throughout the development of Western thought. The aim of this course is to equip the student with a foundation in art theory in order to develop an informed critical approach. Texts covered in class will include writings by philosophers, critics, and artists such as Plato, Alberti, Kant, Benjamin, Greenberg, Barthes, Baudrillard, Lippard, and Trin T. Minha. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art History.
This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. The fundamentals of using a digital camera including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. The course also introduces seeing, thinking, and creating with a critical mind and eye in a foreign environment (Italy) to provide understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. During the first half of the course assignments, lectures, readings progressively build on each other to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of camera functions (manual mode) and processing techniques. The second half of the course will focus on weaving the techniques with specific photographic concepts via assignments. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode.
*This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. The fundamentals of using a digital camera including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. The course also introduces seeing, thinking, and creating with a critical mind and eye in a foreign environment (Italy) to provide understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. During the first half of the course assignments, lectures, readings progressively build on each other to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of camera functions (manual mode) and processing techniques. The second half of the course will focus on weaving the techniques with specific photographic concepts via assignments. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course involves theoretical and practical aspects related to film photography. In addition to lectures, coursework will take place both outdoors in the city of Florence and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose film, and the basic principles of black and white photography and composition. In addition, students will be given a broad overview of the history of photography. Students will work on two projects and a final portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
Film photography provides spatial and temporal context while digital photography shortens the process of contextualization thanks to technology. This does not mean that one medium is better or worse than the other, and the aim of this introductory course seeks to provide a strong film foundation in order to enhance the approach to digital photography. Students will explore the concept of photographic context by being exposed to both film and digital processes. Film is tangible, it requires a tactile relationship with negatives, paper, and chemistry. The use of physical properties of film will transition to digital darkroom techniques and vice versa. Topics include historic milestones in the history of photography, compositional aesthetics, camera mechanics, control of light sources and metering, film and digital exposure, and darkroom and digital processing. Students will come away from the course having gained an understanding of the similarities, rather than differences, and the underlying relationships between the two mediums.
This course introduces students to the world of photography with specific focus on the photo-journalistic aspects of this art medium. The course will be divided between field study and learning introductory digital techniques, working with both black and white and color digital printing and finishing. the lab practice will give students the capability of elaborating and correctly printing his/her own pictures. the course concentrates on the journalistic area of photography using digital equipment. Students learn about the history, com positional issues and techniques of photojournalism by studying the work of influential photographers like Cartier-Bresson, Smith, Capa, Salgado, Nachtwey, and others. The class will also be conceiving, shooting, printing and laying out a series of documentary projects. This course is recommended for communications, journalism and social sciencestudents. A DSLR camera and a lens with a focal length of 55mm or wider is required for this course.
This is a special project course intended for students who wish to develop skills and experiment with photography. Students create digital works individually and in collaboration with photographers, which are then edited and processed. Students must be prepared for diverse types of photographic approaches depending on projects and assignments, as well as develop management skills for archiving and publishing. Composite printing and experimentation with different techniques may be employed. This placement may require PM shifts or shifts that take place on weekends. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. A DSLR camera and a lens with a focal length of 55mm or wider is required for this course. A digital 35mm viewfinder camera (20+ megapixels minimum) is also acceptable.
In this course students learn the art and craft of editing videos from two award-winning filmmakers. The course explores techniques that can be applied in a range of non-linear editing programs, including Final Cut, Avid, and Premiere. But the main focus is not just on developing software skills, but on exploring the magic behind video modification. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisite: Introduction to Creative Videomaking.
A basic knowledge of Adobe Premiere is highly recommended. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This introductory course provides students with a foundational knowledge of creative video production and its technical aspects. Students will learn basic video shooting and editing techniques. As a part of the coursework, students will work in groups on video projects in order to experience the various phases of video production from scripting to editing and final output. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course is ideal for highly motivated students who are interested in creative video production. Involvement includes maintaining equipment, video shooting and editing, scouting locations, assisting the video director for logistics and production purposes, and sound editing. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Through this advanced course, students apply previously acquired skills to the final editing of a video. Video effects, audio, and digital effects and their aesthetic and technical considerations are put into practice throughout the completion of the video project. The course objective is to connect the different production stages in order provide students with a comprehensive experience of the expressive power of the medium. Students will use advanced video software in order to be familiarized with industry trends and practices, and use DSLR cameras to shoot HD video.
A basic knowledge of Adobe Premiere is highly recommended.
This course provides students with the knowledge of the technical terms of creative video production and the skills to understand basic video shooting and editing techniques. Students will team up and follow a single project starting from the script all the way through editing and final output.
This special project course focuses on the area of graphic design in visual communication. Students will interact with figures such as graphic designers as well as art directors for creative projects. Topics may include logo design, corporate identity and branding, advertising, design in journalism, product packaging, book design, web design, etc. The use of design software is required. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
The aim of this course is to bring together all aspects of multimedia visual communication – from the theoretical to the practical and applying those theories in projects which involve still and moving images – photography and video, graphic design and typography. Emphasis will be placed on a design practice which is shaped by an understanding of the cultural and social aspects of communication, together with an appreciation of the power of images and words. Guest speakers and site visits have an important role in this hands-on course.
The history between computers and textile design goes back to when the first Jacquard Loom machine was invented. In this course, students discover how computers and knitting machines are connected through the exploration of knitwear software and the home knitting machine. By combining these elements and other digital tools (Adobe Photoshop as well as other image editing software), students will be able to execute complex patterns using different colors, working with electronic knitting machines, to gain a better understanding of how the Jacquard process works. Through a series of exercises and lectures, students investigate electronic knitting machine functions and learn how to create and convert patterns on computers using software and load them on knitting machine, calculate and design patterns, and using traditional techniques of trims and garment assembly to make their final capsule collection.
This course offers the opportunity to study several ornamentation techniques: trapunto, welting, pleating, inlay, weaving. Students learn the different methods of application on leather apparel and on accessories such as handbags, belts and shoes, and acquire basic pattern making skills related to leather garments. This semester class will introduce the student to the subject and then focus on the area of study.This course is intensive and practical and includes cutting, preparing, sewing and assembly. Also, it provides a real insight into the leather process in a workshop.An asset of the class is the opportunity to showcase student work at FLY, the non-profit retail store of FAST, alongside professional emerging designers based in Italy. All works produced by students will be featured with garment specifications, photographed, and published for promo- tion on school websites. Garments will undergo a selection process for in-store and classroom placement. Furthermore, FAST experiential learning and internship students will then utilize these items to create window displays and other special installations throughout the season. For this reason, it is not possible for students to take garments, accessories, and the like home upon course completion. In the event that a garment is sold, all profits will go to- ward FUA scholarship funds for future FAST students.
This placement allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy through FLY Fashion Loves You, the retail store operated by the students and faculty members of FAST. This special project involves proposing, designing, and producing high quality garments and accessories for FLY, whose merchandise sales generate scholarships for future fashion students and represent the categories of emerging Italian designers, high quality vintage, and items created through the academic outcomes of FUA students and faculty. Duties include but are not limited to merchandise analysis for brainstorming, design proposals, and garment and accessory production in the laboratory spaces of FAST, the academic department that houses FLY. Garments produced will permanently remain at FLY for placement in window displays, photoshoots and other special installations throughout the seasons. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, portfolio of previous work, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
Through this course, students meet and collaborate with designers, art directors, hair and make-up teams, and professional models to come up with a specific fashion ad campaign and lookbook for up-and-coming Florentine designers in the field of fashion. Students will learn how to meet with clients, present ideas (story and mood boards), design sets, and execute a campaign according to client needs. The course examines studio and location lighting, flash units, light metering, and set design according to a specific project. Photography software is utilized at an advanced level to process and produce a final campaign and portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
Through this advanced course, students apply previously acquired skills to the final editing of a video. Video effects, audio, and digital effects and their aesthetic and technical considerations are put into practice throughout the completion of the video project. The course objective is to connect the different production stages in order provide students with a comprehensive experience of the expressive power of the medium. Students will use advanced video software in order to be familiarized with industry trends and practices, and use DSLR cameras to shoot HD video. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course aims to discuss the complex art of operating fashion businesses in Italy. Topics addresses the dynamics of interacting with designers, buyers, and retail managers, and identify effective ways of conducting negotiations, solving issues, and closing a deal. Coursework will give students a significant exposure to the world of fashion in Italy by analyzing both its rich panorama made up of traditions, humble origins, and the current multinational brands dominating the international market.
This course features a sociological journey in recent history as seen through the lives and styles of the most influential people of the twentieth century from Jacqueline Kennedy to Lada Gaga, from celebrity fashion designers to recent stylists and influencers. Fashion icons from varying backgrounds and occupations, such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Queen Elisabeth II, Madonna, as well as their Italian counterparts, will be analyzed. The aim of the course is to identify the roles and identities represented by female fashion icons and how they are perceived today in terms of current fashion ideologies, lifestyle, and social changes.
In this course students learn the steps involved in managing and producing fashion shows featuring designer collections and seasonal trends. Topics cover logistics, budget management, fashion show categories, creativity and art direction, broadcasting and promoting shows, and the role of the show within the business aspects of the fashion industry.
In this course students learn the steps involved in managing and producing fashion shows featuring designer collections and seasonal trends. Topics cover logistics, budget management, fashion show categories, creativity and art direction, broadcasting and promoting shows, and the role of the show within the business aspects of the fashion industry.
This course examines fashion as a form of communication and culture using a diverse range of readings. Topics include: what fashion means and how it has been valued through history, popular culture and media institutions. Students explore economic and social issues that revolve around fashion’s industrial production and analyze fashion both in terms of its production and consumption, addressing its role in relation to identity and body politics (gender, race, sexuality, class), art and status, nationhood and the global economy.
Through a series of walks and visits through art and design this course intends to show famous and hidden fashion paths in Florence. A journey through time and space to discover the place that marked the birth of Italian fashion and opened the doors to Made in Italy. Back in 1954 Florence was the star of the fashion system, anticipating trends and stealing the exclusive scene from Paris. Italy embraced the new in fashion through the talent and genius of Giovanni Battista Giorgini, who staged the first ever Italian fashion shows in Florence. Students will discover a city of exquisite taste, tradition and artistic craftsmanship. Starting from the location of the first Italian cat walk held in the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti, they will learn how to map the fashion environment of the city. From Renaissance to modern day inspiration, fashion is kept alive in the products that were designed here and that grace the beautiful city today. Designers, such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Stefano Ricci, Ermanno Scervino, and Roberto Cavalli, have all developed and changed through the years and they have all surely blossomed here in Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each fashion themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
This course offers a solid foundation in the fundamentals of basic construction, draping techniques, alterations, and fitting techniques for apparel. The emphasis of the course is on the importance of proper fit and craftsmanship. Students develop and construct design concepts in muslin and soft fabric on the dress form.
What does it mean to be a stylist in a digital first world, where everybody has a voice and the opportunity to deliver across multiple platforms? This course is focused on the role and significance of a fashion stylist in the broader industry, as a cultural gatekeeper, storyteller, talent spotter and curators of ideas. Students will understand the variety of roles that a stylist can undertake, with a detailed study of styling for Editorial, Fashion Shows, Celebrities, Advertising, Brand Marketing and E-Commerce. Hands on work with designers’ garments is provided to students to create sets for fashion shootings and fashion shows. Ultimate goal of this course is to educate the students’ eyes to identify and manage the visual impact of trends and ideas. Case studies will be provided, revealing the creative process of relevant stylists of the industry, and explaining concept development from the initial idea to the finished shoot.
In this course students will develop skills in pattern making, from concept and design to completion, drafting and executing patterns for garments using simple textiles such as cotton. Important focus is placed on the use of pattern design software for fashion production. By working with flat patternmaking techniques as well as the Cad system, students will develop pattern designs by transferring ideas onto paper or digital format, to create and modify designs, as both artisanal and industrial fashion production require. A relevant outcome of this course will be the acquired capability to interpret fashion projects with a new view, through the understanding and development of the pattern.
In this course students will develop skills in pattern making, from concept and design to completion, drafting and executing patterns for garments using simple textiles such as cotton. Important focus is placed on the use of pattern design software for fashion production. By working with flat patternmaking techniques as well as the Cad system, students will develop pattern designs by transferring ideas onto paper or digital format, to create and modify designs, as both artisanal and industrial fashion production require. A relevant outcome of this course will be the acquired capability to interpret fashion projects with a new view, through the understanding and development of the pattern.
This placement allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy through FLY Fashion Loves You, the retail store operated by the students and faculty members of FAST. This special project involves proposing, designing, and producing high quality garments and accessories for FLY, whose merchandise sales generate scholarships for future fashion students and represent the categories of emerging Italian designers, high quality vintage, and items created through the academic outcomes of FUA students and faculty. Duties include but are not limited to merchandise analysis for brainstorming, design proposals, and garment and accessory production in the laboratory spaces of FAST, the academic department that houses FLY. Garments produced will permanently remain at FLY for placement in window displays, photoshoots and other special installations throughout the seasons. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, portfolio of previous work, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers.
*This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the brand in today’s consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and experience shopping – visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).
This special project allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy through FLY Fashion Loves You, the retail store operated by the students and faculty members of FAST. The fashion retail management special project involves store organization, business procedures and client relations. Students will have the chance to be immersed in the fashion retail industry through duties that include but are not limited to sales, stocking, floor management, customer service, promotion, and research. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
The world of global fashion is becoming increasingly complex as the market evolves. This course is designed to respond to the challenges presented by the competitive environment that the fashion industry is facing. Students will acquire knowledge on how to develop strategic fashion marketing plans in order to respond to continuous economic and environmental changes. In addition, students will learn how different business environments require equally different strategic and competitive behavior from the players involved. A number of fashion business case studies will be analyzed with a particular emphasis on the Italian market. Branding and brand management will be an integral part of the course, especially with regards to how brands acquire and sustain value in the marketplace. The course explores how successful marketers develop, manage, and protect brands. A focus on successful case histories, visits to fashion enterprises, as well as case analyses will complete the course and help students gain practical examples of how markets adapt and grow in this highly competitive industry. Prerequisites: Introduction to Fashion Marketing, Introduction to Marketing, or equivalent.
This course examines the creative field of visual merchandising and its importance to the retail and fashion industries. Students develop skills in the evaluation and implementation of visual merchandising concepts. The key elements covered include merchandising, principles and elements of design, terminology, and evaluation.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is to have students familiarize with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop the creative potential present in every human being. During the class meetings students will use their own personal experiences to help them to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context: students will in effect conduct experiments on themselves. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common items, such as buttons, boxes, leaves and so on. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. All these essential elements which make up the created image – space, color, movement and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one;s inner world. This class includes Experiential Learning with CEMI.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
This course represents a comparative study of art as an expression of human experience from the aesthetic paradigms developed during the Renaissance to the contemporary perception of beauty. Major artists and influences will be analyzed in terms of styles and movements across eras and in relation to the concept of place. The course will examine the contrasts between the multiple identities emerging in Florence as diverse ways to convey art and beauty. Course topics and learning approaches feature an experiential pathway for understanding the evolution of artistic language and its potential future directions.
This course introduces students to all aspects related to the operations and management of an art gallery and its exhibited content. Students will be involved in curating and promoting art shows and art-related events through community and on-campus exhibitions.
This course introduces students to all aspects related to the operations and management of an art gallery and its exhibited content. Students will be involved in curating and promoting art shows and art-related events through community and on-campus exhibitions. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This internship course involves students in the curating activities of a professional fine arts gallery. Students will collaborate with curators and gallery managers on the organizational and operational tasks of developing, organizing, and implementing an art exhibition. Interaction with local and international artists will be a fundamental aspect of the internship, and duties will range from logistical preparation, administrative duties for the gallery management, promotion and press documentation, and other tasks assigned by the organization. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the student preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
The objectives of this special project are based on creating an opportunity for the student to observe and participate in the coordinating and curating activities of an art gallery. Students will be exposed to various tasks including daily operations, exhibitions, catalog creation, show installation, and interaction with local and international artists. The student will also assist the on-site curator with promotional tasks ranging from press releases to social networking. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This art course aims to make students aware of their creativity as well as to teach them how to utilize and take advantage of it. The course will enable students to define the artistic techniques that are best suited to their talents, as well as to master and appropriate them as tools for expressing their inner world. The course consists of lectures and workshops. Lectures focus on the nature of creativity, art, genius, technique, aesthetic, and artistic judgement in the history of art and philosophy from ancient Greece to present times. Workshops include a wide range of exercises based on creative telling, writing, painting, and movement.
This art course aims to make students aware of their creativity as well as to teach them how to utilize and take advantage of it. The course will enable students to define the artistic techniques that are best suited to their talents, as well as to master and appropriate them as tools for expressing their inner world. The course consists of lectures and workshops. Lectures focus on the nature of creativity, art, genius, technique, aesthetic, and artistic judgement in the history of art and philosophy from ancient Greece to present times. Workshops include a wide range of exercises based on creative telling, writing, painting, and movement.
In this course, students will work on pottery and/or ceramic sculpture projects. In the first part of the course, emphasis will be on different clay hand-building techniques. In the second part of the course, students will progress to a variety of surface decoration techniques and different methods of firing. Slide lectures will give students essential information on the nature of clay and glazes. the history of Mediterranean ceramics will be covered during in-class lectures. Students will be introduced to local Tuscan artisan traditions and the work of contemporary ceramic artists during field learning activities.
This course involves theoretical and practical aspects related to film photography. In addition to lectures, coursework will take place both outdoors in the city of Florence and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose film, and the basic principles of black and white photography and composition. In addition, students will be given a broad overview of the history of photography. Students will work on two projects and a final portfolio.This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
Film photography provides spatial and temporal context while digital photography shortens the process of contextualization thanks to technology. This does not mean that one medium is better or worse than the other, and the aim of this introductory course seeks to provide a strong film foundation in order to enhance the approach to digital photography. Students will explore the concept of photographic context by being exposed to both film and digital processes. Film is tangible, it requires a tactile relationship with negatives, paper, and chemistry. The use of physical properties of film will transition to digital darkroom techniques and vice versa. Topics include historic milestones in the history of photography, compositional aesthetics, camera mechanics, control of light sources and metering, film and digital exposure, and darkroom and digital processing. Students will come away from the course having gained an understanding of the similarities, rather than differences, and the underlying relationships between the two mediums. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. A DSLR camera and a lens with a focal length of 55mm or wider is required for this course. Must have a manual setting: ability to set ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. A 35mm SLR or 35mm viewfinder film camera is required for this course. The school can provide you with a film camera – a refundable deposit is required (returned at the end of the term barring the camera not returned in the same condition).
Intermediate Painting or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This advanced course allows students with previous experience to work on individual projects to develop their strengths and hone technical areas of in need of improvement. Students will emerge from the course not only having developed a personal visual identity but also having attained a high level of technical competence in traditional methods and materials. Students will also have considerable opportunities to practice with non-traditional techniques and methods. Challenging individual critiques are an important component of this course. Prerequisites: Intermediate Painting or equivalent.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
This course is designed to take full advantage of the student’s unique experiences living and studying in the city of Florence. With on-site inspiration channeled into artistic creativity, students will draw on location at sites of historical significant and visual interest ranging from architectural masterpieces, landscape vistas and medieval streets to formal gardens, street markets and Renaissance fountains. Slide lectures will document the rich history of how Florence and its environs have attracted and inspired visiting artists for centuries. Students will develop individual sketchbooks with the aim of building up source material for future projects.
Working from still life, the natural and urban surroundings of the city of Florence, and figure models, the student will learn the basic techniques of drawing, perspective, proportion, and composition. Students will explore the different media of drawing: pencil, charcoal, pen, and ink. Group and individual critiques are an integral part of this course.
This course teaches beginning students the fundamental principles and techniques of painting, focusing on oil painting with concentration on human figures and still-life. Students will learn the build-up of form, tone, and color on a two-dimensional surface. Practical demonstrations are supplemented by slide lectures and visits to Florentine museums to view oil paintings firsthand. Group and individual critiques are an integral part of the course.
The aim of this combined studio art/lecture course is to introduce fresco painting (wall painting) to students who have not necessarily studied art history or acquired any form of artistic training. This course explains what fresco painting is and why it became one of the most important painting techniques in Renaissance Italy. Using a radically new and exciting approach to understanding this painting technique and the historical and political contexts in which these masterpieces were created, students will leave the course with a unique understanding of frescoes and their golden age. The primary focus of this course is to provide students with an intimate experience of how a fresco is created. They will be handling the basic ingredients of fresco painting, i.e. sand, lime, stone, stucco and mineral pigments, to create their own frescoes using traditional techniques. The aim of this course is an understanding of fresco technique and therefore focuses on process rather than the final product. An integral part of the course are the site visits to ascend the scaffolding in Florentine churches and palaces to witness at first hand the restoration of great fresco cycles normally closed to the public.
Foundation Drawing or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
In this intermediate drawing course, figure models are used to build an extensive knowledge of anatomy and the structure of the body. Along with their own explorations, students will be introduced to the Italian Renaissance with a focus on the human form through museum visits and lectures. Students will also focus on understanding “figure and ground” the relationship between the volume of a figure and the space that surrounds it. Students will explore different techniques through the use of traditional black and white as well as color media. Group and individual critiques are an integral part of the course. Students will also work on the development drawing projects for a final exhibition (not applicable to summer sessions). Prerequisites: Foundation Drawing or equivalent.
In this foundational open-air painting course, students will explore and familiarize with the pleasures and challenges of painting outdoors. The students will acquire skills in the techniques of Plein Air painting with watercolor pencils and develop critical skills to evaluate paintings executed in this style. This course will also provide students with a look at the various materials and products for outdoor painting using wet techniques. Students will be introduced to the history and tradition of this genre; the “conceptual” in landscape painting will be emphasized with a specific focus on the Italian context. Sessions will be held at different outdoor venues in and around Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
Studio, fine arts, and visual arts majors.
This course is based on watercolor, tempera and gouache techniques, with a focus on modern painting techniques and classical structure. Form, value, and proportions will be studied as means of determining space, shape, volume, and composition. Emphasis on transparent watercolor techniques include the exploration of mixed media. Learning various brushwork techniques, interaction of shapes, color, and negative and positive space will be thoroughly investigated to create vital, vivid and fluid watercolors. The aim is to reenforce each student’s level of observation, interpretation, and critical ability, to allow a natural and skillful approach to watercolor painting.
Through the study of sculpture in abstract or realistic modes, this course presents current and traditional sculptural media such as wax, plaster, and clay. Covered topics feature a strong emphasis on the development of basic technical skills for the creation of bas-reliefs, high reliefs, and more complex three-dimensional forms. Basic casting techniques will also be introduced. By learning technical skills, the nature of different materials and their proper and more experimental use, students will learn how to channel their specific artistic identity and individual sensibility, and expand the possibilities of expressing their own creativity through the arts.
Baking Techniques I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course is the advanced phase of Baking Technique courses. Students will experience the application of previously learned foundations to a variety of pastry products such as pie doughs, baked custards, and advanced spongecake recipes. The course introduces a wide range of methods that will be combined for the creation of laminated doughs, souffles, Bavarian mousses, and pate a bombe mousses. Students will learn how to use basic finishing methods by applying glazes, filling pastries, creating simple sauces, and presenting products for service. Prerequisites: Baking Techniques I or equivalent
Baking Techniques I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
This course introduces non-yeast, laminated doughs and the preparation of pastry products using a variety of methods: lamination, blending, creaming, foaming, and thickening. Students will combine these methods in new products, to create savory items and frozen desserts, and to use basic finishing methods by applying glazes, filling pastries, creating simple sauces, and presenting products for service. The fundamentals of heat transfer as applied to pastries in the preparation of creams, custards, souffls, butter creams, meringues, and flavored whipped creams will also be studied. Students will taste and test the products created and will complete a research assignment.
Since ancient times bread has had a significance that goes beyond mere sustenance. Almost every society in the world eats bread in some form and bread has always been considered a symbol of life for all mankind. Bread celebrates life and plays a leading role in traditional celebrations and festivities. This course focuses on traditional Italian specialty breads, made with special, or alternative flours, shaped by local folklore and passed down from generation to generation like the most precious gift.Students will be introduced to natural yeast production and learn how to keep the yeast alive and strengthen it for better leavening as well as the nutritional advantages and flavor development thanks to its use.The course offers a complete survey of traditional specialty breads, specialty flatbreads, sweet breads and rolls with an emphasis on old grain flour, alternative flours and local folklore. In addition to this students will be introduced to special diet baking through lessons on gluten free bread and complements.A special focus is dedicated to Italy’s most famous baked product, pizza: through an in-depth analysis pizza will be explained and enjoyed in all its most popular variations.
Building on previous knowledge, students learn to mix, shape, bake, store, and distribute breads and rolls. Emphasis will be placed on increased use of traditional fermentation methods, equipment, and methods that emphasize flavor, texture, and appearance as well as techniques that increase shelf life. this course offers the opportunity to learn the principles and techniques of preparing multi-grain breads, sourdoughs, holiday or seasonal breads, and flat breads. Special emphasis will be placed on Italian regional breads; handling grains (such as soakers) for specialty breads; mixing, shaping, and finishing specialty breads; and learning innovative baking methods.
Baking Techniques I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course introduces the principles involved in tempering chocolate, creating chocolate sculptures, forming simple centerpieces, and preparing chocolates and other confections with soft, hard, and liquid centers. Students learn to use traditional and contemporary production methods in creating confections both by hand and with special equipment. Efficient methods to increase productivity in this highly specialized field will be highlighted.
Master Italian Pastry Arts II or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
Pastry Art finds its greatest expression in the production of entremets. Pastry Chefs all around the world use entremets to create their signature collections and their fame.The course will focus on the application of dedicated mousse bases, textural inserts, cremoso, cremeaux, buttercreams, supremes, alcohol application. An emphasis will be put in the development of tartlet entremets, application of vegetables, spices and exotic ingredients and the creation of room temperature entremets. This course is entirely dedicated to the application of all advanced and master pastry techniques for the creation of what can be considered to be the business card of a Pastry Chef. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Through this placement, students are involved in back and front of the house operations at Fedora, the school pastry shop. The hands-on experience is designed to prepare future pastry chefs for the production of pastries, baked goods, and desserts. Emphasis is placed on proper baking techniques, knife and piping skills, and mixing methods. Students will learn how to adjust recipes to produce both products in large volumes and specialty items. Students will also perform front of the house duties in order to complete a comprehensive vision and understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a baking and pastry shop for future entrepreneurial activities. This placement may require shifts that take place on weekends and holidays. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Baking Techniques I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
Students will study the history and background of various national and regional cakes and tarts. The course will cover the origin of classical cakes, variations from classical methods, and customer-driven deviations from traditional preparations. Students will study a variety of doughs, batters, fillings, and glazes, with an emphasis on a thorough understanding of the techniques and proper skill execution for Italian cakes. Special attention will be paid to advanced creaming methods (separated creaming methods, creaming without leavening agents) and combination methods. Piping skills are practiced.
Baking Techniques I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
Since it was invented, sugar has played a fundamental role in the evolution of pastry as we know it today. Its intriguing and complex chemistry is by far one of the most significant challenges of pastry arts. This course revolves around this fundamental pastry art ingredient, sugar, and its applications in confectionery. Students will experience a full-immersion in the world of sugar, sugar preserves and small pastry decorations. Lessons will focus on the chemistry of sugars, on the suitable sugars for different types of preparations, and on traditional and contemporary confectionery art. Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to produce marmalade and jams, chutneys and Italian mostarda, candied fruits and fruits preserved in syrup. Emphasis will be placed on candies and caramelized fruit production, sugared nuts (pralines) and a wide variety of torrone (nougat).
Baking Techniques II: Italian Pastry Techniques or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course explores stimulating applications of both classic and contemporary pastry techniques to pastry shop and a la carte restaurant production. The program focuses on three main topics: the use of freezing temperatures through a survey of the possible applications in which cold temperatures and the balance of ingredients play a fundamental role; handling fresh and seasonal fruits in pastry production; the increasing use of ingredients such as thickening and gelling agents in order to create products with unexpectedly smooth textures, a wide variety of gels and contemporary mousses, and pastry applications of molecular gastronomy. Through this experience students will have the possibility to understand the role of specific ingredients in the production of ices in order to serve frozen desserts with a perfect balance between texture and temperature. The course will disclose all the secrets of pastry arts classics like semifreddo, bomba gelato, parfait and bon bons. Special emphasis will be placed on the uses of liquid nitrogen for different purposes other than freezing, stimulating effects of carbonation on food flavor perception, and the application of frozen food processing with the Pacojet food processor. The course offers a full-immersion in the pastry lab production with an important focus on techniques that can be available in a professional environment and allow pastry chefs to develop their creativity in order to reach new unexpected results. Prerequisites: Baking Techniques II: Italian Pastry Techniques or equivalent.
Baking Techniques II: Italian Pastry Techniques or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This course covers the preparation and service of hot and cold desserts with a focus on individual desserts and the components involved in preparation. Students will learn and improve station organization, timing, and service coordination for restaurant dessert production. Products made will include fried products, tarts, souffle, creams, frozen desserts. Both individual plated desserts, and desserts for banquets will be prepared. Students will develop a dessert menu from the perspective of variety, costs, practicality, and how well it matches the rest of the menu. This course includes 150 hours of Experiential Learning with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The Experiential Learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Italian Confectionery Art or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course is directed toward students that want to master the art of sugar works. During the lessons students will learn a variety of techniques and possible applications of sugar decorations in pastry. A special focus will be put on the composition of a sugar sculpture from sketches to assembly through the application of advanced working techniques such as stamped sugar, poured sugar, pulled sugar, and blown sugar: each technique will be used to create the elements of a final centerpiece. The course will teach students how to produce sugar flowers, ribbons, leaves, fruits, small subjects, and spheres. An emphasis will be put in the application of powder, paste and liquid color in sugar as well as glitters, silver and gold leaf application.
Two semesters of Culinary Arts course work or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
The last 40 years of food service have been characterized by a slow yet constant development of nutritional awareness and a more informed approach to food. The aim of the course is not only to offer students techniques for a healthier approach to cooking: this course will focus on cooking techniques that can be applied in order to reduce fat consumption and at same time become the emblems of contemporary cuisine. Flavor-extraction methods, flavoring methods, pressure cooking and sous vide cooking, marinades and brines and the use of alternative fats are nowadays the base of contemporary Chefs creations: students will learn how these techniques can be used to develop a fine dining cuisine that can be healthier yet not necessarily health-fanatic. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). Prerequisites: Two semesters of Culinary Arts course work or equivalent.
Italy represents longstanding traditions of food culture, wellness, and nutrition through health-oriented practices. Recent decades have represented a dramatic change in the way we approach health through the lens of food principles. Nutritional facts and information that are constantly updated and the ethics of sustainability have deeply influenced a global awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Italys approach to seasonality and nutritional balance is characterized by an abundance of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and a distinct respect for food. This course will provide students with a complete overview of how food can be the basis of wellness, along with the practice of a positive lifestyle through cultural understanding and integration with the local community. Particular emphasis will be placed, through discussions and direct practice, on seasonality and nutritional principles, whole foods, and freshness, traditional customs, and contemporary innovation. Course topics will also reference the aphorism of We are what we eat and how it aligns with the Italian culinary tradition and culture. Students will also complete a survey of the different dietary recommendations that have been researched and developed to examine how the field of dietetics is directly affected by social and cultural implications. Through hands-on experiences and on-site cultural activities, students will experience the fundamentals of wellness-oriented cuisine and lifestyles in Tuscany and Italy. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
Under the supervision of an Executive Chef who manages the operations of the kitchen, students of the culinary arts internship course are involved in the daily operations of the restaurant industry. Line cooks are entry-level kitchen positions that focus on learning technique, speed, and consistency. Interns must be highly motivated and understand proper preparation techniques, become familiarized with recipes to ensure consistency, gain a command of timing in the kitchen, reduce and manage food waste, handle commercial kitchen equipment, and perform duties as directed by the kitchen brigade. This placement may require shifts that take place on the weekend and holidays. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
The course focuses on the different aspects of regional food in Italy. Although characterized by unique and distinctive features, Italian cuisine is still perceived as the result of many different regional culinary traditions. Though merged and diluted over centuries, Italian regional cuisine still maintains its particular flavors and distinct ingredients. Emphasis will be placed on how food relates to the lifestyle and culture of diverse macro-areas of Italy. Local economy and resources will be analyzed and compared. Students will be introduced to the various local creations through hands-on practice and tastings.
Culinary Arts majors only. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
The course offers students an overview of Mediterranean cuisine by identifying and analyzing different macro areas starting from their historical and cultural backgrounds. The diverse cuisines of the countries bordering the Mediterranean sea, their mutual and external influences, and the lore developed throughout the centuries will be thoroughly covered. Emphasis will be placed on ingredients, flavor profiles, preparations, and representative techniques of important Mediterranean cuisines. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI).CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved inlearningbydoingthrough real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Culinary Arts Majors only. The Science of Cooking: An Introduction to Molecular Cuisine, or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
The course is divided into three phases and explores stimulating applications of contemporary cuisine. Precision cooking and texture development apply the latest scientific discoveries to food production and may require special instruments for the achievement of specific results. This course focuses on techniques that can be available in a professional environment and allow chefs to development their creativity in order to reach new and sometimes unexpected results. Phase 1, Temperature Application: This phase explores the possible applications in which precise and specific temperatures play a fundamental role. The microbiology as well as the sanitation practices for precision and low temperature cooking will be covered, with a complete overview of contemporary methods, equipment, and procedures used in contemporary kitchens and in food production labs. Special emphasis will be placed on sous-vide cooking through the use of the immersion circulator, applications of liquid nitrogen for different purposes other than freezing, stimulating effects of carbonation on food flavor perception, and the application of frozen food processing with the Pacojet food processor. Phase 2, Gels and Thickening Agents: This phase examines how contemporary chefs and food technologists use ingredients in ways that earlier generations would have never imagined. Topics will analyze the increasing use of ingredients such as thickening and gelling agents in order to create sauces with unexpectedly smooth textures, hot and cold gels, firm coating gels, and methylcellulose gels. With the support of a chemist, specific additives will be evaluated, discussed, and tested. Phase 3, Gases and Air-Based Preparations: This phase focuses on contemporary techniques of texture changes obtained by incorporating specific gases into foods in order to modify familiar textures, improve presentation methods, and serve unusual and contemporary dishes. Items such as foams, froth, and puffed snacks will be analyzed. Students will examine and test diverse types of foams, both hot and cold with different foaming agents from animal and vegetable sources, as well as learn how to produce light foams, thick fine-textured foams, textured snacks, airs, and froths. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). Prerequisites: Culinary Arts Majors only. The Science of Cooking: An Introduction to Molecular Cuisine, or equivalent.
Through this special project course, students are involved in back of the house operations at Ganzo, the school restaurant. Under the supervision of an Executive Chef who manages the operations of the kitchen, culinary arts experiential learning students are involved in the daily operations of the restaurant industry. Line cooks are entry-level kitchen positions that focus on learning technique, speed, and consistency. Students must be highly motivated and understand proper preparation techniques, become familiarized with recipes to ensure consistency, gain a command of timing in the kitchen, reduce and manage food waste, handle commercial kitchen equipment, and perform duties as directed by the kitchen brigade. This placement may require shifts that take place on weekends and holidays. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Open to culinary arts and baking & pastry majors or students who have taken previous coursework in the above fields. HAACP food safety and sanitation certification (not applicable to remote option). *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
Through this special project course, students are involved in back of the house operations at Ganzo, the school restaurant. Under the supervision of an Executive Chef who manages the operations of the kitchen, culinary arts experiential learning students are involved in the daily operations of the restaurant industry. Line cooks are entry-level kitchen positions that focus on learning technique, speed, and consistency. Students must be highly motivated and understand proper preparation techniques, become familiarized with recipes to ensure consistency, gain a command of timing in the kitchen, reduce and manage food waste, handle commercial kitchen equipment, and perform duties as directed by the kitchen brigade. This placement may require shifts that take place on weekends and holidays. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Tradition of Italian Food I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course continues to explore the tradition of Italian food through representative recipes. Emphasis will be given to more elaborate dishes, including the cleaning and preparation of shellfish, fresh pasta, food combination’s, feast foods and banquets.
Culinary Arts majors only. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
This course focuses on important foreign cuisines outside the mediterranean area and is meant to teach students how the influence of local cultures affected food preparation techniques and dishes in important geographic macro areas. This course allows students to examine the influence of geography and climate on the people, the features of the land, the production of agriculture, the available natural resources, and the main industries in many different areas. Special emphasis will be put on the relationship of attitudes and practices of food preferences and on how foods of a country show a relationship to the social and cultural development of an area. Students will experience food preparation from several cuisines based on the customs and heritage of these cultures. The ingredients used in the preparation of the dishes, along with their origin and diffusion, will be the highlights of the course, whose aim is to show how the environment, as well as the external cultural influences, is responsible for the characterization of local cuisines. Student will also adapt to various deviations in cooking strategies, develop an understanding of food sources and the availability of these ingredients. During the course students will benefit from practical application of international cooking in a collaborative kitchen environment. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Culinary Arts majors only.
Culinary Arts majors or three semesters of Dietetics and Nutrition course work, or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course introduces students to the benefits of eating the Mediterranean way, focusing on the nutritional aspects of the diet, the culinary tradition of the most significant Mediterranean countries and on the cultural relevance of the Mediterranean way of eating. Scientists and researchers have discovered that traditional Mediterranean cuisine is one of the most healthful, nutritious diets in the world, one that can help you live longer and enjoy far lower rates of coronary heart disease and other chronic conditions, including diabetes and cancer.
Italy represents longstanding traditions of food culture, wellness, and nutrition through health-oriented practices. Recent decades have represented a dramatic change in the way we approach health through the lens of food principles. Nutritional facts and information that are constantly updated and the ethics of sustainability have deeply influenced a global awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Italy’s approach to seasonality and nutritional balance is characterized by an abundance of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and a distinct respect for food. This course will provide students with a complete overview of how food can be the basis of wellness, along with the practice of a positive lifestyle through cultural understanding and integration with the local community. Particular emphasis will be placed, through discussions and direct practice, on seasonality and nutritional principles, whole foods, and freshness, traditional customs, and contemporary innovation. Course topics will also reference the aphorism of We are what we eat and how it aligns with the Italian culinary tradition and culture. Students will also complete a survey of the different dietary recommendations that have been researched and developed to examine how the field of dietetics is directly affected by social and cultural implications. Through hands-on experiences and on-site cultural activities, students will experience the fundamentals of wellness-oriented cuisine and lifestyles in Tuscany and Italy. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
Studies have shown that following the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, especially when combined with exercise. This course includes lectures on various forms of physical and lifestyle activities and an overview of their respective health benefits. Lectures will also include visits to athletic centers within the local community and the nutritional aspects of the Mediterranean diet, and particularly the Italian culinary tradition. Cooking labs, wine tastings, and physical activity are integral components of the course and will result in the creation of a customized exercise and nutritional program by the student. This course also features a field learning component in relevant Italian locations to supplement and enrich academic topics.
Culinary Arts majors only. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
This course explores and examines the physiology of sensory organs and how we perceive flavors. The course is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of sensory evaluation techniques and their application to the composition of dishes. Students gain knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of taste, smell and other senses and experience using these senses as analytical tools to assess food products. From the simplicity of identifying the basic tastes to the complexity of aftertastes and aromas, the objective of this course is to train taste buds to better understand the mechanics of our senses as they get in touch with food. Why do we react positively to sweet taste? Why do we sometimes refuse bitter taste? Does umami taste really exist? The course will answer these and many other related questions in order to give the students the instruments needed to deal with flavors that are not generally accepted but require a deeper understanding before being appreciated. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Culinary Arts majors only.
Two semesters of Culinary Arts coursework or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
Forty years after the first appearance of Molecular Gastronomy, Chefs approach to food has dramatically changed. Gastronomists and food historians talk about the last great food revolution of our times; the movement that changed the way we perceive food and started to stimulate new questions and give interesting answers to those that want to enhance their food knowledge. Since then cooking has taken a great step forward, opening paths once impossible to even think about. This course is aimed at non-scientific students who wish to approach the world of scientific application toward cooking and want to improve their knowledge of cooking techniques. A scientist and a Chef will alternate teaching the course giving both technical information and practical suggestions. Students will learn cutting edge techniques to create new textures and amazing effects. Prerequisites: Two semesters of Culinary Arts coursework or equivalent.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
This course will cover all aspects of chocolate from the scientific, cultural, and gastronomic points of view. Topics include its history from its Aztec origins to globalization during the Industrial Revolution, the hotly debated health and aphrodisiac issues surrounding chocolate, the role of chocolate in literature and films. Students will be introduced to the processes of chocolate production, types of finished chocolate products, past and present trends of chocolate preparation and service, the notions of chocolate pairing, and the chemical makeup of chocolate and how this influences medical/scientific research. In addition to the theoretic part of the course, hands-on workshops will be dedicated to chocolate tastings and both classic and innovative chocolate preparations.
The course focuses on different aspects of regional food in Italy, emphasizing how food relates to the local lifestyle. Regional economy and local resources are analyzed and compared, and students are introduced to various local products. Lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and tastings.
This course is targeted towards students with an interest in Italian food traditions, society, and culture. The main focus consists of what is generally defined as made in Italy-culture and style in post-war Italy. Also covered are the relationships between Italian traditions, folklore and contemporary Italian society drawing from examples including festivals, food, tourism and economy, and the influence of foreign civilizations. Students will be asked to regard the subject of food outside of the context of ingredients and the procedures used to create a dish; we will instead examine a large scale context in which food is either featured as a main component or an integral element in cultural situations. Thus the student is asked first and foremost to observe the presented material across an anthropologic lens that roves over the entire Italian peninsula. Lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and tastings.
Recent decades have represented a dramatic change in the way we approach food. Food facts and information that are constantly updated and the ethics of sustainability have deeply influenced the worldwide awareness of food as the primary source of a healthy lifestyle. Italy has always stood out for its genuine cuisine characterized by fresh seasonal ingredients, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and a distinct respect for food. This course will provide students with a complete overview of how food can be the basis of wellness, along with the practice of a positive lifestyle. Particular emphasis will be placed on seasonality, whole foods, and freshness, and contemporary innovations and traditional customs will be analyzed for the production of dishes and snacks that are both tasty and healthy. Course topics will also introduce students to the fundamentals of nutrition in order to better understand the aphorism We are what we eat and how this motto aligns with the Italian culinary tradition. Students will also complete a survey of the different dietary recommendations that have been researched and developed to examine how the field of dietetics is directly affected by social implications. Through hands-on experiences and on-site activities, students will experience the fundamentals of wellness-oriented cuisine and lifestyles. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
The best way to get to know a city is to explore it by foot, wander its streets, gain confidence with its social life and surroundings, breathe in every corner of it, and be captured by the unique views, perfumes, and, especially in Italy, the food. Jean Brunhes wrote To eat is to incorporate a territory mainly because food, its ingredients, and the rituals connected to it, have represented the mirror of society since ancient times. This course offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself into Florentine gastronomy and cultural background through neighborhood walks and tastings, using the city as one of most beautiful classrooms. Walking will give students the opportunity to see things that they otherwise would never see and to taste what’s hidden in between the tourist food attractions. Going by foot means to stumble across areas of the city that are not always intended for tourists, maybe less fancy or famous, perhaps calmer and more beautiful, possibly with the best food ever tasted, along with neighborhood stories and curiosities to be discovered in tiny galleries or in hidden food and wine shops. Florence and its treasures are ready to be unveiled. Classes include tastings in gelaterie, gastronomie, enoteche, visits to food-related city spots, and suggestive walks in the secret Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each food and wine themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
The course engages the student in the exploration of the history and culture of the French and Italian Riviera, a region that still today preserves a peculiar identity, and builds a bridge between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Strategically placed in the north of the Mediterranean, Provence and the city of Nice have always attracted civilizations from all over. Throughout its long history, people of many nationalities have docked here and been assimilated into the city, turning it into a cultural and culinary melting pot: Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Corsicans, Sicilians, Arabs, have all left their mark. The course examines the many culinary identities of the area creating a unique culinary cornucopia of different cultures and flavors, as seen in establishments such as restaurants, markets, boulangeries, Maghreb spice stalls, Mediterranean fishmongers, and Sub-Saharan vegetable vendors. The course also focuses on the relevance that the area had in the development of Europe. During the Middle Age, in monasteries and abbeys, the roots of cultural and religious traditions of Europe were continued. Furthermore, thanks to the work of the monks, the techniques of agriculture and viticulture were preserved and improved. Two of the great ancient pilgrimage routes have their start in Provence, the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), through the Roman Via Aurelia to Santiago di Compostela, and the Via Francigena, which leads from France to Rome. Places of culinary, historical, and religious relevance, such as ethnic restaurants and local markets, archaeological sites, and monasteries, will be studied in order to contextualize an interdisciplinary understanding of the culture and history of the Italian and French Riviera. Group discussions and personal research assignments are essential forms of re-elaborating the course topics. The course emphasizes the development and evolution of religion, its connection to food, and their heritage in the contemporary society. This course includes cooking labs, food and wine tastings, and visits.
The city of Florence is a veritable mine of food and cultural experiences spanning from the kitchens of the Medici family to the rustic regional cuisine of Tuscany, growing rituals such as aperitivo, and high profile restaurants recognized internationally. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the food, street, and cultural scenes that set Florence apart from other metropolitan cities; encourage the discussion of the historical weight of its storied past on the food culture of today, and construct a topographical map that indicates the pinpoints of Florence’s thriving gastro-cultural activities. Lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and tastings.
Considering the renewed global interest in local sourcing and the growth of Km0 practices (locally produced), the study of sustainable food systems is an essential component in the education of an ethically-minded food industry learner. The course takes its cue from the Italian example based on regionalism and the table as an expression of local territories, and how these factors have influenced the national food industry. It analyzes the industry and the production of food (fish, meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and grains) and focuses on packaging, traceability (labels), and distribution while exploring the social aspect of the food supply chain. Sustainability principles will be analyzed, as well as case studies in Italian food and beverage service and retailing. A strong focus is placed on seasonality, food policies, and food education. The course objective is to provide students with a solid conceptual framework in order to analyze the Italian food industry and the food production system from a sustainable perspective. Through the understanding of the broader concept of sustainability, students will be able to explore the social, economic, and environmental implications of food production and consumption and to identify the global threats in terms of public health. Students will develop critical skills by analyzing sustainability as active citizens, consumers, and entrepreneurs. The analysis and rethinking of economic, social, and agricultural alternatives in the current food production system will also be developed. Lectures will be complemented by visits, food tours, tastings, and cooking labs.
The capacity to offer the best wine as a combination for chosen dishes is a very important task. The course includes an analysis of the “combination technique” used today by the Italian association of Sommeliers, sensory and quality evaluations, practical workshops on the most successful matches as well as the creation of new flavor combinations.
The course will introduce students to the outstanding richness of Tuscan wine typologies focusing particularly on a presentation of the most important wine growing areas in Tuscany. A general introduction to wine appreciation will be offered and a selection of Tuscan wines will be studied in terms of their characteristics.
This course presents a practical and technical approach grounded in understanding the direct relationship and reactions between components, flavors, and textures. This approach uses sensory analysis to help the student identify key elements that affect pairings. concrete examples include menu analysis and tasting notes from the Apicius culinary brigade, who will prepare the recipes utilized in class. the direct food and wine paring analysis in class will culminate in a complete eon-gastronomical, regional, and cultural context. Wines and recipes from the new and the old worlds will offer to students a real perspective of the identity concept in the world ofeon-gastronomy.
Students enrolled in Wine Service Beverage Management special project will be acquire and practice skills related to managing the wine and beverage service at GANZO, the school restaurant and creative learning lab of Apicius International School of Hospitality. Under the leadership and supervision of wine service professionals, students will also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a restaurant and/or wineries. The aim of the special project is to increase knowledge of wine service, presentation methods, restaurant procedures, wine expertise, and pairing in the hospitality industry. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Students will be learning directly from wine procedures through a series of trips. The following types of wine will be studied: light bodied white wines, wooded and full-bodied white wines, sparkling wines, sweet table wines, light bodied red wines, medium bodied red wines, full bodied red wines, fortified wines, and oakey wines. The course will cover the chemistry and analysis of wine, the changes brought about with aging, faults in wine and the manipulation of wine. The itinerant course includes visits to: Distillerie Nardini (Veneto – grappa), Prunotto (Piemonte – Barolo and Barbaresco), Marchesi Antinori at the Tignanello Estate (Tuscany – the first Super Tuscan), Montevertine (Tuscany – the real Sangiovese), Loacker biodynamic wines (Tuscany – Brunello Di Montalcino, Bolgheri), and Berlucchi (Lombardia – sparkling wines).
This course provides the fundamental skills and a technical introduction to wine tasting beginning with the visual, olfactory, and gustatory examination. Students will learn to analyze the organoleptic components of wines, the importance and influences attributed by to territory, and finally how to distinguish as well as create excellent food and wine pairings. Lectures will be supplemented by wine tasting workshops. The objective of this class is for students to be able to recognize quality in wines from around the world and obtain a working knowledge of international wine regions and as well as the wine industry.
This course focuses on successful wine and bar management. Students will study the progression from the concepts related to wine bar operations to a comprehensive vision of successfully managing a wine bar business. Course topics focus on wine bar financing, staff management, analysis, and marketing. Students will learn the strategies and tools to effectively market and promote a wine bar-related business and effectively build a solid customer base without necessarily resorting to the traditional means of expensive and often ineffective forms of advertising. Prerequisites: Food and Beverage Operations and Management or equivalent.
This course continues the journey of world wines by focusing on the countries of the New World in order to further develop students’ skills as a wine taster. The countries to be studied are: Hungary, United States of America (with a special emphasis on California), Australia and South Africa, as well as New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. Students will participate in comparative tastings to be able to conduct a critical analysis of wines produced in different parts of the New World, with the usual emphasis on the relationship between sensory properties of the wines and factors associated with their place of origin.
This one-week intensive course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
This course focuses on the forces that shape cultures and societies. The following topics will be explored: our relationship to our environments, systems of social organization, social rules of law, politics, economics, religion, language and social practices. Students will come to an understanding of human variations through the study of people as social and cultural beings.
This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning in different locations of the city of Florence. Students will acquire deep awareness of the main Florentine traditions and districts, and they will be able to navigate and discover non-canonical areas of the city. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Local traditions will be placed and discussed in relation to the framework of Italian culture. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural as it is intended to be wide-reaching. Field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Rome, Tuscan coast, Cinque Terre (Fall-Summer); Rome, Orvieto, Perugia (Spring). The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden ones awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. Florence only.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
This course delves deeper into the phenomenon of gentrification, exploring its history, dynamics, causes, and effect. The complex notion of gentrification will be defined with relations to the politics of housing, social justice, and urban developments. The notion will be framed with references to different periods and geographical contexts. Gentrification will be assessed through a variety of social, political, and economic factors such as race, ethnicity, poverty, aesthetics, rurality, organized crime, commodification, Disneyfication, and museumification. In the second half of the course, emphasis will be placed on the gentrifying spaces in Italy, and Florence in particular, and students will be guided to conduct field research to further examine the impacts that gentrification has on urban and social inequalities.
This course will introduce students to the world of walking as an artistic, philosophical, political, literary, inspirational – as well as physical – experience. While exploring different types of walking, the concept of “wanderlust” will also be analyzed and discussed from both an anthropological and philosophical perspective, to provide students with a thorough overview of the traveling and walking experience both in natural and urban landscapes. Different types of walking activities will be an integral component of the course, allowing students to reflect upon walking as an act of desire, escape, imagination, freedom, rebellion, and well-being.
This course focuses on power walking as a means to improve the capacities of both the body and mind. Starting with an assessment of muscular functions, posture, breathing, and healthy eating, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and techniques of aerobic walking, Ultimately they will be able to plan and take part in a successful workout comprised of stretching, exercise, and cool-down. The course is based on a series of intense power walks throughout the city, embracing Florence as an open-air gymnasium. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as an academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the course topic, and allows for an overall experience which contributes to students’ academic and personal enrichment.
Studies have shown that following the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, especially when combined with exercise. This course includes lectures on various forms of physical and lifestyle activities and an overview of their respective health benefits. Lectures will also include visits to athletic centers within the local community and the nutritional aspects of the Mediterranean diet, and particularly the Italian culinary tradition. Cooking labs, wine tastings, and physical activity are integral components of the course and will result in the creation of a customized exercise and nutritional program by the student. This course also features a field learning component in relevant Italian locations to supplement and enrich academic topics.
In the 1900s, fitness pioneer Joseph Pilates designed and refined a series of exercises to rehabilitate himself from poor health and physical conditions from which he suffered in the early part of his life. Students will explore the health benefits and the physical practice of Pilates, a form of low-impact, whole-body exercise adaptable to all fitness levels. Students will learn about alignment, breathing, strengthening, balance, flexibility, and awareness as they progress through Pilates exercises and learn how to intelligently move their body. Students will also identify and evaluate the characteristics of exercises which are optimal for modern lifestyles, long-term health and wellness, individual needs, as well as rehabilitation and injury prevention. Basic anatomy and physiology as related to Pilates as well as healthy diet principals will also be covered.
This course provides students with an introduction to the art of yoga and meditation to gain an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual contexts that the discipline is rooted in. The course investigation begins with the notion of awareness, and the acquisition of the term through an overview of the principal asanas and their correct practice. The spiritual aspects of yoga are experienced in the form of various meditation techniques from different philosophies as well as the study of pranayama breathing exercises. Topics also include an examination of yoga props as well as dietary and nutritional guidelines, studied through the lens of yoga philosophy gleaned from sacred texts. The course will cover yoga traditions from ancient times to more contemporary interpretations.
This course will introduce students to the world of walking as an artistic, philosophical, political, literary, inspirational – as well as physical – experience. While exploring different types of walking, the concept of “wanderlust” will also be analyzed and discussed from both an anthropological and philosophical perspective, to provide students with a thorough overview of the traveling and walking experience both in natural and urban landscapes. Different types of walking activities will be an integral component of the course, allowing students to reflect upon walking as an act of desire, escape, imagination, freedom, rebellion, and well-being.
This course is aimed to offer students already possessing a solid foundation of yoga knowledge and practice the tools to use the therapeutic functions of Hatha yoga in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional distress. Students will become familiar with health, wellness, and stress management topics through yoga practice in a therapeutic context. Through the hands-on approach to asanas, pranayama breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, students understand how to integrate yoga as a complementary treatment to medicine and a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The constant practice of awareness and observation combined with an analysis of anatomy and physiology applied to common pains and distresses will development the application of yoga therapy in individual and group contexts throughout the duration of the course.
#MeToo has rapidly moved from a social media hashtag to an international movement that demands changes in society towards how and what we view as sexual harassment. The power of the internet has become an integral tool in promoting empowerment through empathy by bringing together individuals that have been subject to harassment, and by exposing the predators that have exploited their power through pressure as well as force. This course aims to present a comprehensive history of sexual harassment to give the student a better understanding of how past events have contributed to the current movement. Examination of how the shifting standards of the 21st century have created a foundation for new definitions of acceptable behavior will provide an important tool for critical analysis of conduct between genders. Evaluation of sexual harassment in gender relations will create new perspectives and sensitivity to the current movement as a way reinforce #MeToo, not just an assessment of a viral trend, but as a tipping point in contemporary society.
This course will explore love and romantic relationships through the words of notable individuals from the past. The letters written by great men and women – poets, novelists, musicians, philosophers, politicians, kings and queens – to their loved ones will provide an opportunity for students to examine the evolution of romantic relationships from the ancient Roman times to modern days, with a special focus dedicated to the 18th and 19th century. Through reading, analyzing, and discussing love letters and other background materials, students will explore the ties between the experience of love and its expression through the means of writing as a characteristic trait of human interaction, from an historical, social, cross-cultural, and literary point of view.
Beginning with an examination of the “how to” advice manuals common to Italian households during the Renaissance period, this course explores various aspects of sexuality in Renaissance Italy. These aspects range from the aforementioned self-help books aimed at instructing young couples in sexual pleasure, to conception and childbirth, and an examination of the differing social roles of the common prostitute (meretrice) and the high class courtesan (cortigiana). The theme of male homosexuality will also be explored with special focus placed on the intellectual climate of Renaissance Florence where the prevailing interest in Neoplatonic philosophy may have played a part in creating a more lenient moral climate for homosexuals. Discussions will take cue from Renaissance art in which erotic subjects became increasingly popular in courtly circles in the sixteenth century. Museum visits form an integral part of this course.
The course engages the student in the exploration of the history and culture of the French and Italian Riviera, a region that still today preserves a peculiar identity, and builds a bridge between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Strategically placed in the north of the Mediterranean, Provence and the city of Nice have always attracted civilizations from all over. Throughout its long history, people of many nationalities have docked here and been assimilated into the city, turning it into a cultural and culinary melting pot: Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Corsicans, Sicilians, Arabs, have all left their mark. The course examines the many culinary identities of the area creating a unique culinary cornucopia of different cultures and flavors, as seen in establishments such as restaurants, markets, boulangeries, Maghreb spice stalls, Mediterranean fishmongers, and Sub-Saharan vegetable vendors. The course also focuses on the relevance that the area had in the development of Europe. During the Middle Age, in monasteries and abbeys, the roots of cultural and religious traditions of Europe were continued. Furthermore, thanks to the work of the monks, the techniques of agriculture and viticulture were preserved and improved. Two of the great ancient pilgrimage routes have their start in Provence, the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), through the Roman Via Aurelia to Santiago di Compostela, and the Via Francigena, which leads from France to Rome. Places of culinary, historical, and religious relevance, such as ethnic restaurants and local markets, archaeological sites, and monasteries, will be studied in order to contextualize an interdisciplinary understanding of the culture and history of the Italian and French Riviera. Group discussions and personal research assignments are essential forms of re-elaborating the course topics. The course emphasizes the development and evolution of religion, its connection to food, and their heritage in the contemporary society. This course includes cooking labs, food and wine tastings, and visits.
This course is centered around Ferrante’s four-volume work known as The Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend (2011), The Story of a New Name (2012), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2013), The Story of the Lost Child (2015). Lectures will investigate the multifaceted universe of a friendship between two women, Lila and Len, from their childhood to adulthood. It also aims to shed light on the connections between their experiences and Southern Italy’s complex history and culture from the post-WWII war years to the present. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course will examine the protagonists effort to break out of the circle of extreme poverty, illiteracy, and male violence. Amongst the themes addressed by this course through the study The Neapolitan Novels, students will explore issues such as post-war settlement in Italy and in the South, Italy’s Southern Question, the Neapolitan Camorra and its influence on the poor, the changing role of women during the Seventies, the Economic Miracle, terrorism during the anni di piombo, student movements in the late Sixties, Italian factory strikes throughout the Seventies, and technological advancements for computing machines.
The aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental moral theories and standards and to encourage their application – through mechanisms of moral reflection and judgment – to ethical problems arising throughout the world. The course is articulated through a large number and variety of studies of moral cases drawn from various parts of the world which will bring the student to confront prescriptive moral theories with some degree of sophistication. Our study of such matters as the French legislation against veils in schools, reproductive rights in Italy, U.S. drug laws and Iranian censorship vs. the value of liberty-will inevitably result in meta-ethical reflections, that is, thinking about the nature of morality and the limits of our moral judgment. The students’ participation in class discussion is a fundamental element of this class.
Is globalization good or bad? For whom? Will it go away or is it here to stay? Do I need to worry about it? Globalization-freer trade, improved communications, travel, and transportation-together with the information revolution have created new moral challenges and intensified some existing ones across the planet. In reviewing the pros and cons of globalization, we will consider arguments from philosophers, economists, businessmen, labor leaders, environmentalists, journalists, etc., as they examine north-south relations, economic development, population growth and migration, environmental questions, and the state of international law concerning security, the flow of trade, of ideas, and of people.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
Only in the 20th century the international community has progressively elaborated rules and procedures to state that certain behaviors are crimes and to make possible the punishment of those committing these acts. The course will provide an introduction to the birth, evolution, and contemporary challenges of human rights, humanitarian law, and the international systems to maintain peace or restore justice. It aims at offering an overview of the history of Human Rights from their appearance on the international scene to contemporary debates; it will analyze the process of definition of crimes against Humanity, crimes against Peace, War crimes and genocide and the mechanisms to protect Humanitarian law: from the emergency logic of Newberg trial after World War II to the institutionalization of International Criminal Justice and the various typologies of humanitarian interventions: Peacekeeping, Peace-making, Peace-enforcing. * Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
This course provides a survey of major concepts, theories, and issues in international relations. Course topics will discuss how and why things happen in the international state system. Through the analysis of theories such as realism, liberalism, Marxism, poststructuralism, feminism and postcolonialism, students will become familiar with real-life scenarios and understand the different actors involved in world politics. Key subjects include the effects of the Cold War, decision-making process in foreign policy and world organizations, international security and arms control, international law, global civil society, and global political economy.
This one-week intensive course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
This course will examine excerpts of Dante Alighieri’s greatest passages from the Divine Comedy and other works in relation to the space and history of Florence. Textual analyses will be performed, unpacking the dense symbolism and motifs reflective of the intellectual and moral climate during 14th century Florence. Students will visit churches, piazzas, and palaces within the city and will examine these locations in the context of Dante’s life and surrounding controversy, the accusations and denunciations in his writings, the physical descriptions of the city, and the characters and historical figures present in his works. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
This course examines the city of Florence with themed walks offering a comprehensive approach to the city as an open-air cultural, historical, and artistic research site from its Roman foundation to its contemporary Zeitgeist. Students will learn the history of the city through its art: they will understand how buildings, streets, squares, and monuments can be mapped as living traces of multiple, overlapping layers of a complex past, and how to encode them in their personal appropriation of the city. Starting from learning how to decode the artistic environment of the city and to unveil its traces both visible and invisible the course aims at understanding the main social and cultural reasons underlying the existing shape of the city. The course explores traces and evidences from Roman times through Middle Ages, Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque, up to Art Nouveau and contemporary Florence. Students will be provided with a consistent theoretical background related to relevant historic-artistic landmarks and their social and cultural context and main characters (Guelphs vs. Ghibellines, the Florentine Guilds, Dante, the Medici family, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Ammannati, Pontormo, etc.). Students will be encouraged to develop their own experiential tools and strategies to approach the city through guided field learning activities that assess research, on-site involvement, and academic outcome for each themed walk in Florence.
The best way to get to know a city is to explore it by foot, wander its streets, gain confidence with its social life and surroundings, breathe in every corner of it, and be captured by the unique views, perfumes, and, especially in Italy, the food. Jean Brunhes wrote To eat is to incorporate a territory mainly because food, its ingredients, and the rituals connected to it, have represented the mirror of society since ancient times. This course offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself into Florentine gastronomy and cultural background through neighborhood walks and tastings, using the city as one of most beautiful classrooms. Walking will give students the opportunity to see things that they otherwise would never see and to taste what’s hidden in between the tourist food attractions. Going by foot means to stumble across areas of the city that are not always intended for tourists, maybe less fancy or famous, perhaps calmer and more beautiful, possibly with the best food ever tasted, along with neighborhood stories and curiosities to be discovered in tiny galleries or in hidden food and wine shops. Florence and its treasures are ready to be unveiled. Classes include tastings in gelaterie, gastronomie, enoteche, visits to food-related city spots, and suggestive walks in the secret Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each food and wine themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
This course explores how green spaces can be understood as arenas where climate, cultural heritage, and personal well-being converge. Students will delve into sustainable principles for creating healthy green spaces in cities. They will discover the significance of gardens in fostering beneficial psychophysical practices, and the advantageous implications of green infrastructures for the community. The course delves into the science that underpins the restorative power of nature, exploring how gardens can alleviate stress, promote physical activity, and enhance overall well-being. Through lectures, interactive workshops, and visits to local urban gardens, students will gain a deeper understanding of gardens as places of culture, intended as a polyhedral term that embraces both mind and body, from the individual to the community levels. This course includes an Experiential Learning Project with CEMI.
This course explores how green spaces can be seen as arenas where climate, cultural heritage, and personal well-being converge. Students will delve into the sustainable principles for creating healthy green spaces in cities. They will discover the significance of gardens in fostering beneficial psychophysical practices, and the advantageous implications of green infrastructures for the community. The course explore the science that underpins the restorative power of nature, exploring how gardens can alleviate stress, promote physical activity, and enhance overall well-being. Through lectures, interactive workshops, and visits to local urban gardens, students will gain a deeper understanding of gardens as places of culture, intended as a polyhedral term that embraces both mind and body, on both individual and community levels. This course includes an Experiential Learning Project with CEMI. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
Successful completion of an introductory course in social sciences, urban studies, political sciences, or equivalent.
This course delves deeper into the phenomenon of gentrification, exploring its history, dynamics, causes, and effect. The complex notion of gentrification will be defined with relations to the politics of housing, social justice, and urban developments. The notion will be framed with references to different periods and geographical contexts. Gentrification will be assessed through a variety of social, political, and economic factors such as race, ethnicity, poverty, aesthetics, rurality, organized crime, commodification, Disneyfication, and museumification. In the second half of the course, emphasis will be placed on the gentrifying spaces in Italy, and Florence in particular, and students will be guided to conduct field research to further examine the impacts that gentrification has on urban and social inequalities.
The development of the city of Florence and that of the Church are inextricably linked with one another; Christian, and more specifically, Catholic faith provided a framework for one’s life, informed the development of social institutions and governing bodies, and inspired the development and flourishing of art and architecture during the period that would come to be known as the Renaissance. In short, this faith touched every aspect of life in the Florence of centuries past, and its present is still seen, felt, and experienced when moving through the dense urban fabric of the city. This course will also investigate the ways in which religious faith permeated numerous aspects of Florentine society and daily life, from the monasteries and convents spread throughout the city, to its charitable institutions and hospitals, to the care for the souls of the condemned, and, more joyfully, to celebratory traditions that survive to the present day. Themed walks will offer an opportunity to explore these themes through engaging with works of sacred art and architecture, as well as sites and routes of religious significance. Works and structures will be contextualized within the historic period in which they were produced, allowing students to understand how and why they were executed, as well as to explore the significance they would have held for their original viewers and to discuss what they mean to beholders today. The analysis of these spaces, places, and works will highlight additional layers of meaning and interpretation: life, death, violence, popular culture, and social change, among others. Open to students from all backgrounds and academic concentrations, this course will allow participants to discover the city of Florence through a unique lens while simultaneously encouraging them to learn about Italian historical epochs and the cultural diversity of its traditions. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
Through a series of walks and visits through art and design this course intends to show famous and hidden fashion paths in Florence. A journey through time and space to discover the place that marked the birth of Italian fashion and opened the doors to Made in Italy. Back in 1954 Florence was the star of the fashion system, anticipating trends and stealing the exclusive scene from Paris. Italy embraced the new in fashion through the talent and genius of Giovanni Battista Giorgini, who staged the first ever Italian fashion shows in Florence. Students will discover a city of exquisite taste, tradition and artistic craftsmanship. Starting from the location of the first Italian cat walk held in the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti, they will learn how to map the fashion environment of the city. From Renaissance to modern day inspiration, fashion is kept alive in the products that were designed here and that grace the beautiful city today. Designers, such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Stefano Ricci, Ermanno Scervino, and Roberto Cavalli, have all developed and changed through the years and they have all surely blossomed here in Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each fashion themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
This course will introduce students to the world of walking as an artistic, philosophical, political, literary, inspirational – as well as physical – experience. While exploring different types of walking, the concept of “wanderlust” will also be analyzed and discussed from both an anthropological and philosophical perspective, to provide students with a thorough overview of the traveling and walking experience both in natural and urban landscapes. Different types of walking activities will be an integral component of the course, allowing students to reflect upon walking as an act of desire, escape, imagination, freedom, rebellion, and well-being. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
Coming soon!
Italian destination cities immediately conjure up images of the art, food, fashion, wine, and culture in which their fame lies: fashion shows and la Scala in Milan, Renaissance art in Florence, Brunello wine in Montalcino, the Biennale and Carnevale in Venice. This course will explore how creative advertising strategies have been created and implemented, their effect on city identity, the proliferation of creative areas in destination cities, and the future of creativity and creative marketing. Case studies of both well-established metropoli and developing destinations will be examined.
This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course aims to develop event competency in order to effectively plan, coordinate, direct, and run special event operations. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for effective event and project management and leadership. During the course, students will examine the complexity of the event industry from a managerial point of view, focusing on the multifaceted nature of event planning within a project management context. Effective strategies and methods are discussed to successfully plan and manage a multitude of event sizes and types while underlining the economic and financial components. The administrative aspects of an event company from the management of the financial records to the compliance with legal requirements will be carefully examined during this course. This class includes Experiential Learning with CEMI.
Takes a practical approach to introducing students to the marketing of hotels, restaurants and clubs. Market segmentation, marketing research, advertising, public relations, promotions, packaging, pricing strategies, revenue maximization, travel purchasing systems and the future of hospitality marketing will be examined.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of human resources management, with particular emphasis on human resource planning and strategy, personnel selection, equal employment opportunity, training, performance appraisal, compensation, and contemporary issues. The course has been developed for people whose job requires managing people in a global environment according to the traditional Human Resources. Topics covered include: human resource planning, job analysis, recruitment, personnel selection, performance, employee turnover, the importance of HR in an industry like the hospitality sector, ethics and practices within personnel, legal issues, and how diversity impacts the workforce.
This course examines the development of international tourism from its historic beginnings to current growth. Emphasis will be placed on the topics of tourism marketing and structures, the role of governments in international tourism, the effect of tourism in a country’s infrastructure and society, and the impact of tourism in developing countries.
Students of the hospitality internship course will be introduced to hospitality management and operations through internships in hotels, restaurants, and wine bars in Florence, under the guidance of experienced professionals. Students will also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a hotel/restaurant/enoteca, and will acquire valuable experience in the areas of management procedures and client relations in the hospitality industry. Hotel and hospitality marketing may be included within the tasks which are assigned to the students. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Through this special project course, students are involved in front of the house hospitality operations at Ganzo, the school restaurant. Under the guidance of the Ganzo management, students will gain firsthand practice of customer relations and satisfaction, service, food and beverage operations, collaborative and interpersonal communication between FOH and BOH, and above all practice hospitality skills in an international context. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course is an examination of personal and small group communication with particular emphasis on methods of perceiving information and transmitting messages in order to foster and build strong relationships with the customer. Such links will be learned by several role playing exercises that are a part of the coursework. Students will review the ways in which people communicate with each other, the skills needed to communicate effectively in work situations, group decision-making, and the forces that influence group behavior. The course will also analyze the two basic principles of the Quality System regarding the bottom-up model and doing things correctly the first time.
This course offers a comprehensive analysis of the wedding planning process from wedding consultation through to the political, cultural, economic, and religious influence on weddings, with an additional focus on Italian traditions and customs. During the course, students will have the opportunity to visit and inspect prestigious wedding venues of Florence. Interactive sessions with practical training are organized throughout the course in order for students to develop the necessary knowledge and communication skills needed to pursue a career in this industry. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course introduces the operations for successful housekeeping management. Students will learn how to apply systems of communications, maintenance, inventory, laundry, operating and payroll budgets, labor that are a part of the everyday reality faced by hospitality managers. the application of these techniques is aimed at providing the best services with maximum efficiency on the operational and customer levels.
Students of the hospitality internship course will be introduced to hospitality management and operations through internships in hotels, restaurants, and wine bars in Florence, under the guidance of experienced professionals. Students will also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a hotel/restaurant/enoteca, and will acquire valuable experience in the areas of management procedures and client relations in the hospitality industry. Hotel and hospitality marketing may be included within the tasks which are assigned to the students. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
The aim of this special project course is to expose students to the principles of event planning with an emphasis on the development and integration of operational strategies. The aforementioned strategies will be employed from the perspective of hospitality management and the application of program techniques in special event management. Topics will include booking, event programming and coordination, themes, program partnerships, and event promotion. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course introduces one of the fundamental areas of study in the hospitality industry. Students will study the concepts and procedures of food and beverage control systems, cost control, operating budgets, effective management of food and beverage operations and cycles. Cost calculations, menu planning, storage, receiving, profit and budget forecasting, labor costs, service payment systems, and other topic specific areas will be covered.
This course introduces one of the fundamental areas of study in the hospitality industry. Students will study the concepts and procedures of food and beverage control systems, cost control, operating budgets, effective management of food and beverage operations and cycles. Cost calculations, menu planning, storage, and receiving.
Students of the hospitality internship course will be introduced to hospitality management and operations through internships in hotels, restaurants, and wine bars in Florence, under the guidance of experienced professionals. Students will also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a hotel/restaurant/enoteca, and will acquire valuable experience in the areas of management procedures and client relations in the hospitality industry. Hotel and hospitality marketing may be included within the tasks which are assigned to the students. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
This special project course will focus on the basic understanding of restaurant management, including service management and customer relations, menu planning, and wine list development under the supervision of wine experts. Students will observe and analyze the main operational areas of the restaurant such as food safety and sanitation, guest services, operational responsibilities, and staff communication. Moreover, students will learn how to maintain daily records of customers, sales and costs, as well as produce monthly records. Students will assist the manager in setting service standards and creating a platform for all restaurant operations in accordance with restaurant needs. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. .
Considering the renewed global interest in local sourcing and the growth of Km0 practices (locally produced), the study of sustainable food systems is an essential component in the education of an ethically-minded food industry learner. The course takes its cue from the Italian example based on regionalism and the table as an expression of local territories, and how these factors have influenced the national food industry. It analyzes the industry and the production of food (fish, meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and grains) and focuses on packaging, traceability (labels), and distribution while exploring the social aspect of the food supply chain. Sustainability principles will be analyzed, as well as case studies in Italian food and beverage service and retailing. A strong focus is placed on seasonality, food policies, and food education. The course objective is to provide students with a solid conceptual framework in order to analyze the Italian food industry and the food production system from a sustainable perspective. Through the understanding of the broader concept of sustainability, students will be able to explore the social, economic, and environmental implications of food production and consumption and to identify the global threats in terms of public health. Students will develop critical skills by analyzing sustainability as active citizens, consumers, and entrepreneurs. The analysis and rethinking of economic, social, and agricultural alternatives in the current food production system will also be developed. Lectures will be complemented by visits, food tours, tastings, and cooking labs.
This course focuses on successful wine and bar management. Students will study the progression from the concepts related to wine bar operations to a comprehensive vision of successfully managing a wine bar business. Course topics focus on wine bar financing, staff management, analysis, and marketing. Students will learn the strategies and tools to effectively market and promote a wine bar-related business and effectively build a solid customer base without necessarily resorting to the traditional means of expensive and often ineffective forms of advertising.
The aim of this placement is to expose students to the principles of spa management with an emphasis on daily spa operations. Students will gain first-hand experience through analytical observation and participation in the management of the on-campus spa, Sorgiva, a full-service spa, health, and wellness facility. Students will develop the managerial skills necessary to act as a spa manager, and will be familiarized with planning and organizing all the relevant activities and operations of the wellness center. This program also includes an overview of several spa treatments, as students will assist a professional massage therapist explain to customers the different techniques and spa products. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
The aim of this placement is to expose students to the principles of spa management with an emphasis on daily spa operations. Students will gain first-hand experience through analytical observation and participation in the management of the on-campus spa, Sorgiva, a full-service spa, health, and wellness facility. Students will develop the managerial skills necessary to act as a spa manager, and will be familiarized with planning and organizing all the relevant activities and operations of the wellness center. This program also includes an overview of several spa treatments, as students will assist a professional massage therapist explain to customers the different techniques and spa products. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Architectural Restoration & History of Architecture
This course explores the principal architects, monuments and themes of fifteenth and sixteenth century Italian architecture. The course includes site visits in the city of Florence. Emphasis will be on Renaissance architecture in Florence, but will also include architectural developments in Rome, Urbino, Mantua, Verona and Vicenza. Special topics will include: architectural theory, Medici and papal patronage, urban planning, and church and palace design. A special focus will be dedicated to architects: Brunelleschi, Alberti, Michelozzo, Giuliano Sangallo, Bramante, Antonio Sangallo the Younger, Michelangelo, Giulio Romano and Palladio. Visits to key Renaissance buildings and urban spaces in Florence are included.
An A2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, portfolio of previous work, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The internship course allows the student from architecture and interior design backgrounds to gain first-hand experience of professional design contexts. Internship students will practice their creative skills with studio teams or individual professionals. Tasks may include initial observations of the professional environment, working on design samples, drafting by hand or digitally, practice AutoCAD layouts and rending, and assisting the organization with logistical duties. Student involvement will not involve solo project development but require collaborative engagement within the organization’s ongoing projects according to the student’s skill and competency levels. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Introduction to Interior Design or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours – 45 studio hours) This course is focused on the student’s realization of an individual project with the interior design of a public or private space. The emphasis of the course is to introduce the student to the balance of the threefold relationship between the physical, the functional, and the aesthetic in interior design. The discussion and analysis of contemporary Italian trends in interior design form an integral part of the course. An open critique session will follow every major project submission. Field trips are an important part of the course. Prerequisites: Introduction to Interior Design.
An A2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, portfolio of previous work, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The internship course allows the student from architecture and interior design backgrounds to gain first-hand experience of professional design contexts. Internship students will practice their creative skills with studio teams or individual professionals. Tasks may include initial observations of the professional environment, working on design samples, drafting by hand or digitally, practice AutoCAD layouts and rending, and assisting the organization with logistical duties. Student involvement will not involve solo project development but require collaborative engagement within the organization’s ongoing projects according to the student’s skill and competency levels. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Introduction to Interior Design. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course introduces students to the art and technology of lighting and explores the use of lighting as a design element in the interior environment. Students will learn how to analyze lighting installations, calculate lighting levels for interiors, select appropriate light fixtures, and prepare a lighting plan based on one of their studio projects. Emphasis will be placed on technical and aesthetic issues in relation to the illumination of interiors. This course includes Fab Lab studio hours.
3D printing is often referred to as the next industrial revolution. While the idea of printing your own consumer goods on-demand is certainly exciting, there are many questions that relate to this technology: ownership & copyright, accessibility, technical issues, cost. This course will evaluate this technology from the perspectives of students with varied backgrounds. Students will be introduced to 2D and 3D modelling and printing processes.
This introductory course to product design guides students through the exploration of the different stages involved in the design process. Case-study analysis enhances instruction as students explore parallel paths in the design of interiors, industrial and consumer products, public art projects and fashion. With carefully selected examples and practical exercises, students explore contemporary design practice within production processes. Students become familiar with concepts and terminology relevant to product design. Namely, production volumes, speed of production, costs of production, relevant materials and typical applications. The innovative use of a particular material, sustainability and its effect on the environment is also assessed. As an integral part of the course, students are required to develop a meaningful design challenge and in the end deliver a great design. Within such a process, students address the historical context of their designs as they practice critical thinking, research, problem solving, and aesthetic refinement. Projects require sketches, models, written reports and verbal presentations of design concepts.
Interior Design, Environmental Architecture, and Sustainability | Sustainable Architecture and Design
Project for Sustainable Interior Design I or equivalent.
This advanced-level course provides students with the tools required by interior design planning in accordance with sustainability principles. Starting from previously covered topics and the study of significant contemporary designers, students will analyze new sustainable materials and the techniques of reuse and renovation for non-residential large-scale interior design projects involving structures such as a former industrial building and community-based projects. During the project definition phase, students will experiment with the architectural and design approaches to waste reduction, reuse of space, and material recycling. Through critical thinking, students will acquire competency and knowledge of high-performance sustainable materials from a sustainable perspective. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This one-week intensive course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning in different locations of the city of Florence. Students will acquire deep awareness of the main Florentine traditions and districts, and they will be able to navigate and discover non-canonical areas of the city. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Local traditions will be placed and discussed in relation to the framework of Italian culture. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural as it is intended to be wide-reaching. Field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Rome, Tuscan coast, Cinque Terre (Fall-Summer); Rome, Orvieto, Perugia (Spring). The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden ones awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. Florence only.
The aim of this course is to study Italian culture through action and participation, and to build awareness from the perspective of active engagement beyond mere observation. The course concept is intended to give students a better understanding of contemporary Italian society and culture politics, economy, social environment, traditions and compare their current expressions with historical contexts by using hands-on and interactive participation in cultural integration programs that involve the local community. An important element of this course is the Italian language component, which acts as a bridge to Italian culture based on communication skills. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to apply their basic knowledge of Italian language to fulfill course requirements. The course is designed to expand the students global prospective through constant reflection and constructive criticism in order to incorporate intercultural knowledge into a richly articulated awareness of the self intended as the individual, as the individual within a community, and the individual within a culture. The Cultural Perspective course includes: 10 visits in Florence, regular involvement in activities related to cultural immersion and fieldwork. During the semester it also includes a weekend research trip to Sicily as an integral component of the academic coursework. During Summer sessions, the course includes a weekend trip to Rome and one weekend trip to Verona and lakes as an integral component of the academic coursework. The course focuses on cognitive development, cultural awareness, and intercultural and interpersonal communication by integrating and placing the student in direct contact with local culture.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
This course explores the cultural anthropology and sociology of the Italian-American family from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. Topics will focus on the following themes: stereotypes, gender, religion, politics, social change, and community character and adaptation. Students will analyze newspapers, magazines, and narrative fiction, as well as documentaries, feature films, and popular television programs. Special attention will be paid to the emotional and cultural experience of the return of Italian-Americans to their roots in Italy.
This course focuses on the relationship between students and the city. Students will have an overview on basic Italian Language structures used to develop communication skills. Students will develop a vocabulary that will enable them to engage in simple but useful everyday conversations, thus enhancing and supporting their Italian experience. After taking this course, students will be able to express themselves in daily life context e.g. shopping for food, clothes, interacting with Italians, talking about yourself, habits, hobbies. Emphasis will be given to oral expression of practical vocabulary. This level is for absolute beginner students who have never studied Italian before. Through lessons students will be invited to practice the acquired knowledge in a native environment.
Four semesters of Italian language or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course is an introduction to contemporary Italian literature from Neorealism to the present time: in particular we will read novels, short stories, essays and poetry as in all countries of the Western world, the post-war period in Italy was a time of enormous development, upheaval and change that completely transformed Italian society. The strong worldwide impact of globalization of the last few decade s has introduced in Italy as well new economic and cultural challenges. The aim of the course is to analyze and understand how the process of transformation in Italian society has been reflected in the literary production. Some of the authors discussed will include: Cesare Pavese, Italo Calvino, Dacia Maraini, Oriana Fallaci, Umberto Eco, Antonio Tabucchi, Alessandro Baricco, Roberto Saviano.
This introductory language course is intended for students with no prior knowledge of Italian. The course presents linguistic fundamentals and essential grammatical structures necessary for elementary communication. Students will learn the regular conjugations of common -are, -ere, and -ire verbs, working primarily with present tense verbs. Simple prepositions will also be introduced along with other fundamental structures.
The intensive nine-credit Italian course gives students the opportunity to experience total immersion in the language. Students will develop the four cornerstones of foreign language study, comprehension, readings, writing, and, above all, speaking. All lessons will be taught in Italian. Students will begin the course with a comprehensive Florentine cultural and practical orientation, including site visits and walking tours. This class meets Monday to Thursday for three hours per session; in addition there is a Monday lecture and Tuesday film series as well as mandated hours in the language lab. Students will have a one-time cooking and language lab and dinner together. The course concludes with a week of in-depth review and final exam. The beginning levels concentrate on the development of the spoken language and on the ability to understand. The intermediate levels help students to master more complex grammatical structures and to enrich their vocabulary with the use of contemporary material such as newspapers and videos. In addition, students will compose short written essays. At the advanced levels students will develop what they have learned in the previous levels and will further progress in their ability to produce written texts and to be able to discuss specific topics without pre-preparation
The intensive nine-credit Italian course gives students the opportunity to experience total immersion in the language. Students will develop the four cornerstones of foreign language study, comprehension, readings, writing, and, above all, speaking. All lessons will be taught in Italian. Students will begin the course with a comprehensive Florentine cultural and practical orientation, including site visits and walking tours. This class meets Monday to Thursday for three hours per session; in addition there is a Monday lecture and Tuesday film series as well as mandated hours in the language lab. Students will have a one-time cooking and language lab and dinner together. The course concludes with a week of in-depth review and final exam. The beginning levels concentrate on the development of the spoken language and on the ability to understand. the intermediate levels help students to master more complex grammatical structures and to enrich their vocabulary with the use of contemporary material such as newspapers and videos. In addition, students will compose short written essays. At the advanced levels students will develop what they have learned in the previous levels and will further progress in their ability to produce written texts and to be able to discuss specific topics without pre-preparation.*FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
The intensive six-credit Italian course gives students the opportunity to experience total immersion in the language. Students will develop the four cornerstones of foreign language study, comprehension, readings, writing, and, above all, speaking. All lessons will be taught in Italian. Students will begin the course with a comprehensive Florentine cultural and practical orientation, including site visits and walking tours. Students will have a one time cooking and language lab and dinner together. The beginning levels concentrate on the development of the spoken language and on the ability to understand. the intermediate levels help students to master more complex grammatical structures and to enrich their vocabulary with the use of contemporary material such as newspapers and videos. In addition, students will compose short written essays.
The intensive six-credit Italian course gives students the opportunity to experience total immersion in the language. Students will develop the four cornerstones of foreign language study, comprehension, readings, writing, and, above all, speaking. All lessons will be taught in Italian. Students will begin the course with a comprehensive Florentine cultural and practical orientation, including site visits and walking tours. This classmeets Monday to Thursday for three hours per session during the semester and Monday through Friday in the summer sessions; in addition there is a Monday lecture and Tuesday film series as well as mandated hours in the language lab. Students will have a one-time cooking and language lab and dinner together. The course concludes with a week of in-depth review and final exam in week 12 of the semester or day 12 of the summer sessions. The beginning levels concentrate on the development of the spoken language and on the ability to understand. The intermediate levels help students to master more complex grammatical structures and to enrich their vocabulary with the use of contemporary material such asnewspapers and videos. In addition, students will compose short written essays. At the advanced levels students will develop what they have learned in the previous levels and will further progress in their ability to produce written texts and to be able to discuss specific topics without pre-preparation.*FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
The intensive six-credit Italian course gives students the opportunity to experience total immersion in the language. Students will develop the four cornerstones of foreign language study, comprehension, readings, writing, and, above all, speaking. All lessons will be taught in Italian. Students will begin the course with a comprehensive Florentine cultural and practical orientation, including site visits and walking tours. This classmeets Monday to Thursday for three hours per session; in addition there is a Monday lecture and Tuesday film series as well as mandated hours in the language lab. Students will have a one-time cooking and language lab and dinner together. The course concludes with a week of in-depth review and final exam in week 12 of the semester. The beginning levels concentrate on the development of the spoken language and on the ability to understand. The intermediate levels help students to master more complex grammatical structures and to enrich their vocabulary with the use of contemporary material such asnewspapers and videos. In addition, students will compose short written essays. At the advanced levels students will develop what they have learned in the previous levels and will further progress in their ability to produce written texts and to be able to discuss specific topics without pre-preparation.*FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
This course develops basic conversation, reading and writing skills. Equal focus will be given to grammatical structures, vocabulary and conversation skills. Students will develop a vocabulary that will enable them to engage in simple but useful everyday conversations, thus enhancing and supporting their Italian experience. After taking this course, students will be able to express themselves in the Present tense, Passato Prossimo and to use both nouns and adjectives in the correct form with reference to gender and number. Emphasis will be given to oral expression of practical vocabulary and newly acquired grammar structures. This level is for absolute beginner students who have never studied Italian before.
One semester of Italian language or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course builds on and extends fundamental skills developed in the beginner course. Emphasis is placed on developing fluency skills and integration of language and culture through more extensive reading and writing. After taking this course, students will be able to express polite requests using the Present conditional, making future plans using the Future tense and develop their language ability by using direct and indirect object pronouns. This course is aimed at students who already have a basic vocabulary of Italian and some knowledge of elementary language structures. *FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
One semester of Italian language or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course builds on and extends fundamental skills developed in the beginner course. Emphasis is placed on developing fluency skills and integration of language and culture through more extensive reading and writing. After taking this course, students will be able to express polite requests using the Present conditional, making future plans using the Future tense and develop their language ability by using direct and indirect object pronouns. This course is aimed at students who already have a basic vocabulary of Italian and some knowledge of elementary language structures. *FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
Two semesters of Italian language or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This level is for those students who already have an active knowledge of elementary language structures (i.e. the expression of past actions and events, the discussion of future plans), who can communicate simple and routine tasks, discuss familiar and routine topics and describe his/her background and who can understand clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. after taking this course, students will be able to use more complex pronouns both in spoken and written Italian and will have a basic grasp of subjunctive and all four tenses.*FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
Two semesters of Italian language or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This level is for those students who already have an active knowledge of elementary language structures (i.e. the expression of past actions and events, the discussion of future plans), who can communicate simple and routine tasks, discuss familiar and routine topics and describe his/her background and who can understand clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. after taking this course, students will be able to use more complex pronouns both in spoken and written Italian and will have a basic grasp of subjunctive and all four tenses.*FUA policy requires that when less than 4 students enroll in an Italian language class, the class will be taught at reduced contact hours. With less students the instructor is able to cover the same program in less time, while also providing more individualized attention.
Three semesters of Italian language. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course is directed towards the acquisition of more complex grammar structures to express personal opinions and preferences. This level enables students to enter unprepared into conversation on topics with which they are familiar, which are of personal interest or which pertain to everyday life (i.e. family, hobbies, work, travel, and current events). During this course, students will develop skills which will allow them to narrate a story, relate the plot of a book or film or write correctly on topics which are familiar or are of personal interest. After taking this course, students will have developed a good understanding of Subjunctive and will be able to judge when to use Indicative, Subjunctive or conditional. Students will also learn more complex forms of verbs like the Passive form.
This course will examine excerpts of Dante Alighieri’s greatest passages from the Divine Comedy and other works in relation to the space and history of Florence. Textual analyses will be performed, unpacking the dense symbolism and motifs reflective of the intellectual and moral climate during 14th century Florence. Students will visit churches, piazzas, and palaces within the city and will examine these locations in the context of Dante’s life and surrounding controversy, the accusations and denunciations in his writings, the physical descriptions of the city, and the characters and historical figures present in his works.
This course focuses on the literary panorama of Florence, creating significant connections with the fields of linguistics, history, and socio-politics. Students will gain knowledge about the origins of the Italian language, they will learn about war literature and poetry, discover the key venues wherein literature flourished, explore the works of the locals, and also that of illustrious foreign authors who studied and wrote in Florence, and ultimately uncover the new literature developing in the city. The course is held outside, since Florence is the very setting of its academic content. Therefore, students will gain awareness of the significance of walking in the city so as to develop a new gaze that allows them to travel through various epochs and literary movements. This way, students will undertake an insightful journey through language, history, and narratives.
This course is centered around Ferrante’s four-volume work known as The Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend (2011), The Story of a New Name (2012), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2013), The Story of the Lost Child (2015). Lectures will investigate the multifaceted universe of a friendship between two women, Lila and Len, from their childhood to adulthood. It also aims to shed light on the connections between their experiences and Southern Italys complex history and culture from the post-WWII war years to the present. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course will examine the protagonists effort to break out of the circle of extreme poverty, illiteracy, and male violence. Amongst the themes addressed by this course through the study The Neapolitan Novels, students will explore issues such as post-war settlement in Italy and in the South, Italys Southern Question, the Neapolitan Camorra and its influence on the poor, the changing role of women during the Seventies, the Economic Miracle, terrorism during the anni di piombo, student movements in the late Sixties, Italian factory strikes throughout the Seventies, and technological advancements for computing machines.
Italian destination cities immediately conjure up images of the art, food, fashion, wine, and culture in which their fame lies: fashion shows and la Scala in Milan, Renaissance art in Florence, Brunello wine in Montalcino, the Biennale and Carnevale in Venice. This course will explore how creative advertising strategies have been created and implemented, their effect on city identity, the proliferation of creative areas in destination cities, and the future of creativity and creative marketing. Case studies of both well-established metropoli and developing destinations will be examined.
Recent years have seen the evolution and revolution in business communication. The birth of the web was the inspiration that led to a different way of relating between companies and customers. Approaches led to a constant customer participation in the creation and development of the business image. Web marketing is based on techniques and principles applicable to all sectors and also suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises up to now often cut off from mass media because of the enormous budget required. But the web is not just sites, in recent years social networks have pointed the way towards a clear undisputed sway. Communication on social networks isn’t only about purchasing advertising as in traditional media or even on most websites. The social is the most striking feature of what is called Web 2.0: the network of conversations; and the conversations don’t occur only among customers, but must exist between the company and customers to stimulate the most powerful communication tool: word of mouth. A company that does not speak with customers is bound to be forgotten.
Journalism is presented in this course as a communicator of the arts and culture. Students will explore the diverse media that have evolved around the coverage of the arts, literature, music, culture, dance, gastronomic arts, theater and cinema. Coverage of individuals, movements, events, exhibitions and happenings is considered for critical reviewing, popular diffusion, sociological and philosophical questioning. The course also studies strategies of how cultural and creative journalism is presented to the public from a visual and esthetic point of view, drawing from examples found in printed and online media. Course projects and activities will interact with the journalism activities of Blending, the newsletter and magazine of FUA-AUF’s campus press Ingorda.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
This course examines the context in which the Italian fashion system was born. Topics begin from the evolution of fashion from the post-WWII period to the present and address the role and influence of media and culture on factors such as economic and social status, the arts, and other issues that influenced fashion. Students explore fashion’s connection to identity, body, politics, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and how fashion and media are interrelated with these aspects of culture.
This is an intermediate course. Knowledge of camera functions is required. Portfolio submission recommended.
During this two-pronged course, students will focus on: 1) the history and study of photojournalism from its genesis/inception to today and 2) assignments/projects that are journalistic newsworthy (events, human interest, artistic/cultural, sports, feature, and portrait). Students will emulate what it is like to be a newspaper photographer and learn storytelling images of the everyday events that occur in life. Through lectures and discussions students will also address contemporary issues such as: the cultural, social, and political influence of images and photojournalism in society as well as ethics and legal issues in photojournalism. The print lab will provide students with the tools for elaborating and printing their own images.This course is recommended for Communications, Journalism, and Social Sciences students.This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This special project course is offered to highly motivated students who want to enter and practice first hand the world of magazine editing and proofreading. The student will be in charge, under the supervision of professionals, develop feature writing through the steps of checking for accuracy and suitability, digital and traditional printing, and design. Knowledge and experience in magazine and newspaper production is always extremely helpful for higher editorial positions. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Foundational writing skills are not covered. Students are expected to apply a strong command of syntax, structure, and style according to the course topic.
This course looks at a variety of writing practices required of digital journalists and web writers, both in style and in subject matter. Students will gain experience writing diverse types of stories: investigative, news, feature, editorial, sports, entertainment, etc. They will learn how to write effectively for a targeted audience on a variety of digital platforms (such as websites including online versions of established media and wikis, blogs, applications and social media, multi-user communities and spaces, and smart device communication), document sources in a professional way, evaluate and critique their own publications, and about how online writing affects publication and interacts with social and civic participation. This course will also give students a further understanding of the principles, ethics, and practice of journalism in increasingly digitalized formats. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course focuses on the role of communication in public health, the development and practice of health communication strategies, and how health campaigns, medical journalism, and an increasing community participation in online health outreach impact society and wellbeing. Starting from theories of past and present health communication, students will examine how health information is delivered and perceived, the influence of media on public health outcomes, and the cons/risks of media strategies on healthcare practitioners and beneficiaries. Case studies will be analyzed to gage effectiveness and to discuss the findings of current research and scholarship on communication management in medical systems. Students will be asked to compare communication strategies in international contexts, as well as gain perspective on the implications of health communication as practiced in a country like Italy where healthcare is highly state-subsidized. Prerequisites: Introduction to Public Relations or Communication, an introductory health systems course, or equivalent.
In a pluralistic and multicultural society, it is important to provide individuals with the appropriate tools to develop balanced and integrated personalities that are capable of social interaction with sensitivity and a wide understanding. A skillful communication creates positive relationships and working teams as well as social groups including individuals from different cultures, religious beliefs, sexual preferences, age, and physical characteristics. In order to arrive at this form of intercultural communication, it is necessary to acquire basic competencies and psychological knowledge of the logic-verbal, intuitive, and creative areas. Course topics analyze the subjectivity of perception, the influence of cultural patterns on identity, the interdependence of contemporary life and working contexts, and the capacity to acquire useful skills and experience for effective communication.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
This course examines the development of international tourism from its historic beginnings to current growth. Emphasis will be placed on the topics of tourism marketing and communucation, the role of governments in international tourism, the effect of tourism in a country’s infrastructure and society, and the impact of tourism in developing countries.
An examination of personal and small group communication with particular emphasis on methods of perceiving information and transmitting messages, gender bias in communication, nonverbal behavior, and methods of communicating ideas and emotions. Students also learn about decision making in groups and forces that influence group behavior. A review of the ways in which people communicate with each other and an introduction to the skills needed to communicate effectively in work situations. Students participate in small and large group discussions and problem-solving situations as we cover the fundamentals of listening skills, interviewing skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, and public speaking.
What do we mean by “community?” How do we encourage, discuss, analyze, understand, design, and participate in healthy communities in the age of many-to-many media? With the advent of virtual communities, smart mobs, and online social networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin), old questions about the meaning of human social behavior have taken on renewed significance. although this course is grounded in theory, it is equally rooted in practice, and much of the class discussion takes place in social cyberspaces. This course requires active participation of students and a willingness to immerse in social media practices. Much of the class discussion takes place in a variety of virtual world environments during and between face-to-face class meetings. As a practicum, those who complete this course will know how to chat, blog, tag, wiki, avatar, comment, twitter and flicker productively – and have some notion of how these practices affect self and community.
What do we mean by “community”? How do we encourage, discuss, analyze, understand, design, and participate in healthy communities in the age of many-to-many media? With the advent of virtual communities, smart mobs, and online social networks, old questions about the meaning of human social behavior have taken on renewed significance. Although this course is grounded in theory, it is equally rooted in practice, and much of the class discussion takes place in social cyberspaces. This course requires the active engagement of students and a willingness to experience a full immersion in social media practices. Much of the class discussion takes place in a variety of virtual world environments during and between face-to-face class meetings. Students who participate in this course will actively and productively engage in established and emerging forms of social media – and have some notion of how these practices affect the self and the community. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: One communication course or equivalent.
Through this special project course, the student will be able to research and develop web content for professional websites. Guided by a Communications Office, the student will be involved in web-based projects to develop written and visual content for digital platforms. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. The placement may require weekend hours or ongoing research-based and editorial activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Digital content creation and revision, visual content development, audience/reader-oriented research, SEO analysis, site performance review, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Portfolio of previous work, web back office experience.
Through the public relations placement, students will learn how to promote an organization’s business and image. Public relations activities will focus on managing an organization’s key messages through content management. Communication strategies, including those related to special events, will be a major emphasis in public relations-related projects. Students will be guided throughout their involvement in PR operations and measuring PR results. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course explores the major concepts and theories of the psychology of bargaining and negotiation, and the dynamics of interpersonal and inter-group conflict and its resolution. Students will familiarize with negotiation strategies and planning, as well as with ethics in negotiation. This course will also focus on international and cross-cultural negotiation strategies.
This course is an examination of personal and small group communication with particular emphasis on methods of perceiving information and transmitting messages in order to foster and build strong relationships with the customer. Such links will be learned by several role playing exercises that are a part of the coursework. Students will review the ways in which people communicate with each other, the skills needed to communicate effectively in work situations, group decision-making, and the forces that influence group behavior. The course will also analyze the two basic principles of the Quality System regarding the bottom-up model and doing things correctly the first time.
The phenomenon of e-publishing has transformed the book industry from technical, technological and business perspectives. the course examines the opportunities for self-publishing and the evolving strategies of publishing companies, the workings of e-book sales online, and the pros and cons of digital books and their digital interactivity. Students will explore the main features and developments of e-publishing’s effect on the concept of interactive reading and the interactive media that make up the structure of an e-book. a part of the course is dedicated to lab hours in which students practice the processes and phases of creating an e-book ready for the web.
This special project course is designed as a full immersion in the world of publishing through collaboration with Ingorda for Florence Campus Publishing, the FUA university press. Students will work on publications throughout the special project experience. All areas of book publishing will be covered, from concept creation to research, writing, photography, graphic layout and design, production, and marketing and distribution. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
The basis of this course is the development of creative writing skills by focusing on the genre of travel writing. Students will read and discuss extracts from the great classics of travel writing as well as current travel journalism published in newspapers magazines and on-line. Assignments will focus on helping the student find an individual voice, on developing ideas and honing them through revision and drafting, on writing for different audiences, and on the inclusion of photographs in their written work. For those students who wish to combine their own photographic work with their travel writing, the course schedule does not conflict with Digital Photography and Travel Photography classes. Emphasis will also be placed on the students’ ability to evaluate and critique their own work and that of others. At the end of the semester students will see their work published in an in-house publication.
This course examines major philosophies and concepts that have contributed to the discussion of art theory, aesthetic discourse, andcontemporary criticism. Reading and analyzing various texts from antiquity to the present, students will explore the underlying questions and meanings of art and how they interact or conflict throughout the development of Western thought. The aim of this course is to equip the student with a foundation in art theory in order to develop an informed critical approach. Texts covered in class will include writings by philosophers, critics, and artists such as Plato, Alberti, Kant, Benjamin, Greenberg, Barthes, Baudrillard, Lippard, and Trin T. Minha.
This one-week intensive course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
This one-week intensive course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
The course will develop a comparative study of art as an expression of human experience from the development of the paradigms of beauty and aesthetics developed during the Renaissance to the contemporary perception of beauty. The course will include major artists and influences in terms of styles and movements. The course will feature a contrast between the “two cities” within the city that embody these diverse ways to convey art and beauty as an experiential pathway for understanding the evolution of artistic language and its possible directions in the future.
The course explores the works of those artists who, over half a century, have made the art of today and constructed the relationship between artists and the city of Florence in the Italian context. Emphasis is placed on comparing Traditional, Medieval, Renaissance art and the extent to which efforts have succeeded in developing an original approach to creativity. The course will involve lectures (a survey of art in Tuscany, including abstract experiences, Italian pop art, minimal art, Poesia visiva, trans-avant-gardism and the present-day tendencies of figurative art), and fact-finding visits to artists where course participants are encouraged to ask questions. For example, which factors led artists towards certain decisions, which cultural forces led artists to adopt certain forms, etc. the course alternates betweenfieldwork visiting galleries and ateliers and carrying out interpretative analysis of the fieldwork in the classroom. The course encourages contact with the living tissue of art. The Florence creative scene, vibrant today but rooted in history, is varied and complex; this course gives the student the opportunity to establish direct, informed contact with it.
This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning in different locations of the city of Florence. Students will acquire deep awareness of the main Florentine traditions and districts, and they will be able to navigate and discover non-canonical areas of the city. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Local traditions will be placed and discussed in relation to the framework of Italian culture. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural as it is intended to be wide-reaching. Field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Rome, Tuscan coast, Cinque Terre (Fall-Summer); Rome, Orvieto, Perugia (Spring). The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden ones awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. Florence only.
This course examines the city of Florence with themed walks offering a comprehensive approach to the city as an open-air cultural, historical, and artistic research site from its Roman foundation to its contemporary Zeitgeist. Students will learn the history of the city through its art: they will understand how buildings, streets, squares, and monuments can be mapped as living traces of multiple, overlapping layers of a complex past, and how to encode them in their personal appropriation of the city. Starting from learning how to decode the artistic environment of the city and to unveil its traces both visible and invisible the course aims at understanding the main social and cultural reasons underlying the existing shape of the city. The course explores traces and evidences from Roman times through Middle Ages, Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque, up to Art Nouveau and contemporary Florence. Students will be provided with a consistent theoretical background related to relevant historic-artistic landmarks and their social and cultural context and main characters (Guelphs vs. Ghibellines, the Florentine Guilds, Dante, the Medici family, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Ammannati, Pontormo, etc.). Students will be encouraged to develop their own experiential tools and strategies to approach the city through guided field learning activities that assess research, on-site involvement, and academic outcome for each themed walk in Florence.
This introductory course is aimed at students who have little or no background in the history of Western art. Before examining the beginnings of Renaissance art which took hold in which took hold in Florence in the early years of the fifteenth century, students will be given a broad overview of Greek and Roman art and architecture the emulation of which is fundamental to understanding the cultural revolution of the Renaissance. through on-site visits to medieval churches and palaces in Florence, students will early on become familiar with the Romanesque and Gothic styles in which the first Renaissance painters, sculptors and architects had their roots and from which they were dramatically to diverge. Since site-visits are a significant part of this course, the focus will be on Florentine artists who will include: Masaccio, Donatello, Brunelleschi , Fraangelico, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. By way of comparison consideration will also be given to other art centers in Italy such as Venice, Siena and Ferrara. as well as analyzing the style and subject matter of works of art, students will learn about the techniques of painting and sculpture and comparisons will be made with techniques in other countries in the same period, for example the use of oil paints in Flemish painting.
This course explores the principal architects, monuments and themes of fifteenth and sixteenth century Italian architecture. The course includes site visits in the city of Florence. Emphasis will be on Renaissance architecture in Florence, but will also include architectural developments in Rome, Urbino, Mantua, Verona and Vicenza. Special topics will include: architectural theory, Medici and papal patronage, urban planning, and church and palace design. A special focus will be dedicated to architects: Brunelleschi, Alberti, Michelozzo, Giuliano Sangallo, Bramante, Antonio Sangallo the Younger, Michelangelo, Giulio Romano and Palladio. Visits to key Renaissance buildings and urban spaces in Florence are included.
This art history courses gives the student a unique and stimulatingopportunity to study Renaissance art in Florence – the city of its birth. The course will provide students with an in-depth exploration of Florentine Renaissance painting, sculpture and architecture throughout the 15th century and into the beginning of the 16th century. Students will not only learn to identify and analyze the individual styles of artists such as Montello, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Fra angelico, Botticelli, Verrocchio, Leonardo da Vinci and the young Michelangelo, but theywill also be able to relate the artists and their work to the social, religious, philosophical, political and cultural contexts of the time. Patronage conditions will receive much attention with particular emphasis being given to the Medici family as arbiters of taste. The many visits to museum, churches, palaces and other on-site teaching form an integral and essential part of this course. Students will also be expected to carry out homework assignments related to museums and other art historical sites not included in the class visits.
The development of the city of Florence and that of the Church are inextricably linked with one another; Christian, and more specifically, Catholic faith provided a framework for ones life, informed the development of social institutions and governing bodies, and inspired the development and flourishing of art and architecture during the period that would come to be known as the Renaissance. In short, this faith touched every aspect of life in the Florence of centuries past, and its present is still seen, felt, and experienced when moving through the dense urban fabric of the city. This course will also investigate the ways in which religious faith permeated numerous aspects of Florentine society and daily life, from the monasteries and convents spread throughout the city, to its charitable institutions and hospitals, to the care for the souls of the condemned, and, more joyfully, to celebratory traditions that survive to the present day. Themed walks will offer an opportunity to explore these themes through engaging with works of sacred art and architecture, as well as sites and routes of religious significance. Works and structures will be contextualized within the historic period in which they were produced, allowing students to understand how and why they were executed, as well as to explore the significance they would have held for their original viewers and to discuss what they mean to beholders today. The analysis of these spaces, places, and works will highlight additional layers of meaning and interpretation: life, death, violence, popular culture, and social change, among others. Open to students from all backgrounds and academic concentrations, this course will allow participants to discover the city of Florence through a unique lens while simultaneously encouraging them to learn about Italian historical epochs and the cultural diversity of its traditions. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
This course focuses on the literary panorama of Florence, creating significant connections with the fields of linguistics, history, and socio-politics. Students will gain knowledge about the origins of the Italian language, they will learn about war literature and poetry, discover the key venues wherein literature flourished, explore the works of the locals, and also that of illustrious foreign authors who studied and wrote in Florence, and ultimately uncover the new literature developing in the city. The course is held outside, since Florence is the very setting of its academic content. Therefore, students will gain awareness of the significance of walking in the city so as to develop a new gaze that allows them to travel through various epochs and literary movements. This way, students will undertake an insightful journey through language, history, and narratives.
This course explores the theme of migration in contemporary postcolonial literature. The focus will be on both fictional and non-fictional modes of transcribing the experience of dislocation. A special emphasis will be placed on the role played by literary tradition in the writer’s shaping of personal identity; the first lessons will provide students with the basic theoretical tools to help them discuss a literary text (especially autobiographical writings). Experimentation of form as well as significant innovations in content will be covered with in detail. Students will also be introduced to the basic historical events and changes of such countries as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Algeria in order to better understand past and contemporary interactions between the ex-colonies of ex-colonial powers such as Britain and France. Readings will include works by J.M. Coetzee, Michael Ondaatje, Hanif Kureishi, Jhumpa Lahiri, Azouz Begag, Salman Rushdie, and Edward W. Said
This course will explore love and romantic relationships through the words of notable individuals from the past. The letters written by great men and women – poets, novelists, musicians, philosophers, politicians, kings and queens – to their loved ones will provide an opportunity for students to examine the evolution of romantic relationships from the ancient Roman times to modern days, with a special focus dedicated to the 18th and 19th century. Through reading, analyzing, and discussing love letters and other background materials, students will explore the ties between the experience of love and its expression through the means of writing as a characteristic trait of human interaction, from an historical, social, cross-cultural, and literary point of view.
The course explores some of the key criminal behaviors and the history of criminology in relation to episodes that occurred in Florence from the 18th century until today. Topics include the abolishment of death penalty in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the history of asylums for the criminally insane and the theories of Cesare Lombroso on physical anomalies, the massacres conducted during Fascism, the perpetuation of political homicides by terrorist groups, the investigations of the murders of the first Italian serial killer, Mafia attacks, the practice of murder-suicide, and hate crimes. A multi-disciplinary model is adopted to cross-analyze criminological, judicial, and social phenomena, with a focus on the ways criminology has evolved.
The course explores some of the key criminal behaviors and the history of criminology in relation to episodes that occurred in Florence from the 18th century until today. Topics include the abolishment of death penalty in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the history of asylums for the criminally insane and the theories of Cesare Lombroso on physical anomalies, the massacres conducted during Fascism, the perpetuation of political homicides by terrorist groups, the investigations of the murders of the first Italian serial killer, Mafia attacks, the practice of murder-suicide, and hate crimes. A multi-disciplinary model is adopted to cross-analyze criminological, judicial, and social phenomena, with a focus on the ways criminology has evolved.
Only in the 20th century has the international community progressively elaborated rules and procedures to state that certain behaviors are crimes and to make possible the punishment of those committing these acts. The course will provide an introduction to the birth, evolution, and contemporary challenges of human rights, humanitarian law, and the international systems to maintain peace or restore justice. It aims to offer an overview of the history of Human Rights from their appearance on the international scene to contemporary debates; it will analyze the process of definition of crimes against Humanity, crimes against Peace, War crimes, and genocide and the mechanisms to protect Humanitarian law: from the emergency logic of Newberg trial after World War II to the institutionalization of International Criminal Justice and the various typologies of humanitarian interventions: Peacekeeping, Peace-making, Peace-enforcing. * Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
This course is centered around Ferrante’s four-volume work known as The Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend (2011), The Story of a New Name (2012), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2013), The Story of the Lost Child (2015). Lectures will investigate the multifaceted universe of a friendship between two women, Lila and Len, from their childhood to adulthood. It also aims to shed light on the connections between their experiences and Southern Italys complex history and culture from the post-WWII war years to the present. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course will examine the protagonists effort to break out of the circle of extreme poverty, illiteracy, and male violence. Amongst the themes addressed by this course through the study The Neapolitan Novels, students will explore issues such as post-war settlement in Italy and in the South, Italys Southern Question, the Neapolitan Camorra and its influence on the poor, the changing role of women during the Seventies, the Economic Miracle, terrorism during the anni di piombo, student movements in the late Sixties, Italian factory strikes throughout the Seventies, and technological advancements for computing machines.
Bride kidnapping, also known as marriage by abduction or marriage by capture, is a practice throughout history and around the world in which a man abducts the woman he wishes to marry. The custom of fuitina was widespread in Sicily and southern Italy. In theory and in some cases it was an agreed elopement between two youngsters; in practice it was often a forcible kidnapping and rape, followed by a so-called “rehabilitating marriage” (matrimonio riparatore). In 1965 this custom was brought to national attention by the case of Franca Viola, a 17- year-old abducted and raped by a local small-time criminal, with the assistance of a dozen of his friends. When she was returned to her family after a week, she refused to marry her abductor, contrary to local expectation. Her family courageously backed her up, and suffered severe intimidation for their efforts; the kidnappers were arrested and the main perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The exposure of this archaic and intransigent system of values and behavioral mores caused great national debate. A 1970 film, “La moglie pia bella” (The Most Beautiful Wife) by Damiano Damiani and starring Ornella Muti, is based on the case. Article 544 of the Italian Penal Code will be changed only in 1981, when, by Law, rape could not be cancelled by marriage. This course examines the relationship between gender inequality and the legal system. Topics include abortion, marriage, divorce, custody, equal pay, sexual harassment, rape, pornography, and prostitution. Students are introduced to basic legal research tools, such as statutes, regulations, cases, and legal literature.
At least one college writing course or equivalent.
This course adds a critical dimension to writing skills through analysis and advocacy. Students will examine language from the perspectives of logic, induction/deduction, facts, inference, judgements, and formal and informal fallacies of written expression. Reasoning and argumentation approaches are covered and exercised through the writing projects required by the course. Critical writing is also examined according to the awareness of diverse contexts and audiences and developing persuasive claims through reasoning and evidence.
This class is based on the craft of poetry writing. An important element is the discussion of student poems and the debate on assigned readings featuring major poets. Course topics will be paced to help students to balance the necessary technical skills (rhythm, sound, diction, and shape) with finding their own voice as poets. Students will be required to write and revise a body of original poems and present them for class critique. Prerequisites: Creative Writing, a 300-level writing course, or equivalent.
Foundational writing skills are not covered. Students are expected to apply a strong command of syntax, structure, and style according to the course topic.
This course looks at a variety of writing practices required of digital journalists and web writers, both in style and in subject matter. Students will gain experience writing diverse types of stories: investigative, news, feature, editorial, sports, entertainment, etc. They will learn how to write effectively for a targeted audience on a variety of digital platforms (such as websites including online versions of established media and wikis, blogs, applications and social media, multi-user communities and spaces, and smart device communication), document sources in a professional way, evaluate and critique their own publications, and about how online writing affects publication and interacts with social and civic participation. This course will also give students a further understanding of the principles, ethics, and practice of journalism in increasingly digitalized formats. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
This course examines the city of Florence with themed walks offering a comprehensive approach to the city as an open-air cultural, historical, and artistic research site from its Roman foundation to its contemporary Zeitgeist. Students will learn the history of the city through its art: they will understand how buildings, streets, squares, and monuments can be mapped as living traces of multiple, overlapping layers of a complex past, and how to encode them in their personal appropriation of the city. Starting from learning how to decode the artistic environment of the city and to unveil its traces both visible and invisible the course aims at understanding the main social and cultural reasons underlying the existing shape of the city. The course explores traces and evidences from Roman times through Middle Ages, Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque, up to Art Nouveau and contemporary Florence. Students will be provided with a consistent theoretical background related to relevant historic-artistic landmarks and their social and cultural context and main characters (Guelphs vs. Ghibellines, the Florentine Guilds, Dante, the Medici family, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Ammannati, Pontormo, etc.). Students will be encouraged to develop their own experiential tools and strategies to approach the city through guided field learning activities that assess research, on-site involvement, and academic outcome for each themed walk in Florence.
This course focuses on the literary panorama of Florence, creating significant connections with the fields of linguistics, history, and socio-politics. Students will gain knowledge about the origins of the Italian language, they will learn about war literature and poetry, discover the key venues wherein literature flourished, explore the works of the locals, and also that of illustrious foreign authors who studied and wrote in Florence, and ultimately uncover the new literature developing in the city. The course is held outside, since Florence is the very setting of its academic content. Therefore, students will gain awareness of the significance of walking in the city so as to develop a new gaze that allows them to travel through various epochs and literary movements. This way, students will undertake an insightful journey through language, history, and narratives.
Galileo Galilei was one of the founding fathers of the modern scientific world, living and working for the larger portion of his life in Florence under the protection of the ruling Medici family. His life and works are a landmark in the history of science. What did he do and why is it so important? This course is designed to introduce the students to the intellectual ferment of the Renaissance, which produced the revolutionary figure of Galileo. Both the works of Galileo and his contemporaries will be examined. Visits to the Science Museum of Florence and other scientific institutions form an integral part of this course.
This course explores the meaning of the term ‘Renaissance’ when applied to the period of Italian history from circa 1350 to 1550. The subject will be approached from a variety of standpoints: social, political, economic, intellectual, scientific and artistic. The focus will be on the concept of Italian Renaissance Humanism and on the relationship between art and society during this period. Lectures will be supplemented by a number of visits to key historical sites in Florence. Field trips and museum visits are an intricate part of the course.
This course will explore love and romantic relationships through the words of notable individuals from the past. The letters written by great men and women – poets, novelists, musicians, philosophers, politicians, kings and queens – to their loved ones will provide an opportunity for students to examine the evolution of romantic relationships from the ancient Roman times to modern days, with a special focus dedicated to the 18th and 19th century. Through reading, analyzing, and discussing love letters and other background materials, students will explore the ties between the experience of love and its expression through the means of writing as a characteristic trait of human interaction, from an historical, social, cross-cultural, and literary point of view.
Beginning with an examination of the “how to” advice manuals common to Italian households during the Renaissance period, this course explores various aspects of sexuality in Renaissance Italy. These aspects range from the aforementioned self-help books aimed at instructing young couples in sexual pleasure, conception, and childbirth, to an examination of the differing social roles of the common prostitute (meretrice) and the high-class courtesan (cortigiana). The theme of male homosexuality will also be explored with special focus placed on the intellectual climate of Renaissance Florence, where the prevailing interest in Neoplatonic philosophy could have played a part in creating a more lenient moral climate for homosexuals. Much use will be made of Renaissance art where erotic subjects became increasingly popular in courtly circles in the sixteenth century. Museum visits form an integral part of this course.
The course engages the student in the exploration of the history and culture of the French and Italian Riviera, a region that still today preserves a peculiar identity, and builds a bridge between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Strategically placed in the north of the Mediterranean, Provence and the city of Nice have always attracted civilizations from all over. Throughout its long history, people of many nationalities have docked here and been assimilated into the city, turning it into a cultural and culinary melting pot: Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Corsicans, Sicilians, Arabs, have all left their mark. The course examines the many culinary identities of the area creating a unique culinary cornucopia of different cultures and flavors, as seen in establishments such as restaurants, markets, boulangeries, Maghreb spice stalls, Mediterranean fishmongers, and Sub-Saharan vegetable vendors. The course also focuses on the relevance that the area had in the development of Europe. During the Middle Age, in monasteries and abbeys, the roots of cultural and religious traditions of Europe were continued. Furthermore, thanks to the work of the monks, the techniques of agriculture and viticulture were preserved and improved. Two of the great ancient pilgrimage routes have their start in Provence, the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), through the Roman Via Aurelia to Santiago di Compostela, and the Via Francigena, which leads from France to Rome. Places of culinary, historical, and religious relevance, such as ethnic restaurants and local markets, archaeological sites, and monasteries, will be studied in order to contextualize an interdisciplinary understanding of the culture and history of the Italian and French Riviera. Group discussions and personal research assignments are essential forms of re-elaborating the course topics. The course emphasizes the development and evolution of religion, its connection to food, and their heritage in the contemporary society. This course includes cooking labs, food and wine tastings, and visits.
This course is centered around Ferrantes four-volume work known as The Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend (2011), The Story of a New Name (2012), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2013), The Story of the Lost Child (2015). Lectures will investigate the multifaceted universe of a friendship between two women, Lila and Len, from their childhood to adulthood. It also aims to shed light on the connections between their experiences and Southern Italys complex history and culture from the post-WWII war years to the present. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course will examine the protagonists effort to break out of the circle of extreme poverty, illiteracy, and male violence. Amongst the themes addressed by this course through the study The Neapolitan Novels, students will explore issues such as post-war settlement in Italy and in the South, Italys Southern Question, the Neapolitan Camorra and its influence on the poor, the changing role of women during the Seventies, the Economic Miracle, terrorism during the anni di piombo, student movements in the late Sixties, Italian factory strikes throughout the Seventies, and technological advancements for computing machines.
History has demonstrated that saints would not have existed without sinners and vice versa. The course will examine the encounters and interrelationships between saints and sinners over the course of Italian history. In many cases, the Saint was also a former Sinner but rarely the other way around. The great Saint Augustine, for example, is a testament to former sinners as seen in his famous Confessions in which his vivid, at times red-light experiences as a young man are described and redeemed by a saintly life. The texts, at times, almost hint at a subtle vein of regret and faint whiffs of nostalgia for the dolce vita of Augstines past. The same can be said of Saint Francis, who was known for conducting a dissipated, playboy-oriented lifestyle in Assisi conveniently financed by his rich father Bernardone. In other cases, history has documented epic clashes between sinners and saints-to-be. Between the dying Lorenzo il Magnifico and the future saint Savonarola, for example, in which the latter refused to absolve the former who had refused to confess his sins. Saint Bellarmine, Galileos inquisitor, condemned the scientist for demonstrating the error of the Sacred Scripture regarding the geocentrism, demonstrating yet again a saints victory. Another topic that will be examined by the course is the posthumous redemption of sinners such as the Giuseppe Verdis Lady of the Camellias in La Traviata and the lovers Paolo and Francesca in Dantes Divina Commedia.
This course traces the rich and varied history of the Medici family, whose name has become almost synonymous with the history of Renaissance Florence itself. Beginning with the rise of the Medici bank under the astute and mindful Cosimo the Elder in the early fifteenth century, and concluding with the death of Gian Gastone de’ Medici and the opulent luxuries of his princely palace in 1737, this course examines the Medici as bankers, statesmen, patrons of the arts, entrepreneurs and, ultimately, as absolute rulers of the state of Tuscany. The role of the family’s female counterparts will also be examined, especially in relation to their dynastic marriages that linked the Medici to leading European political powers. Visits to key Medici historic sites (palaces and villas) are an essential component of the course.
Childcare area is a varied and flexible career path. This internship course offers the opportunity to be involved in the field of childcare education at locations such as childcare institutions, private households, and public and private schools. Interns interact with children and help them with different activities such as stimulating cognitive skills through games and animation of body language, language development, creative art-based activities, and daily operations as required by the placement organization. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
The internship course for teaching English as a foreign language is offered to highly motivated students seeking future careers in the field of English language teaching within the challenging environment of a foreign culture. The internship course will immerse students within contexts involving Italian students or adults of different social and educational backgrounds. Internship topics include but are not limited to lesson planning, tutoring, language assessment, textbook selection, and can also include research duties. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Through this special project, students will assist the Educational Field Trips department. Typical tasks may include compiling field trip itineraries and participant lists, assisting with hotel and tour reservations, and manage trip reminders and pre-departure information. Students will also assist with promotional activities through social media updates and bulletin announcements on campus. Participation in field trips as assistants to tour leaders will directly involve students in department activities. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project is an excellent opportunity for the student to understand institutional library systems. Working under the supervision of the library staff, students will perform circulation maintenance routines such as check-in/check-out and book processing and deadlines, shelving, and usage statistics. Additional duties include but are not limited to administrative and technical tasks. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course coordinated by the Student Life and Development Office offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the study abroad experience from the perspective of the hosting country and specifically student life and services. The FUA-AUF Pre-College program is designed to mirror the FUA-AUF undergraduate experience for students who are generally 16 to 18 years of age. Pre-college students choose from a variety of college-level courses and have numerous opportunities to engage in the community, explore campus life, and learn from a diverse group of peers in an independent but structured environment. Students are supervised by the SLD staff and Resident Assistants. Students enrolled in this special project placement will learn first-hand how Resident Assistants are an integral part of the Summer pre-college program, as they ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants as well as the success of program activities. Moreover, students will experience how RA responsibilities highlight the important role of residential life at FUA-AUF. The RA has extensive contact with pre-college students and serves as a liaison and resource; special project students will promote the integration of all aspects of campus life and assist with cultivating a positive environment that supports the Universitys educational objectives. Students will assist with planning, organizing and promoting activities, observe and assist with program-related administrative and clerical duties, and respond appropriately to program troubleshooting and student issues through assessment, referral to experienced professionals, and appropriate follow-up. The overall duration covers three 3-week sessions: In the first session, students will undergo training supervised by the SLD staff and gain exposure to the activities and procedures that will be implemented during the second session when the pre-college program is active. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement also requires PM and weekend shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Training will take place during Session II for three weeks followed by three weeks of full time RA duties during Session III. Additional materials/Dress code: Casual attire. Main tasks: Program planning and organization, coordination and supervision of activities, provide logistical support to program admin staff, student counseling and troubleshooting, final portfolio. Prerequisites: RA application, cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
This special project course through the Student Life and Development Office offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the study abroad experience from the perspective of the hosting country. The SLD office is the main point of reference for all incoming students. Responsibilities range from assisting with planning, organizing and promoting activities, contributing articles to the school publications, and general office duties. Students are expected to effectively collect and share information to students and the academic community. Students assist with the preparation of all orientation materials for future sessions and students. Furthermore they will learn to handle sensitive issues related to culture shock and adjusting to studying/living abroad as well as leading facility tours for institutional visitors and potential students. Special projects are assigned depending on the area of interest. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course will examine music through a multidimensional lens, tying musical compositions to the numerous dynamics of the city and its development over time. The course comprises a rich analysis of the interlinking epochs of music history, namely Greek and Roman theatrical music, court music, Classicism, Romanticism, Italian opera, popular music, jazz, rock, and rap. Students will engage in extensive listening exercises and will develop an understanding of music as a polyhedral art, instrument, and substantial human endeavor. Ultimately, students will be able to recognize the dialogue between music and history, as well as key protagonists in the evolution of musical performance and composition with references to structure, rhythm, instruments, narratives, and intent. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as an academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the course topic, and allows for an overall experience which contributes to students’ academic and personal enrichment.
This course is designed to introduce students to an advanced approach to guitar playing. The course is structured in a series of individual lessons where the student will be exposed to an intense workout on right and left hand techniques, to music theory and to guitar notation and scoring. The course will help the students enhance their musicianship through ear training and the development of aural skills along with hands-on research on a variety of musical styles and techniques to better appreciate the vast repertoire of the instrument. Within the course the students will be encouraged to take advantage of the many contemporary and classical music venues that Florence has to offer, assisting to live performances and studio session to better understand the figure of a full rounded music professional.
Guided by a professional of voice technique, students will develophealthy vocal techniques including: correct breathing, the proper use of muscles to obtain a better sound emission, understanding tune placement and resonance; physiological aspects of phonation; competence in singing in Italian. Students have the opportunity to perform in monthly recitals.
Since this is an individualized course the details of the content of the program differ from student to student depending upon their individual requirements and level of accomplishment. Emphasis will be on vocal techniques and performance values and the student will have the opportunity to perform in monthly recitals. The following will be taught: breathing techniques; vocal exercises to improve pitch and sound quality; style and interpretation the repertoire will be varied from classical opera repertoire to modern art songs.
This course examines the ethics of medical practices and issues in contemporary society. Coursework will pose questions regarding areas that affect human life and death. Topics include practices such as euthanasia, birth control and abortion, cloning, genetic engineering, and biomedical research. Students will analyze the ethical nature of covered practices, how they affect humans on individual and social scales, and the relationship between patients and physicians and medical structures in terms of information, consent, and responsibility. Case studies from local European as well as non-European countries will be closely considered for discussion and study.
The aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental moral theories and standards and to encourage their application – through mechanisms of moral reflection and judgment – to ethical problems arising throughout the world. The course is articulated through a large number and variety of studies of moral cases drawn from various parts of the world which will bring the student to confront prescriptive moral theories with some degree of sophistication. Our study of such matters as the French legislation against veils in schools, reproductive rights in Italy, U.S. drug laws and Iranian censorship vs. the value of liberty-will inevitably result in meta-ethical reflections, that is, thinking about the nature of morality and the limits of our moral judgment. The students’ participation in class discussion is a fundamental element of this class.
This course will introduce students to the world of walking as an artistic, philosophical, political, literary, inspirational – as well as physical – experience. While exploring different types of walking, the concept of “wanderlust” will also be analyzed and discussed from both an anthropological and philosophical perspective, to provide students with a thorough overview of the traveling and walking experience both in natural and urban landscapes. Different types of walking activities will be an integral component of the course, allowing students to reflect upon walking as an act of desire, escape, imagination, freedom, rebellion, and well-being.
Is globalization good or bad? For whom? Will it go away or is it here to stay? Do I need to worry about it? Globalization-freer trade, improved communications, travel, and transportation-together with the information revolution have created new moral challenges and intensified some existing ones across the planet. In reviewing the pros and cons of globalization, we will consider arguments from philosophers, economists, businessmen, labor leaders, environmentalists, journalists, etc., as they examine north-south relations, economic development, population growth and migration, environmental questions, and the state of international law concerning security, the flow of trade, of ideas, and of people.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
This course provides a survey of major concepts, theories, and issues in international relations. Course topics will discuss how and why things happen in the international state system. Through the analysis of theories such as realism, liberalism, Marxism, poststructuralism, feminism and postcolonialism, students will become familiar with real-life scenarios and understand the different actors involved in world politics. Key subjects include the effects of the Cold War, decision-making process in foreign policy and world organizations, international security and arms control, international law, global civil society, and global political economy.
#MeToo has rapidly moved from a social media hashtag to an international movement that demands changes in society towards how and what we view as sexual harassment. The power of the internet has become an integral tool in promoting empowerment through empathy by bringing together individuals that have been subject to harassment, and by exposing the predators that have exploited their power through pressure as well as force. This course aims to present a comprehensive history of sexual harassment to give the student a better understanding of how past events have contributed to the current movement. Examination of how the shifting standards of the 21st century have created a foundation for new definitions of acceptable behavior will provide an important tool for critical analysis of conduct between genders. Evaluation of sexual harassment in gender relations will create new perspectives and sensitivity to the current movement as a way reinforce #MeToo, not just an assessment of a viral trend, but as a tipping point in contemporary society.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
Over the recent decades, globalization has brought about a phenomenon that has increasingly been recognized by both psychologists and anthropologists as a viable field of research: Culture Shock. Also referred to as “culture fatigue” or “role shock,” culture shock refers to the reactions of travelers during their first few months in a foreign country. This course presents culture shock within the context of cross-cultural psychology and places a specific emphasis on the students’ own experiences as they live and study in a foreign country. Topics explored will include the role of communication and communication norms, cultural variables, taboos and rituals, and cultural adjustment.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
Social Psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories about attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught to Americans living in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment. In this sense the classroom will become the laboratory for this class.
“We see the world as we do, not because that is the way it is, but because we have these ways of seeing” (Wittgenstein). Social psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories regarding attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community.
This course will approach Christianity both as an institution and as an intellectual tradition from a historical point of view. Course topics will focus on the roots of Christianity, Christianity during the Roman Empire, the Medieval church, the Papacy, monasticism, the schism between the Western and Eastern Churches, the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary Christianity. The course will include visits to churches and monasteries in Florence.
This course will approach Christianity both as an institution and as an intellectual tradition from a historical point of view. Course topics will focus on the roots of Christianity, Christianity during the Roman Empire, the Medieval church, the Papacy, monasticism, the schism between the Western and Eastern Churches, the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary Christianity. The course will include visits to churches and monasteries in Florence. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Italian-French Riviera. The course engages the student in the exploration of the history and culture of the French and Italian Riviera, a region that still today preserves a peculiar identity, and builds a bridge between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Strategically placed in the north of the Mediterranean, Provence and the city of Nice have always attracted civilizations from all over. Throughout its long history, people of many nationalities have docked here and been assimilated into the city, turning it into a cultural and culinary melting pot: Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Corsicans, Sicilians, Arabs, have all left their mark. The course examines the many culinary identities of the area creating a unique culinary cornucopia of different cultures and flavors, as seen in establishments such as restaurants, markets, boulangeries, Maghreb spice stalls, Mediterranean fishmongers, and Sub-Saharan vegetable vendors. The course also focuses on the relevance that the area had in the development of Europe. During the Middle Age, in monasteries and abbeys, the roots of cultural and religious traditions of Europe were continued. Furthermore, thanks to the work of the monks, the techniques of agriculture and viticulture were preserved and improved. Two of the great ancient pilgrimage routes have their start in Provence, the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), through the Roman Via Aurelia to Santiago di Compostela, and the Via Francigena, which leads from France to Rome. Places of culinary, historical, and religious relevance, such as ethnic restaurants and local markets, archaeological sites, and monasteries, will be studied in order to contextualize an interdisciplinary understanding of the culture and history of the Italian and French Riviera. Group discussions and personal research assignments are essential forms of re-elaborating the course topics. The course emphasizes the development and evolution of religion, its connection to food, and their heritage in the contemporary society. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
The development of the city of Florence and that of the Church are inextricably linked with one another; Christian, and more specifically, Catholic faith provided a framework for one’s life, informed the development of social institutions and governing bodies, and inspired the development and flourishing of art and architecture during the period that would come to be known as the Renaissance. In short, this faith touched every aspect of life in the Florence of centuries past, and its present is still seen, felt, and experienced when moving through the dense urban fabric of the city. This course will also investigate the ways in which religious faith permeated numerous aspects of Florentine society and daily life, from the monasteries and convents spread throughout the city, to its charitable institutions and hospitals, to the care for the souls of the condemned, and, more joyfully, to celebratory traditions that survive to the present day. Themed walks will offer an opportunity to explore these themes through engaging with works of sacred art and architecture, as well as sites and routes of religious significance. Works and structures will be contextualized within the historic period in which they were produced, allowing students to understand how and why they were executed, as well as to explore the significance they would have held for their original viewers and to discuss what they mean to beholders today. The analysis of these spaces, places, and works will highlight additional layers of meaning and interpretation: life, death, violence, popular culture, and social change, among others. Open to students from all backgrounds and academic concentrations, this course will allow participants to discover the city of Florence through a unique lens while simultaneously encouraging them to learn about Italian historical epochs and the cultural diversity of its traditions. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.
History has demonstrated that saints would not have existed without sinners and vice versa. The course will examine the encounters and interrelationships between saints and sinners over the course of Italian history. In many cases, the Saint was also a former Sinner but rarely the other way around. The great Saint Augustine, for example, is a testament to former sinners as seen in his famous Confessions in which his vivid, at times red-light experiences as a young man are described and redeemed by a saintly life. The texts, at times, almost hint at a subtle vein of regret and faint whiffs of nostalgia for the dolce vita of Augstines past. The same can be said of Saint Francis, who was known for conducting a dissipated, playboy-oriented lifestyle in Assisi conveniently financed by his rich father Bernardone. In other cases, history has documented epic clashes between sinners and saints-to-be. Between the dying Lorenzo il Magnifico and the future saint Savonarola, for example, in which the latter refused to absolve the former who had refused to confess his sins. Saint Bellarmine, Galileos inquisitor, condemned the scientist for demonstrating the error of the Sacred Scripture regarding the geocentrism, demonstrating yet again a saints victory. Another topic that will be examined by the course is the posthumous redemption of sinners such as the Giuseppe Verdis Lady of the Camellias in La Traviata and the lovers Paolo and Francesca in Dantes Divina Commedia.
This course provides students with an introduction to the art of yoga and meditation to gain an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual contexts that the discipline is rooted in. The course investigation begins with the notion of awareness, and the acquisition of the term through an overview of the principal asanas and their correct practice. The spiritual aspects of yoga are experienced in the form of various meditation techniques from different philosophies as well as the study of pranayama breathing exercises. Topics also include an examination of yoga props as well as dietary and nutritional guidelines, studied through the lens of yoga philosophy gleaned from sacred texts. The course will cover yoga traditions from ancient times to more contemporary interpretations.
This is an introductory comparative study of the world’s major religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the religions of China and Japan. The course will examine a significant number of specific themes in all religions studied: the nature of this world and universe, the relationship between the individual and the transcendent, ultimate reality, the meaning and goals of worldly life, the importance of worship and rituals, the importance of devotion to the master or guru, ethics, and human action. Excerpts from important texts of each tradition will be analyzed.
This course is aimed to offer students already possessing a solid foundation of yoga knowledge and practice the tools to use the therapeutic functions of Hatha yoga in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional distress. Students will become familiar with health, wellness, and stress management topics through yoga practice in a therapeutic context. Through the hands-on approach to asanas, pranayama breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, students understand how to integrate yoga as a complementary treatment to medicine and a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The constant practice of awareness and observation combined with an analysis of anatomy and physiology applied to common pains and distresses will development the application of yoga therapy in individual and group contexts throughout the duration of the course.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
One week of on-site field learning at an Italian farm before session start. Considering the renewed global interest in local sourcing and the growth of Km0 practices (locally produced), the study of sustainable food systems is an essential component in the education of an ethically-minded food industry learner. The course takes its cue from the Italian example based on regionalism and the table as an expression of local territories, and how these factors have influenced the national food industry. It analyzes the industry and the production of food (fish, meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, and grains) and focuses on packaging, traceability (labels), and distribution while exploring the social aspect of the food supply chain. Sustainability principles will be analyzed, as well as case studies in Italian food and beverage service and retailing. A strong focus is placed on seasonality, food policies, and food education. The course objective is to provide students with a solid conceptual framework in order to analyze the Italian food industry and the food production system from a sustainable perspective. Through the understanding of the broader concept of sustainability, students will be able to explore the social, economic, and environmental implications of food production and consumption and to identify the global threats in terms of public health. Students will develop critical skills by analyzing sustainability as active citizens, consumers, and entrepreneurs. The analysis and rethinking of economic, social, and agricultural alternatives in the current food production system will also be developed. Lectures will be complemented by visits, food tours, tastings, and cooking labs. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
This course examines the ethics of medical practices and issues in contemporary society. Coursework will pose questions regarding areas that affect human life and death. Topics include practices such as euthanasia, birth control and abortion, cloning, genetic engineering, and biomedical research. Students will analyze the ethical nature of covered practices, how they affect humans on individual and social scales, and the relationship between patients and physicians and medical structures in terms of information, consent, and responsibility. Case studies from local European as well as non-European countries will be closely considered for discussion and study.
This course focuses on the main pillars of geriatric healthcare. It provides students with the knowledge and skills required to recognize and meet the needs of older adults from a nursing and health professions perspective. Students will learn how to identify the physiological and cognitive changes of aging and manage the more common gerontological issues arising in older adults. Focus is attributed to the ethical and socio-cultural standards required to provide successful care to the elderly, while specific emphasis is assigned to the local context and the reasons behind Italian longevity.
Successful completion of Human Anatomy & Physiology or equivalent is required for this course.
This course leads students to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in effective health assessments for patients throughout their lifespan. Health assessment covers the analysis of physiological components, while placing emphasis on cultural competence and therapeutic communication. The course introduces students to the comprehensive assessment of psychosocial, cultural, developmental, nutritional, and genetic factors with the intention of ensuring a safe and caring environment. The course explores the major systems of the body, focusing on the examinations and techniques used to assess them. Students will also apprehend how to engage in effective documentation. Lectures and in-class explanations are parallel to lab sessions that allow students to create meaningful connections between theory and practice.
This course focuses on the role of communication in public health, the development and practice of health communication strategies, and how health campaigns, medical journalism, and an increasing community participation in online health outreach impact society and wellbeing. Starting from theories of past and present health communication, students will examine how health information is delivered and perceived, the influence of media on public health outcomes, and the cons/risks of media strategies on healthcare practitioners and beneficiaries. Case studies will be analyzed to gage effectiveness and to discuss the findings of current research and scholarship on communication management in medical systems. Students will be asked to compare communication strategies in international contexts, as well as gain perspective on the implications of health communication as practiced in a country like Italy where healthcare is highly state-subsidized. Prerequisites: Introduction to Public Relations or Communication, an introductory health systems course, or equivalent.
This course focuses on power walking as a means to improve the capacities of both the body and mind. Starting with an assessment of muscular functions, posture, breathing, and healthy eating, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and techniques of aerobic walking, Ultimately they will be able to plan and take part in a successful workout comprised of stretching, exercise, and cool-down. The course is based on a series of intense power walks throughout the city, embracing Florence as an open-air gymnasium. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as an academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the course topic, and allows for an overall experience which contributes to students’ academic and personal enrichment.
“We see the world as we do, not because that is the way it is, but because we have these ways of seeing” (Wittgenstein). Social psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories regarding attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment.
“We see the world as we do, not because that is the way it is, but because we have these ways of seeing” (Wittgenstein). Social psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories regarding attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community.
This course examines major philosophies and concepts that have contributed to the discussion of art theory, aesthetic discourse, and criticism in the wider context of contemporary society. Reading and analyzing various texts from antiquity to the present, students will explore the underlying questions and meanings of art and how they interact or conflict throughout the development of Western thought, behavior, and society. The aim of this course is to utilize art theory foundations in order to develop an informed critical analysis. Texts covered in class will include writings by philosophers, critics, and artists such as Plato, Alberti, Kant, Benjamin, Greenberg, Barthes, Baudrillard, Lippard, and Trin T. Minha.
This one-week intensive course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of city-gazing that generates knowledge through walking.
This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning in different locations of the city of Florence. Students will acquire deep awareness of the main Florentine traditions and districts, and they will be able to navigate and discover non-canonical areas of the city. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Local traditions will be placed and discussed in relation to the framework of Italian culture. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural as it is intended to be wide-reaching. Field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Rome, Tuscan coast, Cinque Terre (Fall-Summer); Rome, Orvieto, Perugia (Spring). The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
The lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academically rich understanding of the History art, architecture, and culture of Italy. The course provides additional enrichment through contextual use of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final reflective paper.
The aim of this course is to study Italian culture through action and participation, and to build awareness from the perspective of active engagement beyond mere observation. The course concept is intended to give students a better understanding of contemporary Italian society and culture – politics, economy, social environment, traditions – and compare their current expressions with historical contexts by using hands-on and interactive participation in cultural integration programs that involve the local community. An important element of this course is the Italian language component, which acts as a bridge to Italian culture based on communication skills. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to apply their basic knowledge of Italian language to fulfill course requirements. The course is designed to expand the students global prospective through constant reflection and constructive criticism in order to incorporate intercultural knowledge into a richly articulated awareness of the self intended as the individual, as the individual within a community, and the individual within a culture. The Cultural Perspective course includes: 10 visits in Florence, regular involvement in activities related to cultural immersion and fieldwork. During the semester it also includes a weekend research trip to Sicily as an integral component of the academic coursework. During Summer sessions, the course includes a weekend trip to Rome and one weekend trip to Verona and lakes as an integral component of the academic coursework. The course focuses on cognitive development, cultural awareness, and intercultural and interpersonal communication by integrating and placing the student in direct contact with local culture. * Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration.
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
This course focuses on different aspects of regional food in Italy. Emphasis is placed on how food relates to the local lifestyle. Regional economy and local resources are analyzed and compared. Students are introduced to a diversity of local products. Lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and/or tastings.
This course is targeted towards students with an interest in Italian food traditions, society, and culture. the main focus consists of what is generally defined as made in Italys culture and style in post-war Italy. also covered are the relationships between Italian traditions, folklore and contemporary Italian society drawing from examples including festivals, food, tourism and economy, and the influence of foreign civilizations. Students will be asked to regard the subject of food outside of the context of ingredients and the procedures used to create a dish; we will instead examine a large scale context in which food is either featured as a main component or an integral element in cultural situations. Thus the student is asked first and foremost to observe the presented material across an anthropologic lens that roves over the entire Italian peninsula. lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and tastings.
This course delves deeper into the phenomenon of gentrification, exploring its history, dynamics, causes, and effect. The complex notion of gentrification will be defined with relations to the politics of housing, social justice, and urban developments. The notion will be framed with references to different periods and geographical contexts. Gentrification will be assessed through a variety of social, political, and economic factors such as race, ethnicity, poverty, aesthetics, rurality, organized crime, commodification, Disneyfication, and museumification. In the second half of the course, emphasis will be placed on the gentrifying spaces in Italy, and Florence in particular, and students will be guided to conduct field research to further examine the impacts that gentrification has on urban and social inequalities.
This course will explore love and romantic relationships through the words of notable individuals from the past. The letters written by great men and women – poets, novelists, musicians, philosophers, politicians, kings and queens – to their loved ones will provide an opportunity for students to examine the evolution of romantic relationships from the ancient Roman times to modern days, with a special focus dedicated to the 18th and 19th century. Through reading, analyzing, and discussing love letters and other background materials, students will explore the ties between the experience of love and its expression through the means of writing as a characteristic trait of human interaction, from an historical, social, cross-cultural, and literary point of view.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Italian-French Riviera. The course engages the student in the exploration of the history and culture of the French and Italian Riviera, a region that still today preserves a peculiar identity, and builds a bridge between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Strategically placed in the north of the Mediterranean, Provence and the city of Nice have always attracted civilizations from all over. Throughout its long history, people of many nationalities have docked here and been assimilated into the city, turning it into a cultural and culinary melting pot: Greeks, Romans, North Africans, Corsicans, Sicilians, Arabs, have all left their mark. The course examines the many culinary identities of the area creating a unique culinary cornucopia of different cultures and flavors, as seen in establishments such as restaurants, markets, boulangeries, Maghreb spice stalls, Mediterranean fishmongers, and Sub-Saharan vegetable vendors. The course also focuses on the relevance that the area had in the development of Europe. During the Middle Age, in monasteries and abbeys, the roots of cultural and religious traditions of Europe were continued. Furthermore, thanks to the work of the monks, the techniques of agriculture and viticulture were preserved and improved. Two of the great ancient pilgrimage routes have their start in Provence, the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), through the Roman Via Aurelia to Santiago di Compostela, and the Via Francigena, which leads from France to Rome. Places of culinary, historical, and religious relevance, such as ethnic restaurants and local markets, archaeological sites, and monasteries, will be studied in order to contextualize an interdisciplinary understanding of the culture and history of the Italian and French Riviera. Group discussions and personal research assignments are essential forms of re-elaborating the course topics. The course emphasizes the development and evolution of religion, its connection to food, and their heritage in the contemporary society. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
This course is centered around Ferrantes four-volume work known as The Neapolitan Novels: My Brilliant Friend (2011), The Story of a New Name (2012), Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay (2013), The Story of the Lost Child (2015). Lectures will investigate the multifaceted universe of a friendship between two women, Lila and Len, from their childhood to adulthood. It also aims to shed light on the connections between their experiences and Southern Italys complex history and culture from the post-WWII war years to the present. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course will examine the protagonists effort to break out of the circle of extreme poverty, illiteracy, and male violence. Amongst the themes addressed by this course through the study The Neapolitan Novels, students will explore issues such as post-war settlement in Italy and in the South, Italys Southern Question, the Neapolitan Camorra and its influence on the poor, the changing role of women during the Seventies, the Economic Miracle, terrorism during the anni di piombo, student movements in the late Sixties, Italian factory strikes throughout the Seventies, and technological advancements for computing machines.
This course explores the cultural anthropology and sociology of theItalian-American family from the beginning of the twentieth century to present day. The course will focus on the following themes: stereotypes, gender, religion, politics, social change, and community character and adaptation. Students will analyze newspapers, magazines, and narrative fiction, as well as documentaries, feature films, and popular television programs. Special attention will be paid to the emotional and cultural experience of the return of the Italian-American to his / her rootsin Italy.
This lecture/lab course introduces students to the therapeutic functions of art. The aim is for students to become familiar with art therapy methods and techniques whose primary objective is to develop creative expressions. During class meetings, students will use their own personal experiences by conducting direct experiments to understand the function of art within a therapeutic context. This hands-on experience will then be compared with the theoretical ideas outlined in the required readings. In the laboratory/studio part of the course, students will handle a great variety of art materials ranging from the more traditional to less common objects. The aim is to facilitate self-expression on a non-verbal and creative level and in a safe environment, open to the free exchange of opinions and untouched by prejudiced or judgmental attitudes. The essential elements that compose the created image – space, color, movement, and form – will be examined and put to the test as expressive and symbolic tools of one’s inner world.
The aim of this course is to study Italian culture through action and participation, and to build awareness from the perspective of active engagement beyond mere observation. The course concept is intended to give students a better understanding of contemporary Italian society and culture politics, economy, social environment, traditions and compare their current expressions with historical contexts by using hands-on and interactive participation in cultural integration programs that involve the local community. An important element of this course is the Italian language component, which acts as a bridge to Italian culture based on communication skills. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to apply their basic knowledge of Italian language to fulfill course requirements. The course is designed to expand the students global prospective through constant reflection and constructive criticism in order to incorporate intercultural knowledge into a richly articulated awareness of the self intended as the individual, as the individual within a community, and the individual within a culture. The Cultural Perspective course includes: 10 visits in Florence, regular involvement in activities related to cultural immersion and fieldwork. During the semester it also includes a weekend research trip to Sicily as an integral component of the academic coursework. During Summer sessions, the course includes a weekend trip to Rome and one weekend trip to Verona and lakes as an integral component of the academic coursework. The course focuses on cognitive development, cultural awareness, and intercultural and interpersonal communication by integrating and placing the student in direct contact with local culture.* Global Leaders Certificate Program approved course *
Where does our food come from? How is it grown? What is actually in the food we eat? These are all important questions that we don’t always want to know the answer to. Food justice is a social movement that examines the ethics of food production and food distribution, access to food, and the policies that are often a silent ingredient in our meals. Organic foods, farming, labor wages and practices, food supply distribution and waste, and sustainability are among the themes to be examined in this course. How food systems impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, political policies and their role in food distribution in developed and developing countries, and the consequences of globalization on food ethics will be addressed through hands-on workshops, visits, and in-class discussions. A special emphasis will be placed on the cultural aspects of food supplies, the Italian traditions of food production and consumption, and the darker roles represented by food in organized crime and immigration. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
This course will approach Christianity both as an institution and as an intellectual tradition from a historical point of view. Course topics will focus on the roots of Christianity, Christianity during the Roman Empire, the Medieval church, the Papacy, monasticism, the schism between the Western and Eastern Churches, the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary Christianity. The course will include visits to churches and monasteries in Florence. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
“We see the world as we do, not because that is the way it is, but because we have these ways of seeing” (Wittgenstein). Social psychology is a scientific discipline that explores how the individual is influenced by social contexts. Students will learn to identify how social, environmental, and cognitive factors shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The course covers theories regarding attraction, aggression, conformity, and pro-social behavior. As this course is taught in Italy, students will have the advantage of observing and testing theories learned in class in a foreign environment. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community.
Baking Techniques I or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
This course introduces non-yeast, laminated doughs, and the preparation of pastry products using a variety of methods-lamination, blending, creaming, foaming, and thickening. Students will combine these methods in new products, to create savory items and frozen desserts, and use basic finishing methods by applying glazes, filling pastries, creating simple sauces, and presenting products for service. The fundamentals of heat transfer as applied to pastries in the preparation of creams, custards, souffles, butter creams, meringues, and flavored whipped creams will also be studied. Students will taste and test the products created and will complete a research assignment.
This course will prepare students to work, run, and manage a retail shop successfully and provides theoretical insights into customer expectations and service delivery. Throughout the course, standard elements of a retail shop will be analyzed and focus on retail management will be given. This class will strengthen decision-making skills regarding expense planning, suppliers, store layout, and promotional strategies. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, students will spend a portion of the course operating the school retail spaces (fashion retail store, restaurant, pastry shop) that are open to the local community. Here, theoretical knowledge, shop floor management skills, and ability to perform head office functions will all be developed in the context of retail. In order to offer a comprehensive view of retail management, experiential learning activities are scheduled in varying types of retailers, each of them characterized by different competitors, products sold, customers, and style of service required. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Master Italian Pastry Arts II or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
Pastry Art finds its greatest expression in the production of entremets. Pastry Chefs all around the world use entremets to create their signature collections and their fame. The course will focus on the application of dedicated mousse bases, textural inserts, cremoso, cremeaux, buttercreams, supremes, alcohol application. An emphasis will be put in the development of tartlet entremets, application of vegetables, spices and exotic ingredients and the creation of room temperature entremets. This course is entirely dedicated to the application of all advanced and master pastry techniques for the creation of what can be considered to be the business card of a Pastry Chef. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
The primary purpose of this course is to provide marketers with an in-depth understanding of product development practices including innovation, product strategy and processes, customer needs, identification, idea generation, concept development and optimization, forecasting, and launch. The course will analyze the marketing development strategies of new entrepreneurial companies with low budgets and little or no brand development. An important component of the coursework features hands-on approaches to real-life business problems that require application of topics learned in the classroom. Students will be introduced to highly creative and effective experiential forms of learning ranging from case studies to business plans, entrepreneurs in the classroom, conducting entrepreneurial audits, working with concepts of marketing inventions, and consulting projects. Furthermore, students will be part of a dedicated lab team of cross-disciplinary learners led by faculty and advisers, and will collaborate with executives and representatives from real companies on comprehensive business issues. Coursework includes site visits to local companies and special guest lectures from local prominent entrepreneurs. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
*This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course introduces a fundamental area of study in the hospitality industry. Students will study the concepts and procedures of food and beverage control systems, cost control, operating budgets, and the effective management of food and beverage operations and cycles. Cost calculation, menu planning, storage, receiving, profit and budget forecasting, labor costs, service payment systems, and other topic-specific areas will be covered. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Introduces all aspects of the working of an art gallery. Students will be involved in curating and marketing art shows and auctions through a community and on campus promotions.This course includes 150 hours of Experiential Learning with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The Experiential Learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course will approach Christianity both as an institution and as an intellectual tradition from a historical point of view. Course topics will focus on the roots of Christianity, Christianity during the Roman Empire, the Medieval church, the Papacy, monasticism, the schism between the Western and Eastern Churches, the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation, as well as the challenges faced by contemporary Christianity. The course will include visits to churches and monasteries in Florence. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
A basic knowledge of Adobe Premiere is highly recommended. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This introductory course provides students with a foundational knowledge of creative video production and its technical aspects. Students will learn basic video shooting and editing techniques. As a part of the coursework, students will work in groups on video projects in order to experience the various phases of video production from scripting to editing and final output. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. The fundamentals of using a digital camera including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. The course also introduces seeing, thinking, and creating with a critical mind and eye in a foreign environment (Italy) to provide understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. During the first half of the course assignments, lectures, readings progressively build on each other to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of camera functions (manual mode) and processing techniques. The second half of the course will focus on weaving the techniques with specific photographic concepts via assignments. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Culinary Arts majors only. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
The course offers students an overview of Mediterranean cuisine by identifying and analyzing different macro areas starting from their historical and cultural backgrounds. The diverse cuisines of the countries bordering the Mediterranean sea, their mutual and external influences, and the lore developed throughout the centuries will be thoroughly covered. Emphasis will be placed on ingredients, flavor profiles, preparations, and representative techniques of important Mediterranean cuisines. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Culinary Arts majors only. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
This course explores and examines the physiology of sensory organs and how we perceive flavors. The course is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of sensory evaluation techniques and their application to the composition of dishes. Students gain knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of taste, smell and other senses and experience using these senses as analytical tools to assess food products. From the simplicity of identifying the basic tastes to the complexity of aftertastes and aromas, the objective of this course is to train taste buds to better understand the mechanics of our senses as they get in touch with food. Why do we react positively to sweet taste? Why do we sometimes refuse bitter taste? Does umami taste really exist? The course will answer these and many other related questions in order to give the students the instruments needed to deal with flavors that are not generally accepted but require a deeper understanding before being appreciated. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Culinary Arts majors only.
Baking Techniques II: Italian Pastry Techniques or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning in addition to the class meetings.
This course covers the preparation and service of hot and cold desserts with a focus on individual portions and the components involved in preparation. Students will learn and improve station organization, timing, and service coordination for restaurant dessert production. The course recipes will allow students to apply previously learned techniques and produce fried products, tarts, souffles, creams, frozen desserts, and contemporary creations. Both individual plated desserts and desserts for banquets will be prepared. Students will develop a dessert menu from the perspectives of variety, costs, practicality, and how well the desserts compliment the overall menu. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
What do we mean by “community”? How do we encourage, discuss, analyze, understand, design, and participate in healthy communities in the age of many-to-many media? With the advent of virtual communities, smart mobs, and online social networks, old questions about the meaning of human social behavior have taken on renewed significance. Although this course is grounded in theory, it is equally rooted in practice, and much of the class discussion takes place in social cyberspaces. This course requires the active engagement of students and a willingness to experience a full immersion in social media practices. Much of the class discussion takes place in a variety of virtual world environments during and between face-to-face class meetings. Students who participate in this course will actively and productively engage in established and emerging forms of social media – and have some notion of how these practices affect the self and the community. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course is designed as a full immersion in the world of publishing through collaboration with Ingorda for Florence Campus Publishing, the FUA university press. Students will work on publications throughout the special project experience. All areas of book publishing will be covered, from concept creation to research, writing, photography, graphic layout and design, production, and marketing and distribution. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Through this special project course, the student will be able to research and develop web content for professional websites. Guided by a Communications Office, the student will be involved in web-based projects to develop written and visual content for digital platforms. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Portfolio of previous work, DSLR knowledge, Adobe photo software experience.
This placement offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of business ventures and entrepreneurship through a set of activities within the EntrepreLearn lab. This CEMI affiliated with FUA’s International School of Business (ISB) is dedicated to business and entrepreneurial operations with a specific aim of fostering new ideas and inventions for startup companies. Responsibilities range from research on business opportunities to the development of strategies for other community engagement systems at FUA. Students will assist the ISB division with researching and selecting startup companies within the local territory for institutional collaboration. Furthermore, they will develop entrepreneurial and innovative strategies to increase awareness of non-profit cultural activities. Collaboration with startup ventures and Italian entrepreneurs will be an integral part of the placement. Students will provide data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, as well as specific planning development shared between ISB and the local industrial association of the province of Florence Confindustria (confindustriafirenze.it). Special projects are assigned depending on the area of skills and interest. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts or shifts that take place on weekends. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire, business attire for formal meetings and external site visits. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The objectives of this special project are based on creating an opportunity for the student to observe and participate in the coordinating and curating activities of an art gallery. Students will be exposed to various tasks including daily operations, exhibitions, catalog creation, show installation, and interaction with local and international artists. The student will also assist the on-site curator with promotional tasks ranging from press releases to social networking. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
The aim of this placement is to expose students to the principles of real estate management with an emphasis on property management. Students will be familiarized with planning and organizing all the relevant activities and operations of a real estate business in the on-campus bed & breakfast, Dimora. This experiential learning program focuses on front desk operations including reservation management, welcoming guests and basics of customer care. Students will learn how to independently run a hospitality business including property maintenance and quality control management. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code.
The aim of this placement is to expose students to the principles of spa management with an emphasis on daily spa operations. Students will gain first-hand experience through analytical observation and participation in the management of the on-campus spa, Sorgiva, a full-service spa, health, and wellness facility. Students will develop the managerial skills necessary to act as a spa manager, and will be familiarized with planning and organizing all the relevant activities and operations of the wellness center. This program also includes an overview of several spa treatments, as students will assist a professional massage therapist explain to customers the different techniques and spa products. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
The aim of this placement is to expose students to the principles of spa management with an emphasis on daily spa operations. Students will gain first-hand experience through analytical observation and participation in the management of the on-campus spa, Sorgiva, a full-service spa, health, and wellness facility. Students will develop the managerial skills necessary to act as a spa manager, and will be familiarized with planning and organizing all the relevant activities and operations of the wellness center. This program also includes an overview of several spa treatments, as students will assist a professional massage therapist explain to customers the different techniques and spa products. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The aim of this special project course is to expose students to the principles of event planning with an emphasis on the development and integration of operational strategies. The aforementioned strategies will be employed from the perspective of hospitality management and the application of program techniques in special event management. Topics will include booking, event programming and coordination, themes, program partnerships, and event promotion. This placement may require PM shifts or shifts that take place on weekends. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Through this special project, students will assist the Educational Field Trips department. Typical tasks may include compiling field trip itineraries and participant lists, assisting with hotel and tour reservations, and manage trip reminders and pre-departure information. Students will also assist with promotional activities through social media updates and bulletin announcements on campus. Participation in field trips as assistants to tour leaders will directly involve students in department activities. This placement will require shifts that take place on weekends. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project is an excellent opportunity for the student to understand institutional library systems. Working under the supervision of the library staff, students will perform circulation maintenance routines such as check-in/check-out and book processing and deadlines, shelving, and usage statistics. Additional duties include but are not limited to administrative and technical tasks. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course coordinated by the Student Life and Development Office offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the study abroad experience from the perspective of the hosting country and specifically student life and services. The FUA-AUF Pre-College program is designed to mirror the FUA-AUF undergraduate experience for students who are generally 16 to 18 years of age. Pre-college students choose from a variety of college-level courses and have numerous opportunities to engage in the community, explore campus life, and learn from a diverse group of peers in an independent but structured environment. Students are supervised by the SLD staff and Resident Assistants. Students enrolled in this special project placement will learn first-hand how Resident Assistants are an integral part of the Summer pre-college program, as they ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants as well as the success of program activities. Moreover, students will experience how RA responsibilities highlight the important role of residential life at FUA-AUF. The RA has extensive contact with pre-college students and serves as a liaison and resource; special project students will promote the integration of all aspects of campus life and assist with cultivating a positive environment that supports the Universitys educational objectives. Students will assist with planning, organizing and promoting activities, observe and assist with program-related administrative and clerical duties, and respond appropriately to program troubleshooting and student issues through assessment, referral to experienced professionals, and appropriate follow-up. The overall duration covers three 3-week sessions: In the first session, students will undergo training supervised by the SLD staff and gain exposure to the activities and procedures that will be implemented during the second session when the pre-college program is active. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement also requires PM and weekend shifts. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Training will take place during Session II for three weeks followed by three weeks of full time RA duties during Session III. Additional materials/Dress code: Casual attire. Main tasks: Program planning and organization, coordination and supervision of activities, provide logistical support to program admin staff, student counseling and troubleshooting, final portfolio. Prerequisites: RA application, cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
This special project course through the Student Life and Development Office offers students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the study abroad experience from the perspective of the hosting country. The SLD office is the main point of reference for all incoming students. Responsibilities range from assisting with planning, organizing and promoting activities, contributing articles to the school publications, and general office duties. Students are expected to effectively collect and share information to students and the academic community. Students assist with the preparation of all orientation materials for future sessions and students. Furthermore they will learn to handle sensitive issues related to culture shock and adjusting to studying/living abroad as well as leading facility tours for institutional visitors and potential students. Special projects are assigned depending on the area of interest. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course is offered to highly motivated students who want to enter and practice first hand the world of magazine editing and proofreading. The student will be in charge, under the supervision of professionals, develop feature writing through the steps of checking for accuracy and suitability, digital and traditional printing, and design. Knowledge and experience in magazine and newspaper production is always extremely helpful for higher editorial positions. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Through the public relations placement, students will learn how to promote an organization’s business and image. Public relations activities will focus on managing an organization’s key messages through content management. Communication strategies, including those related to special events, will be a major emphasis in public relations-related projects. Students will be guided throughout their involvement in PR operations and measuring PR results. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts, shifts that take place on weekends, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course will focus on the basic understanding of restaurant management, including service management and customer relations, menu planning, and wine list development under the supervision of wine experts. Students will observe and analyze the main operational areas of the restaurant such as food safety and sanitation, guest services, operational responsibilities, and staff communication. Moreover, students will learn how to maintain daily records of customers, sales and costs, as well as produce monthly records. Students will assist the manager in setting service standards and creating a platform for all restaurant operations in accordance with restaurant needs. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. .
Through this special project course, students will learn from the organization and operation of a sport facility such as a fitness center. The student will learn by assisting with daily operations: checking access records, machine maintenance, organization and management of fitness activities. Students will collaborate with a sports director to organize gym classes, review fitness instructor candidacies, and collaborate with a communications team for the production of promotional materials. Throughout the course, the student will also research relevant sports-related activities in the city of Florence in order to enhance the student’s connection with the hosting culture and environment. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course focuses on the area of graphic design in visual communication. Students will interact with figures such as graphic designers as well as art directors for creative projects. Topics may include logo design, corporate identity and branding, advertising, design in journalism, product packaging, book design, web design, etc. The use of design software is required. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project course is ideal for highly motivated students who are interested in creative video production. Involvement includes maintaining equipment, video shooting and editing, scouting locations, assisting the video director for logistics and production purposes, and sound editing. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Students enrolled in Wine Service Beverage Management special project will be acquire and practice skills related to managing the wine and beverage service at GANZO, the school restaurant and creative learning lab of Apicius International School of Hospitality. Under the leadership and supervision of wine service professionals, students will also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a restaurant and/or wineries. The aim of the special project is to increase knowledge of wine service, presentation methods, restaurant procedures, wine expertise, and pairing in the hospitality industry. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Through this special project course, students are involved in back of the house operations and projects related to Ganzo, the school restaurant, and Fedora, the school pastry shop and bistro. Under the supervision of a Chef instructor who manages the operations of the kitchen, culinary arts experiential learning students are involved in projects focused on the daily operations of the restaurant industry. The experiential learning project will offer the opportunity to gain confidence with cooking techniques, basic equipment maintenance skills, HACCP, the concept of mise en place and timing, and the importance of standards and consistency. The project will also provide an insight on the importance of the kitchen hierarchy and division of the duties, helping students understand the concept of brigade and team work as fundamental for a correct management of kitchen environments. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts and shifts that take place on weekends and holidays, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting.Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life.The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Market/industry research, customer feedback analysis, ingredient research, study of sustainable food production process, recipe analysis, provide kitchen management options and analyze the different impact on service, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Chef uniform (hat, jacket, pants, hard-toe safety shoes, apron) required. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Open to culinary arts and baking & pastry majors or students who have taken previous coursework in the above fields. HAACP food safety and sanitation certification (Not applicable to remote option).
Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Open to culinary arts and baking & pastry majors or students who have taken previous coursework in the above fields. HAACP food safety and sanitation certification (not applicable to remote option). *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
Through this special project course, students are involved in back of the house operations and projects related to Ganzo, the school restaurant, and Fedora, the school pastry shop and bistro. Under the supervision of a Chef instructor who manages the operations of the kitchen, culinary arts experiential learning students are involved in projects focused on the daily operations of the restaurant industry. The experiential learning project will offer the opportunity to gain confidence with cooking techniques, basic equipment maintenance skills, HACCP, the concept of mise en place and timing, and the importance of standards and consistency. The project will also provide an insight on the importance of the kitchen hierarchy and division of the duties, helping students understand the concept of brigade and team work as fundamental for a correct management of kitchen environments. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. This placement may require PM shifts and shifts that take place on weekends and holidays, or ongoing research-based activities for remote placements. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Market/industry research, customer feedback analysis, ingredient research, study of sustainable food production process, recipe analysis, provide kitchen management options and analyze the different impact on service, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Chef uniform (hat, jacket, pants, hard-toe safety shoes, apron) required. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview. Open to culinary arts and baking & pastry majors or students who have taken previous coursework in the above fields. HAACP food safety and sanitation certification (Not applicable to remote option).
This special project allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy through FLY Fashion Loves You, the retail store operated by the students and faculty members of FAST. The fashion retail management special project involves store organization, business procedures and client relations. Students will have the chance to be immersed in the fashion retail industry through duties that include but are not limited to sales, stocking, floor management, customer service, promotion, and research. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
This placement allows the student to interact with the local fashion economy through FLY Fashion Loves You, the retail store operated by the students and faculty members of FAST. This special project involves proposing, designing, and producing high quality garments and accessories for FLY, whose merchandise sales generate scholarships for future fashion students and represent the categories of emerging Italian designers, high quality vintage, and items created through the academic outcomes of FUA students and faculty. Duties include but are not limited to merchandise analysis for brainstorming, design proposals, and garment and accessory production in the laboratory spaces of FAST, the academic department that houses FLY. Garments produced will permanently remain at FLY for placement in window displays, photoshoots and other special installations throughout the seasons. EL hours may be distributed from Monday through Friday. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, portfolio of previous work, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
Through this special project course, students are involved in front of the house hospitality operations at Ganzo, the school restaurant. Under the guidance of the Ganzo management, students will gain firsthand practice of customer relations and satisfaction, service, food and beverage operations, collaborative and interpersonal communication between FOH and BOH, and above all practice hospitality skills in an international context. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This special project allows students to interact with the local community in Florence through experiential learning in collaboration with the Community Engagement Member Institutions affiliated with Florence University of the Arts. These community projects are directly linked to the academic divisions of FUA and open to the general public in order to share academic results with the greater community. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Culinary Arts majors only. Unofficial transcript submission required. *This course includes 150 hours of hands on experiential learning.
This course focuses on important foreign cuisines outside of the Mediterranean area and is meant to teach students how the influence of local cultures affected food preparation techniques and dishes in important cultural macro areas. Students will experience food preparation based on the customs and heritage of diverse cultures. The ingredients used in the preparation of the dishes, along with their origin and diffusion, will be the highlights of the course. The aim is to show how the environment and external cultural influences have a strong impact on local cuisines. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning in different locations of the city of Florence. Students will acquire deep awareness of the main Florentine traditions and districts, and they will be able to navigate and discover non-canonical areas of the city. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Local traditions will be placed and discussed in relation to the framework of Italian culture. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural as it is intended to be wide-reaching. Field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
One week of on-site field learning in different locations before session start: Rome, Tuscan coast, Cinque Terre (Fall-Summer); Rome, Orvieto, Perugia (Spring). The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an nonsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and guides the students professional development. Candidates must meet the prerequisites for the internship program. Students must submit a cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area (for example, a photography or visual communication candidacy requires a portfolio). An interview is held for placement purposes. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
The internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an nonsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and guides the students professional development. Candidates must meet the prerequisites for the internship program. Students must submit a cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area (for example, a photography or visual communication candidacy requires a portfolio). An interview is held for placement purposes. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Through this internship course, the student will be exposed to a commercial business environment or accounting office. The type of business will depend on seasonality and resume evaluation. The student will be able to follow the daily operations of the business establishment and participate in the organization’s activities according to his or her skills and competencies. The type of tasks may concern communication with international clients and project project development. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students’ knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the student’s preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the student’s language and professional skills. Additional materials/Dress code: Business casual attire for dress code.
The internship course allows the student from architecture and interior design backgrounds to gain first-hand experience of professional design contexts. Internship students will practice their creative skills with studio teams or individual professionals. Tasks may include initial observations of the professional environment, working on design samples, drafting by hand or digitally, practice AutoCAD layouts and rending, and assisting the organization with logistical duties. Student involvement will not involve solo project development but require collaborative engagement within the organization’s ongoing projects according to the student’s skill and competency levels. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Through this placement, students are involved in back and front of the house operations at Fedora, the school pastry shop. The hands-on experience is designed to prepare future pastry chefs for the production of pastries, baked goods, and desserts. Emphasis is placed on proper baking techniques, knife and piping skills, and mixing methods. Students will learn how to adjust recipes to produce both products in large volumes and specialty items. Students will also perform front of the house duties in order to complete a comprehensive vision and understanding of the activities, functions, and organization of a baking and pastry shop for future entrepreneurial activities. This placement may require shifts that take place on weekends and holidays. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Under the supervision of an Executive Chef who manages the operations of the kitchen, students of the culinary arts internship course are involved in the daily operations of the restaurant industry. Line cooks are entry-level kitchen positions that focus on learning technique, speed, and consistency. Interns must be highly motivated and understand proper preparation techniques, become familiarized with recipes to ensure consistency, gain a command of timing in the kitchen, reduce and manage food waste, handle commercial kitchen equipment, and perform duties as directed by the kitchen brigade. This placement may require shifts that take place on the weekend and holidays. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Childcare area is a varied and flexible career path. This internship course offers the opportunity to be involved in the field of childcare education at locations such as childcare institutions, private households, and public and private schools. Interns interact with children and help them with different activities such as stimulating cognitive skills through games and animation of body language, language development, creative art-based activities, and daily operations as required by the placement organization. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
This internship course exposes students to the world of non-profit fundraising. Fundraising strategies are employed by charitable and non-profit institutions to raise financial support for projects and initiatives, and represent an essential feature of non-profit organization and operations. Students will become familiarized with philanthropic activity, donor relations, and strategies. Through the sponsoring organization, students will gain a meaningful experience in fundraising practices in areas such as development, promotion, and communications. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills. Prerequisites: A2 level of Italian language. Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
This internship course involves students in the curating activities of a professional fine arts gallery. Students will collaborate with curators and gallery managers on the organizational and operational tasks of developing, organizing, and implementing an art exhibition. Interaction with local and international artists will be a fundamental aspect of the internship, and duties will range from logistical preparation, administrative duties for the gallery management, promotion and press documentation, and other tasks assigned by the organization. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the student preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
Non-paid part-time professional experience under the supervision of an experienced professional. Students must attend the pre-internship seminar sessions as well as all the scheduled meetings with the mentor/supervisor. A daily journal is required, signed by the internship supervisor, with detailed descriptions of tasks and experience. Summary and evaluation reports are required. Some Internship levels take place at Ganzo, the Apicius non-profit cultural association and restaurant-club.
The internship course for teaching English as a foreign language is offered to highly motivated students seeking future careers in the field of English language teaching within the challenging environment of a foreign culture. The internship course will immerse students within contexts involving Italian students or adults of different social and educational backgrounds. Internship topics include but are not limited to lesson planning, tutoring, language assessment, textbook selection, and can also include research duties. This internship course aims to prepare students for the professional world and features an unsalaried internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Students generally serve as part-time interns from Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours. The internship enhances students knowledge through field experience held in a professional environment overseen by a supervisor, who regularly monitors the internship progress and the guides the students preparation of a final analytical report and portfolio. Placements will vary depending on the students language and professional skills.
The focus of this course is to develop the skills for creating an individual portfolio that summarizes a coherent, articulate, and visually comprehensive body of work. Students will utilize digital media approaches to fully showcase areas of specialization as represented by the project(s) to be featured in the portfolio. A rigorous level of professional design criticism will be applied to portfolio content development, organization, assembly, and presentation across varied media channels. Advanced forms of rendering and thematic exploration will be covered, as well strategies for integrating conceptual and experimental approaches and relevant historic and contemporary influences inherent to the featured work. Coursework will require the analysis and maturation of both personal identity and an in-depth understanding of the related fields and industry contexts associated with the portfolio content including market demands, professional expectations, standards of quality and competency, and overall creativity.
Through this special project course, students are involved in horticultural practices with a focus on community and wellbeing. Students will engage in plant-related activities to foster the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing of different groups of users and types of contexts. Activities will focus on indoor/outdoor gardens through the use of tools, equipment, structures, and techniques used in horticultural practices. Topics include principles of horticulture, plant propagation, soils and soil cultivation, pests and diseases, watering management, and garden care. Students will experience first-hand the restorative powers of gardens, landscapes, and green spaces through direct experiences aimed at restoring the connectivity between green sustainability and society. Gardens in the urban landscape of Florence city center and the FUA-AUF campus network provide a rich backdrop for the field-based practices of this placement course. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Remote option students will gain international community exposure through a virtual setting. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Main tasks: Plant-based practices, horticultural therapy research, plant profiling and archiving, garden care and management, watering and propagation, final portfolio. Additional materials/Dress code: Garden-appropriate attire and protective clothing/shoes. Not applicable to remote option. Prerequisites: Cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area, interview.
This lecture course provides an introduction to chemistry as it relates to the visual arts with particular emphasis on painting and photography. The course is designed for non-science majors and will begin with an introductory session on the basic principles of chemistry – particularly in relationship to atomic structure, light, and color. Topics include: chemicals used in photography; paint pigments, dyes, and the manufacture of paints; the physics and chemistry of color mixing, oil-based paints, varnishes, solvents, fixatives, acrylic emulsion and acrylic solution alkyd resin, and PVA paints; and detection of art forgery. Conservation and restoration topics will be addressed with particular focus on sculpture and paintings in Florence. Field trips to art galleries, museums, and restoration laboratories form an important part of this course.
This course features topics that demonstrate basic mathematical ideas used to analyze and problem solve questions of individual or societal need. topics include mathematical logic, sets, counting techniques, probability, statistics, and geometry.
In this course, students will be exposed to the foundations of calculus. They will engage in the study of functions in order to then identify how to define and employ limits of functions, derivatives, and integrals. The course has an extensive practical aspect, which consolidates theory by solving problems and exercises, and sketching graphs. The importance of calculus and the essential role it plays in many disciplines, such as physical and biological sciences, economics, and even social sciences, will be emphasized.
Galileo Galilei was one of the founding fathers of the modern scientific world who lived and worked for the larger portion of his life in Florence under the protection of the ruling Medici family. His life and works are a landmark in the history of science. What did he do and why is it so important? This course is designed to introduce the students to the intellectual ferment of the Renaissance, which produced the revolutionary figure of Galileo. Both the works of Galileo and his contemporaries will be examined. Visits to scientific museums and institutions in Florence form an integral part of this course.
In the 1900s, fitness pioneer Joseph Pilates designed and refined a series of exercises to rehabilitate himself from poor health and physical conditions from which he suffered in the early part of his life. Students will explore the health benefits and the physical practice of Pilates, a form of low-impact, whole-body exercise adaptable to all fitness levels. Students will learn about alignment, breathing, strengthening, balance, flexibility, and awareness as they progress through Pilates exercises and learn how to intelligently move their body. Students will also identify and evaluate the characteristics of exercises that are optimal for modern lifestyles, long-term health and wellness, individual needs, as well as rehabilitation and injury prevention. Basic anatomy and physiology as related to Pilates as well as healthy diet principles will also be covered.
This course provides students with an introduction to the art of yoga and meditation to gain an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual contexts that the discipline is rooted in. The course investigation begins with the notion of awareness, and the acquisition of the term through an overview of the principal asanas and their correct practice. The spiritual aspects of yoga are experienced in the form of various meditation techniques from different philosophies as well as the study of pranayama breathing exercises. Topics also include an examination of yoga props as well as dietary and nutritional guidelines, studied through the lens of yoga philosophy gleaned from sacred texts. The course will cover yoga traditions from ancient times to more contemporary interpretations.
This course is aimed to offer students already possessing a solid foundation of yoga knowledge and practice the tools to use the therapeutic functions of Hatha yoga in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional distress. Students will become familiar with health, wellness, and stress management topics through yoga practice in a therapeutic context. Through the hands-on approach to asanas, pranayama breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, students understand how to integrate yoga as a complementary treatment to medicine and a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The constant practice of awareness and observation combined with an analysis of anatomy and physiology applied to common pains and distresses will development the application of yoga therapy in individual and group contexts throughout the duration of the course.
This course has a fast-paced approach. Students should be prepared to endure an intense physical activity.
This course focuses on power walking as a means to improve the capacities of both the body and mind. Starting with an assessment of muscular functions, posture, breathing, and healthy eating, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and techniques of aerobic walking, Ultimately they will be able to plan and take part in a successful workout comprised of stretching, exercise, and cool-down. The course is based on a series of intense power walks throughout the city, embracing Florence as an open-air gymnasium. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as an academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the course topic, and allows for an overall experience which contributes to students’ academic and personal enrichment.
Studies have shown that following the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, especially when combined with exercise. This course includes lectures on various forms of physical and lifestyle activities and an overview of their respective health benefits. Lectures will also include visits to athletic centers within the local community and the nutritional aspects of the Mediterranean diet, and particularly the Italian culinary tradition. Cooking labs, wine tastings, and physical activity are integral components of the course and will result in the creation of a customized exercise and nutritional program by the student. This course also features a field learning component in relevant Italian locations to supplement and enrich academic topics.
Fitness professionals spend a great deal of time inspiring and assisting others in their pursuit of improved health. The course grounds students in the fundamentals of personal training by exposing them to both the theory and practice of this dynamic field. Students will learn the primary function of muscles and joints and the mechanics of movements through an analysis of human physiology applied to motion, elements of bioenergetics, principles of training. The course offers an overview of training for cardio respiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Students will learn the use and purpose of specific commercial fitness machines and equipment utilizing appropriate exercise guidelines and spotting techniques. Topics covered include guidelines to plan targeted exercises in order to work on specific projects and aims. Students will also understand the importance of good communication and motivation skills in order to coach individuals and establish a positive trust-based relationship, as well as how to design and implement a customized exercise program based on the individual needs. The course will also emphasize the importance of cooperations with specialized professionals and will include physical activity sessions with a dedicated focus.
In the 1900s, fitness pioneer Joseph Pilates designed and refined a series of exercises to rehabilitate himself from poor health and physical conditions from which he suffered in the early part of his life. Students will explore the health benefits and the physical practice of Pilates, a form of low-impact, whole-body exercise adaptable to all fitness levels. Students will learn about alignment, breathing, strengthening, balance, flexibility, and awareness as they progress through Pilates exercises and learn how to intelligently move their body. Students will also identify and evaluate the characteristics of exercises which are optimal for modern lifestyles, long-term health and wellness, individual needs, as well as rehabilitation and injury prevention. Basic anatomy and physiology as related to Pilates as well as healthy diet principals will also be covered.
Through this special project course, students will learn from the organization and operation of a sport facility such as a fitness center. The student will learn by assisting with daily operations: checking access records, machine maintenance, organization and management of fitness activities. Students will collaborate with a sports director to organize gym classes, review fitness instructor candidacies, and collaborate with a communications team for the production of promotional materials. Throughout the course, the student will also research relevant sports-related activities in the city of Florence in order to enhance the student’s connection with the hosting culture and environment. This special project course features experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. Students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
This course provides students with an introduction to the art of yoga and meditation to gain an understanding of the philosophical and spiritual contexts that the discipline is rooted in. The course investigation begins with the notion of awareness, and the acquisition of the term through an overview of the principal asanas and their correct practice. The spiritual aspects of yoga are experienced in the form of various meditation techniques from different philosophies as well as the study of pranayama breathing exercises. Topics also include an examination of yoga props as well as dietary and nutritional guidelines, studied through the lens of yoga philosophy gleaned from sacred texts. The course will cover yoga traditions from ancient times to more contemporary interpretations.
This course will introduce students to the world of walking as an artistic, philosophical, political, literary, inspirational – as well as physical – experience. While exploring different types of walking, the concept of “wanderlust” will also be analyzed and discussed from both an anthropological and philosophical perspective, to provide students with a thorough overview of the traveling and walking experience both in natural and urban landscapes. Different types of walking activities will be an integral component of the course, allowing students to reflect upon walking as an act of desire, escape, imagination, freedom, rebellion, and well-being.
This course is aimed to offer students already possessing a solid foundation of yoga knowledge and practice the tools to use the therapeutic functions of Hatha yoga in overcoming physical, mental, and emotional distress. Students will become familiar with health, wellness, and stress management topics through yoga practice in a therapeutic context. Through the hands-on approach to asanas, pranayama breathing exercises, and meditation techniques, students understand how to integrate yoga as a complementary treatment to medicine and a vital role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. The constant practice of awareness and observation combined with an analysis of anatomy and physiology applied to common pains and distresses will development the application of yoga therapy in individual and group contexts throughout the duration of the course.
Students enrolled in the 11-week semester can apply for a part time 3 credit internship to be completed as part of the elective program. Students are placed in internships that complement their major or minor, and are supported by an internship supervisor. While Italian language proficiency is not required, it is helpful for expanding the placement options. At the completion of the internship students produce an analytical report that synthesizes what they have learned. For more information on internships see FUA Internships.
Program Structure: 11 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 11 week semester begin the program in Florence with 11 week semester courses. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.
Program Structure: 12 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 12 week semester begin the program with a 1 week field learning course (see course options and highlights below). Following the 1 week course students begin their 11 week semester courses. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.
- Cultural Introduction to Italy (1 week / 3 credits): This traveling field learning course gives students the opportunity to delve into Italian culture through lectures, visits to cultural sites, and food tastings. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week traveling course arrive in Rome on February 17, 2024. Read more about the course in a student blog post. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
- Cultural Introduction to Florence (1 week / 3 credits): This field learning course provides students an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week course arrive in Florence on February 17, 2024. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
- Art and Community: Secret Florence Walks (1 week / 3 credits): This field learning course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week course arrive in Florence on February 17, 2024. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
3 Week Intensive Courses
Students enrolled in the intensive semester program have the benefit of the 11 week courses and the intensive 3 week short program courses that run throughout the 11-week semester. The intensive short program courses meet daily Monday – Friday for 3 week periods. The 3 week short course offerings are indicated as “Section: II”, “Section: III”, or “Section: IV” on the course list.
Experiential Learning
Many FUA courses incorporate experiential learning components, involving hands-on projects. Courses which include experiential learning components will include this information in the course details & syllabus. Students will work & collaborate within the FUA Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI) to fulfill various projects & tasks as part of their coursework. These practical assignments take place on-site and will occur outside of the regular class sessions, with varying shifts assigned from Monday to Friday (occasional weekend shifts possible), including the possibility of later evening hours.
Course Registration
SAI students complete their course registration directly with FUA through the FUA student portal. Upon confirming enrollment in the SAI program at FUA, students receive information for creating their FUA student portal and selecting their classes. Note: All courses must meet the minimum enrollment of 12 students to run; therefore, all registrations require selection of an alternate course for each primary course choice.
FUA registration begins months ahead of the application deadline. Courses will fill on a rolling basis.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2024 |
Application Closes |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2024 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 1 2024 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| October 15 2024 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| October 29 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| November 15 2024 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due). |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| February 18 2025 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 6:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| February 19 – 21 2025 |
Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| February 26 2025 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes Begin |
| March 31 – April 4 2025 |
Midterm Exam Week |
| April 21 2025 |
Holiday (no class) |
| April 25 2025 |
Holiday (no class) |
| May 1 2025 |
Holiday (no class) |
| May 7 – 9 2025 |
Final Exams |
| May 9 2025 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes End |
| May 10 2025 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2024 |
Application Closes |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2024 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 1 2024 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| October 15 2024 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| October 29 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| November 15 2024 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due). |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| February 17 2025 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at the designated airport location for the start of their 1-week course. SAI airport pickup is provided during the designated times, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| February 18 2025 |
Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| February 18 2025 |
FUA 1 Week Field Learning Class Begins |
| February 24 2025 |
FUA 1 Week Field Learning Class Ends |
| February 26 2025 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes Begin |
| March 31 – April 4 2025 |
Midterm Exam Week |
| April 21 2025 |
Holiday (no class) |
| April 25 2025 |
Holiday (no class) |
| May 1 2025 |
Holiday (no class) |
| May 7 – 9 2025 |
Final Exams |
| May 9 2025 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes End |
| May 10 2025 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 11 week Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,085 |
| Program Fee: 12 week Semester Includes tuition, 1 week field learning, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$16,000 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,500 |
| Optional Student Residence Housing Supplement – Private Student residence housing in a private occupancy bedroom with private bathroom. |
$1,500 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement – Shared Homestay housing in a shared occupancy bedroom with another student. Includes daily breakfast and weekday dinner. |
$2,000 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement – Private Homestay housing in a private occupancy bedroom. Includes daily breakfast and weekday dinner. |
$3,000 |
| Additional Course Credits Fee for enrollment over 12 credits. |
$550 / credit |
| Add-on Non-Credit and Field Learning Courses Fees vary and are paid directly to FUA. |
Contact SAI |
| Meal Plan Units Students can purchase meal plan units upon arrival directly from FUA. |
Contact SAI |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Florence |
$950 | $1,800 |
| Books | $50 / course | $100 / course |
| Course Fees & Supplies | $50 / course | $300 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $400 / month |
| Transportation within Florence Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $175 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!
- Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
- Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
- Airport pickup on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- FUA meal plan sample pack
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Student visa advising
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
- SAI alumni network
SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.
Welcome Dinner
SAI welcomes students to Florence with a buffet of traditional Italian delights to mingle and get to know participants.
Florence Walking Tour
Students join SAI on-site staff for a practical walking tour of their new home to discover Florence’s historic city center.
Survival Italian Language
Students are offered a 3-hour survival Italian lesson during orientation week. It is a practical and hands-on approach to learning the Italian language. The intense lesson covers basic Italian conversation taught in the classroom and out and about in the city.
Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo
Located just outside the old city walls, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a bird’s eye view of the city of Florence. Students hike to the top, stopping along the way for gelato. As the sun sets over the city, the group can experience the centuries-old Vespers ceremonial chanting by Cistercian monks in the crypt of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.
Italian Cooking Lessons
SAI offers Italian cooking lessons throughout the semester taught by a local expert Chef. Each lesson teaches students how to make typical Tuscan dishes and includes an appetizer, first course, and dessert. At the end of the lesson students feast on their own homemade Italian meal!
Traditional Bookmaking Workshop
Students are able to participate in the long history of bookmaking in Florence by creating a unique hand-sewn book using colored canvas and hand-marbled paper.
SAI Cinema
Birthplace of the cinematic legacy of Federico Fellini, Italy has long produced some of the world’s most celebrated films. SAI Florence offers an array of Italian film viewings on Tuesday nights.
Hike the Tuscan Hills
Students take an easy hike that begins in the town of Fiesole, perched on a hill overlooking Florence, which still holds ruins from its Etruscan settlement. A guided tasting of a selection of bruschette and local specialties follows the hike.
Tuscany By Bike
For students looking to get some exercise and fresh air, SAI offers a bike tour in the heart of Tuscany and the Chianti area. Students cycle through Tuscany’s breathtaking hills, vineyards, villas and olive groves. During the tour, students visit a charming medieval castle, enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch, and visit a classic winery.
Day Trip to Lucca and Carrara
Students tour the famous quarries of Carrara, where marble has been extracted since Roman times, including the blocks used by Michelangelo himself. From the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean visible from the Carrara Mountains, students descend to the town of Lucca. Famous for its 16th century perfectly preserved walls, Lucca is a wonderful place to take a leisurely afternoon stroll or bike ride.
Day Trip to Bologna
Located in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is known for culinary delights like tortellini, lasagna, Bolognese sauce, prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Students spend the day exploring the city’s covered walkways, large squares and historic towers and churches. Home of the oldest university in Europe, the city exudes a young spirit and alternative culture that can be seen in the unique shops, street markets and typical eateries.
Fiorentina Soccer Game
See why soccer is the most popular sport in the world! Students experience the thrill of Italian soccer amongst the throngs of dedicated fans who sing, yell and cheer on their team.
Opera Night
Students get dressed up for a night out at one of Florence’s historical theaters for a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s classical masterpiece La Traviata.
Farewell Evening
Students celebrate the end of a successful term abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Italian meal
The following housing options apply to the regular sessions that take place in Florence. Please note that the 1 week field learning course included in the 12 week program may have different housing arrangements during the 1 week course only.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (double or triple), and the option to upgrade to a private bedroom, if available. Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise. Please note that during sessions with high enrollment, student residences may be used in addition to student apartments.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a private bedroom, with a shared bathroom, in the family home with basic furnishings. Daily breakfast and weekday dinner are included (no dinner on weekends). Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center and require a commute to reach school.
Optional Housing: Student residence (additional fee applies)
The student residence offers a newly renovated housing experience that resembles a US dorm. The residence houses students in private bedrooms with a private ensuite bathroom. Residents have access to shared common spaces that include a kitchen on each floor, study rooms, rooftop swimming pool, restaurant, gym, and laundry facilities. Bedrooms are furnished and include WIFI, AC, and heating. Please note that availability is limited, and students are placed in student residences on a first come first served basis.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, US citizens studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.