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AIFS Study Abroad in Rome, Italy
Fall Semester 2008 and Spring Semester 2009
Course Descriptions |
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Italian language course levels are determined by placement tests to ensure the appropriate level. Since language demands are challenging, students are often placed in a level lower than requested. Students should make sure the advisors at their home institutions are informed about this to avoid problems with credit transfer.
A minimum enrollment of 10 is required to confirm a course. Orientation Courses| Orientation Courses | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 103 (3) | | Course Title: | Elementary Italian I—Florence | | Course Description: | | Students build an essential vocabulary and assimilate basic grammar and sentence structures. Listening, grammar and comprehension exercises, repetition and easy conversation. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 104 (3) | | Course Title: | Elementary Italian II—Florence | | Course Description: | | Preparatory course to the intermediate level designed for students who have already had one or two semesters of Italian. Although the course starts with basic grammar structures of the language, the pace is faster than Italian 103. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 203 (3) | | Course Title: | Intermediate Italian I—Florence | | Course Description: | | Students develop the ability to communicate correctly with expanded vocabulary. Conversational practice improves listening and interpretation skills for better understanding and response. Reading and writing exercises improve skills in understanding prose and writing letters and simple messages. Admission is based on testing in Italian. Prerequisite: Three or four semesters of Italian. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 204 (3) | | Course Title: | Intermediate Italian II—Florence | | Course Description: | | Good knowledge of grammar rules is required. Reviews complex grammar structures and continues with exercises in reading, composition, phonetics, syntax and style. Students should reach a good measure of competence and be able to cope with normal situations in Italy. Admission is based on placement test results. Prerequisite: Four or five semesters of Italian. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 273 (1) | | Course Title: | Introduction to Italian Art | | Course Description: | | Taught primarily during the weekend trip to Venice and day trips to Pisa and Siena. Introductory lectures are given before departure. The professor lectures on artistic, social and political development of Italian society and other course-related topics.
Art History paper required. | |
Semester CoursesWith the exception of Italian (which is required), courses
are taught in English, Monday through Friday. A minimum enrollment of 10 is required for each course. Semester credits are in parentheses after course titles.
Italian Language
Conversation is a central part of every lesson. In Rome students may choose between the Conversational Italian (1 credit) or the continuation of the Italian course taken in Florence (4 credits).
| Italian Language | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 105 (1) | | Course Title: | Conversational Italian | | Course Description: | | Three hours per week. Basic vocabulary to deal with everyday situations. Designed for students who prefer a communicative approach and less intensive emphasis on language structure. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 112 (4) | | Course Title: | Elementary Italian II | | Course Description: | | Open to students with one or two semesters of Italian. Enhances the capability to communicate in simple, everyday situations. Meets six hours per week. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 211 (4) | | Course Title: | Intermediate Italian I | | Course Description: | | A continuation of Italian 104 in Florence. Students reach a solid level of linguistic competence. Meets six hours per week. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 212 (4) | | Course Title: | Intermediate Italian II | | Course Description: | | During this continuation of Italian 203 in Florence, usage is perfected and a good level of expression is attained through choice of appropriate vocabulary and use of complex tenses. Meets six hours per week. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ITL 303 (3) | | Course Title: | Advanced Italian | | Course Description: | | Only students completing Italian 204 in Florence are admitted. Textual analysis of readings from contemporary authors, newspapers and magazines. Revision of the most complex syntactic structures and use of synonyms and idiomatic expressions. Meets four hours per week. | |
| Art, Design and Media | | Course Code and Credits: | ADM 341 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Photography for the Media | | Course Description: | | Recommended for Communications and Journalism majors as well as photographers, this course develops knowledge and experience in photojournalism by studying work of major practitioners and designing and shooting projects. Students need to provide a 35mm camera with manual controls, slide film and processing fees. There is a $150 fee for developing. Students do not use a darkroom. | |
| Art History | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 305 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Introduction to Renaissance and Baroque art in Rome | | Course Description: | | The development of painting, sculpture and architecture in Italy from the 14th through the mid-17th centuries. These four centuries mark the passage from the Middle Ages to Modernity, through the rediscovery of the heritage of the Classics, the transformation of Christian Europe that followed Luther’s Reformation and the passage from feudalism to absolutism. Focuses on the period when Rome hosted some of the major Renaissance artists and was the cradle of the Baroque revolution. On site study of the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini and the social and intellectual context of the art produced. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 308 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Art and Culture in Rome 800 BC - 2000 AD | | Course Description: | | Introduction to major art historical themes, methods and approaches. Rome’s history and society, an overview of its architectural and artistic expressions over a development span of 3,000 years. Classroom lectures, visits to churches, palaces and museums. As much as possible is taught on site. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 309 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | History of Ancient Art: Greece and Rome | | Course Description: | | The course examines the main motives and themes related with the study, analysis, and appreciation of ancient art. Students study the ‘Idea of the Classical’, so largely part of the western culture and so widely the object of misinterpretation. The analysis of Greek art, the relation between Greek and Roman art, the western position before Classical art, continuity, discontinuity, inspiration from antiquity, and misunderstanding of antiquity, are the main subjects covered in class. The city of Rome offers the best instruments for this art itinerary, exemplified by the museum of Villa Giulia, the Vatican museums, Centrale Montemartini, Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the churches of S.Prassede and S.Pudenziana, and Villa Farnesina. Consequently, as much as possible of the course is taught on site. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 321 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Baroque Rome and Its Monuments | | Course Description: | | The emergence of Baroque art in the late 15th and early 16th- Century. Further developments of the Baroque style in mid to late seicento sculpture, painting and architecture. Study the works of Caravaggio, Bernini and Borromini, a source of inspiration for many other artists. Much of the course is taught on-site in Rome. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 322 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | High Renaissance Art | | Course Description: | | The High Renaissance style in Rome and Florence primarily through the works of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and other leading artists of the period. Developments in other cities such as Venice. As much as possible is taught on-site. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 324 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | Michelangelo in Rome | | Course Description: | | The works of the Renaissance master, his sculpture, painting, architecture and literary production. His works are investigated within the specific historical context, focusing on issues of commission, iconography, censorship, biography, historiography and aesthetics. Beyond a complete comprehension of Michelangelo’s work, the course aims toward a mastery of art historical research skills, the evaluation of current scholarship and independent critical thought on art. | | | Course Code and Credits: | ARH 328 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Caravaggio in Rome | | Course Description: | | The course examines the works of Caravaggio in their specific historical context and focuses on issues of commission, iconography, censorship, biography, historiography, and aesthetics. We shall follow Caravaggio’s activities in Rome, analyze his continuous conflict between sensual naturalism and stylized classicism, and compare his work with works by Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo. Discovered only in the mid-20th century, Caravaggio became one of the most significant artists in the world. As much as possible of the course is taught on site. Visits include the Vatican Museums, Doria Pamphilij Gallery, Palazzo Barberini, Capitoline Museums, and Borghese Gallery. | |
| Communications | | Course Code and Credits: | COM 315 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | History of Italian Cinema and Society | | Course Description: | | The history of Italian cinema and Italian society as represented in film. Post-war Italian cinema offers a valuable range of films to study. Italian cinema within the context of world cinema to gain an understanding of realism as an aesthetic convention as well as insight into Italian culture and ways of thinking. | |
| Economics | | Course Code and Credits: | ECN 357 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | International Economic Relations | | Course Description: | | Economic relations between nations and groups of countries. Institutional, political and historical factors that shape the economic environment. International cooperation toward development, regional integration, settlement of disputes and the steady growth of world trade as well as multilateral trade negotiations, the European Economic Community and the legal framework for world trade. | |
| History | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 311 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Rome Through the Ages | | Course Description: | | The history of Rome from its reputed founding by Romulus and Remus to the establishment of the Roman Republic and the creation of the Roman Empire and the conversion to Christianity with the appointment of the first Pope. Visits to major archaeological sites. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 313 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Introduction to Modern Europe (1870-1945) | | Course Description: | | Beginning with German unification, the central themes in European history encompassing nationalism, imperialism and other 20th century ideologies. The rivalry of the great powers in Europe culminating in World War I. The failure of peace, leading to the causes and events of World War II, which witnessed Germany’s unsuccessful bid for hegemony in Europe. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 325 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Culture and Society in Medieval Rome | | Course Description: | | This course will be focused on the main arguments concerning the cultural implication of social and political life during the Middle Ages. Classes, lectures and field visits will cover a large chronological span, from the 4th century AD to the 13th century. Considering the length of this extremely inhomogeneous period only some of the main themes will be treated: the transition from the pagan to the Christian culture in Rome, as well as the political, economical and social features of medieval art, culture and life. Preference will be given to the ideological implication of art and architecture. As much as possible of this course is taught on site with field visits to the main Christian basilicas, catacombs and funerary monuments. Santa Maria in Trastevere and its district, the area of the Campidoglio, the Foro Boario and the Cripta Balbi. | | | Course Code and Credits: | HST 326 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | History of the Italian Mafia | | Course Description: | | Analyzes the Italian Mafia through an historical, social and cultural perspective, tracing its progression from the Borbonic Reign to the present day. Differences between the Italian and the American Mafia, an analysis of the sociological aspects of the Mafia, including “the language of the mafioso”, “the code of silence”, the ways of violence, messages and messengers, structures of power, profits and losses and the relationship between the Mafia, Politics, and Religion. | |
| International Business | | Course Code and Credits: | INB 483 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | Internship in International Business | | Course Description: | | Students work part-time as volunteers in local companies or small businesses in or near Rome for a minimum of 130 hours. Placement is determined after application, interviews and competitive selection by the Director and faculty. Students must have a good working knowledge of Italian. Preference will be given to full year students. To receive credit, students report to the supervising instructor regularly and submit an analytical paper. Interns may take only Italian language, plus one other course. | |
| International Relations/Sociology | | Course Code and Credits: | INR/SCL 313 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | Globalization: A European Perspective | | Course Description: | | The new millennium is witnessing a world that is developing into a single place. Students explore the complex social, economic, political, cultural and environmental dynamics of the global society and become familiar with the causes and implications of the globalization process. | |
| Literature | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 326 fall only (3) | | Course Title: | English and American Writers in Italy | | Course Description: | | Based on a selection of English and American authors who traveled and resided in Italy, wrote about Italy and were influenced by Italian images and culture. Readings define how contact with Italian life and culture affected their work. Authors include Hawthorne, Byron, Ruskin, Mark Twain, Henry James and Mary McCarthy. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 327 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | Italian Literature in Translation | | Course Description: | | Literary works by major Italian writers and major Italian literary trends from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Students develop background knowledge of Medieval and Renaissance Italian literary history and the ability to analyze a literary text. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 329 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Classical Mythology | | Course Description: | | Traditional stories of Greece and Rome in their cultural context. Readings from Greek and Latin literature investigate their sources, nature and applications to literature and art. Key figures and events in mythology, including gods and major heroes. On-site analysis of paintings, sculptures, poetry and mosaics. | | | Course Code and Credits: | LIT 330 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Roman Life and Thought | | Course Description: | | This course illustrates the most important literary works of classical antiquity. Students read in translation Greek and Latin authors, such as Homer, Virgil, Ovid, Cesar, Cicero, and Plautus, familiarize themselves with different literary genres, and understand the basis of European literary culture. Major topics include aspects of ancient civilisation, such as rhetoric, politics, religion, mythology, and philosophy. Site visits to the Ara Pacis, Crypta Balbi and to the National Museum of Palazzo Massimo complement classroom lectures. | |
| Marketing | | Course Code and Credits: | MKT 301 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | Principles of Marketing | | Course Description: | | Principles and operations of the marketing process with an in-depth look at the role of marketing in business planning, how the marketing mix operates and the role of strategic marketing in today’s business environment. Prerequisite: Sophomore status. | |
| Philosophy | | Course Code and Credits: | PHL 305 fall only (3) | | Course Title: | History of Western Philosophy I | | Course Description: | | The pre-Socratics, the main teachings of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Plotinus, and the influence of Christianity on the development of philosophy as reflected in the thought of Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PHL 306 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | History of Western Philosophy II | | Course Description: | | The philosophies of the Continental Rationalists (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibnitz), the British Empiricists (Locke, Berkeley, Hume) and Kant’s “Copernican” revolution in philosophy. | |
| Political Science | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 302 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Italian Society: From Fascism to the Present | | Course Description: | | Italian political life from the rise of fascism to the present. Institutional developments since Mussolini, analysis of political parties, the Red Brigades, Italy and the EEC and church-state relations. | | | Course Code and Credits: | PLT 359 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | The European Union in the New International System | | Course Description: | | The beginnings of the EU, its institutions and economic performance, plus the Single European Act, European monetary system, foreign policy cooperation and social, political and economic aspects of integration. Prerequisite: Junior status. | |
| Religion | | Course Code and Credits: | RLG 315 spring only (3) | | Course Title: | Religions and Cults of the Roman Empire | | Course Description: | | An introduction to the religious experience of Late Antiquity, which opened the way to medieval civilization and, eventually, to modern Western culture. This course introduces students to the extremely complex, and often amazingly modern richness, of the religious beliefs and cults of the Roman Empire from the 1st to 4th centuries A.D. The main religions, cults, and mystical movements
will be considered and examined, including Mystery Cults, Magic, Primitive Christianity, Neo-Pythagorism, Neo-Platonism, Gnosticism, and Manicheism, in order to give the student a more rounded picture of this fascinating historical period. Site visits to the Capitoline Museums, the Jewish Museum and Synagogue, the Catacombs and the Vatican complement classroom lectures. | |
| Social Sciences | | Course Code and Credits: | SSC 483 fall/spring (3) | | Course Title: | Internship in Social Science | | Course Description: | | Students with a serious interest in and a strong commitment to social work or social sciences may obtain part-time placement (minimum 130 hours) in elementary education, assistance to the elderly, work with handicapped or health care assistance. Students are placed as volunteers and are graded. Students must have a good working knowledge of Italian. Preference will be given to full year students. To receive credit, students report to the supervising instructor regularly and submit an analytical paper. Interns may take only Italian language and one other course. | |
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