Choose one of the courses below. With the exception of Italian Ianguage, all courses are
taught in English. Classes are taught Monday through Friday for a total of 45 hours. A
minimum enrollment of 10 is required to confirm a course. Language classes are always
offered. Should Italian courses not reach the minimum enrollment, students may attend
classes at Leonardo da Vinci school a short walking distance from the AIFS Study
Center with other international students.
Italian Language Courses
These 45-hour courses are taught at the Rome Study Center by highly qualified local instructors. A1, A2 etc. after course code indicates CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level.
A thorough, basic introduction to the Italian language for those with little or no previous
experience, the course teaches essential vocabulary and grammar and develops
students’ ability to communicate in an authentic linguistic context.
Designed for students who already have some knowledge of Italian, the course revises
basic grammar and vocabulary before progressing to more complex structures and
functions leading up to the next, Intermediate, level. Classes are conducted mainly in
Italian, with ample opportunity for student oral practice.
This course helps students to develop their ability to communicate effectively and
accurately, using an expanded range of vocabulary. Conversation practice improves
listening and interpretation skills. Reading and writing exercises improve skills in
understanding prose and writing. Prerequisite: successful completion of 3/4 semesters
of Italian.
This course enables students to understand and respond to quite complex lines of
argument, both in oral and in written form. Students are introduced to more complex
forms of grammar and more sophisticated vocabulary, to give them the ability to carry
out and refine skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Italian.
This course introduces students to advanced structures and vocabulary, which will
enable them to interact with the Italian world at a sophisticated level. It enables them
to understand lectures and complex lines of argument, including various attitudes
and viewpoints, both in oral and in written form. They should become fluent and
spontaneous in verbal interaction, and will be able to present and sustain an argument,
both orally and in evidenced-based writing.
Drawing is used as a basic exploratory tool to examine Rome as the site for bothsubject—in particular the river Tevere—and as a research resource for the practice ofdrawing—especially in the Roman churches, galleries and museums. The course is
divided between working in the studio and on location in Rome. The sketchbook is an
essential aspect of the course in helping students to document the city, stimulate and
develop ideas and as a reminder that drawing is a portable medium. A studio fee is
levied on this course.
This course examines the history and society of Rome and its architectural and artistic
expression as it developed over a period of 3000 years. Students study key examples
of architecture, monuments and art from Classical Rome through to the Renaissance,
Baroque and the modern period.
Class visits may include Largo Argentina and the Pantheon, Colosseum and Forums,
Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel) and St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo and
Piazza Augusto Imperatore.
This course provides a multicultural and global perspective on psychology. Students
analyze how culture influences human thoughts and behavior across cultures by
integrating theoretical and applied components of cross-cultural psychology with
theory and research.
This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity
and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism) and the
“new-age” faiths. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis
of each religion and common themes such as “the self”, suffering and free will and
ethics. Guest speakers and class visits form an integral part of the course.
This course is recommended for students with an interest in contemporary Italian
culture and style. The course focuses on aspects of post-war Italian culture including
cuisine, fashion, religious beliefs and the persistence of superstition. Lectures cover
topics such as the role of women, food and wine as cultural traditions, the effect of
social change and culture and style. Lectures are supported by field visits, food and
wine tasting sessions and audio-visual materials. Class visits may include the historical
urban Testaccio market; Eataly, a high-end chain of Italian food markets; an organic
farm; the Italian Parliament and Alta Roma, the fashion agency that promotes Made-In-
Italy products and values.
