Program Info
Courses - January Term 2019
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 Richmond Center with other international students.
These 45-hour courses are taught at the Rome Study Center by highly-qualified local instructors. CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level is indicated in parentheses.ITL 3831 – A1 (3 credits) | Elementary Italian I
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.
ITL 3832 – A1/A2 (3 credits) | Elementary Italian II
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.
ITL 4831 - A1/B1 (3 credits) | Intermediate Italian I
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 3/4 semesters of Italian.
ITL 4832 - B2 (3 credits) | Intermediate Italian II
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.
ITL 5830 – B2/C1 (3 credits) | Advanced 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 able to present and sustain an argument, both orally and in evidenced-based writing.
AVC 5840 (3 credits) | Art and Culture in Rome: 800 BC – 2000 AD
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.
PSY 4800 (3 credits) | Cross-Cultural Psychology
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.
RLG 5810 (3 credits) | Comparative World Religions
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.
SCL 5855 (3 credits) | Culture and Style in Italy
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.
