Semester in Florence

Program Information

Experience an amazing semester full of language, culture and academics in the heart of Florence. Classes are held at institutes that have earned a reputation for their academic excellence in Italian language, music and culture for students from all over the world. The program philosophy is to create an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents. Florence itself offers the best setting for cultural immersion with its outstanding museums and architecture.

The program center is host to an array of events that allow students to further appreciate Italian culture. Music concerts and conferences about art, literature and politics provide an engaging backdrop for academic and personal interests. Local social events such as meet-and-greet dinners, film showings, evenings at the Opera, conferences, and musical engagements are arranged and are a great way to experience the local society. Weekends include optional day excursions to surrounding areas such as Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lucca.

All courses are taught by highly qualified international faculty. Most courses offered are taught in English, although courses are also available in Italian for advanced students and native speakers. Italian language courses are taught by professors specialized in teaching Italian language to foreigners. Class sizes range from 8-25 students to allow the faculty to interact with students individually. Many classes include cultural excursions to sites around Florence as a part of the curriculum.

Housing

Accommodation is typically in shared apartments in Florence. (Shared rooms are same gender only.) Single rooms are available for an additional fee upon request. All housing is fully furnished and students share with other international students. Students will have access to kitchen facilities and all apartments are furnished with basic household necessities (sheets, cooking utensils, etc). However, students will need to provide their own towels. All housing is within walking distance to the school facilities. The apartments are modest, clean, and suit students’ needs very well. However, we cannot guarantee any one standard of housing, so please understand that each student’s situation may differ.

Home stay options are also available for an additional fee.

Curriculum: Option IE

Course are offered in the following fields, with an emphasis on Music and Art. Full descriptions are below:

Architecture
Arts
History
Italian Language
Literature
Music
Performing Arts
Photography
Studio Art

Italian Language

Students are not required to have previously studied Italian since there are 8 different levels, from absolute beginner to advanced. Students who have already had some language instruction will be administered a placement test upon arrival in Florence in order to determine the level in which they will be placed.

Option I Intensive Italian (225 hours, 15 credits)

This option is for students interested in an in-depth, full-immersion study of the Italian language. Intensive Italian lessons are Monday-Friday from 9am-12.30pm. The lessons are divided into two parts: the first two hours concentrate on the grammatical and syntactical study of the language, while the last two hours are dedicated to its practical use: oral expression, reading, writing and comprehension. Each level lasts one academic month, and at the end of each month, the students are administered an exam. The successful completion of the exam advances the student to the next level. During a semester, students normally complete 4 full levels of Italian, equivalent to 4 semesters of college level Italian.

Option II Italian language (90 hours, 6 credits)

Students not enrolled in the Intensive Italian course will take the 6-credit Italian language course. The course is divided into three levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced) and the lessons are held Monday-Thursday from 9am-12.30pm, for a total of 6 contact hours/week. The Italian language course covers the amount of material usually presented in 2 semesters of college level Italian.

WL 101 Beginning Italian Language (45 hours, 3 credits)

This courses initiates students’ development of the four basic skills in the Italian language—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—through in-class activities and the opportunities available to students living in Florence. It also introduces the Italian people and culture to students.

WL 102 Beginning Italian Language (45 hours, 3 credits)

Prerequisites: WL 101 Beginning Italian or its equivalent. This course continues the development of the four basic skills in the Italian language—speaking, listening, reading, and writing through in-class activities and the opportunities available to students living in Florence. It also continues study of the Italian people and culture.

WL 201 Intermediate Italian Language (45 hours, 3 credits)

Prerequisites: WL 102 Beginning Italian or its equivalent. This course continues the student’s development of the four basic language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—and further augments their knowledge of the Italian people and culture. Building on the foundation of previous study or direct experience with the language, these courses are for those who have already achieved an elementary mastery of Italian.

WL 202 Intermediate Italian Language (45 hours, 3 credits)

Prerequisites: WL 201 Intermediate Italian or its equivalent. This course continues beyond WL 201 the student’s development of the four basic language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—and augment their knowledge of the Italian people and culture. Building on the foundation of previous study or direct experience with the language, these courses are for those who have already achieved an elementary mastery of Italian.

Arts and Humanities

Art History

All art history courses consist of a combination of in-class lectures and on-site visits to Florence's museums and monuments.

ARH 476 Survey of Art History A: Classical Greece to Renaissance (45 hours, 3 credits)

An introductory course for students who have little or no background in art history. This course covers the evolution of artistic expression in Western civilizations, from Classical and Hellenic Greek art, to the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, through the religious fervor of Middle Ages (Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic art) to the rebirth of classical ideals in 15th century Florence. Particular consideration is given to the Early Renaissance artists, such as Donatello, Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Botticelli and the early work of Leonardo and Michelangelo.

ARH 476 Survey of Art History B: High Renaissance to 19th Century (45 hours, 3 credits)

An introductory course for students who have little or no background in art history. This course covers the evolution of artistic expression in Europe from the Age of the Italian Renaissance masters: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael, to the dramatic explosion of the Baroque masters: Bernini, Caravaggio and Borromini. From the decadence of the Rococco, through the Neo-classicism and Romanticism of the French Revolution and the Age of Napoleon, to the dawning of Modern Art, with French Impressionism and the Italian Macchiaioli.

ARH 476 Italian Medieval Art History (45 hours, 3 credits)

This course focuses on the art produced during the three principle movements of the Middle Ages: Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic. Often referred to as the Dark Ages, due to political unrest, wars, and the barbaric invasions, the Middle Ages actually produced vast quantities of religious artwork, illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, and constructed some of the world's most impressive cathedrals. The social position of the artist in this period will be discussed as well as the relationship between the artist and the wealthy noble patrons. Special attention will be given the Gothic art produced in Florence and Siena, and the political, social and economic factors, which allowed this art to flourish and paved the road for the Renaissance.

ARH 476 Early Italian Renaissance: 15th century (45 hours, 3 credits)

The period which runs roughly from 1400-1500 is known as the Early Renaissance. It was a century of incredible cultural growth and artistic talent (especially in Florence). Leon Battista Alberti's phrase "Man can do all things, if he wills" perfectly describes the well-rounded, Renaissance man, capable of undertaking many endeavors. Economic and political stability, combined with the rediscovery of classical ideals in art, literature and humanistic philosophy, caused a cultural revolution. The new humanistic approach, so different than the god-centered universe of the Middle Ages, allowed space for exploration, innovation and freedom of expression. Science and art intermingled to create a new, more realistic and intellectual style. Some of the artists to be studied in this course are Brunelleschi, Donatello, Ghiberti, Masaccio, Fra Angelico, Piero della Francesca, Fra Filippo Lippi, Boticelli, Verrocchio, and the young works of Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

ARH 476 High Renaissance and Mannerism (45 hours, 3 credits)

The artwork of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti greatly affected the artists of their time. The period known as the High Renaissance in fact begins with these two artists and their younger counterpart, Raffaello Sanzio. The High Renaissance style migrates from Florence to new cultural centers, namely Venice and Rome, while in Florence, a new style defined as Mannerism emerges. In its origins, Mannerism was to be the imitation of the High Renaissance style, however it soon became the antithesis of the simple, balanced, and logical style of the late 15th century. The course concentrates on artists such as: Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raffaello, Titian, Vasari, Pontormo, Rosso Fiorentino, Buontalenti, Giambologna and Cellini.

History of Architecture

ARH 476 Survey of Florentine Architecture (45 hours, 3 credits)

In this course, Florence will be studied through its architecture and urban development, from the Roman city to the most modern buildings in Florence. The main architects who contributed to Florence's growth, and their particular styles will be studied and compared. Weekly site visits will be, and students may be asked to make sketches of the buildings.

ARH 476 History of Renaissance Architecture (45 hours, 3 credits)

Florence's Golden Age, the Renaissance began with the architecture of Filippo Brunelleschi. His study and application of the elements of ancient Roman architecture, brought about a new style which was quickly adopted and developed not only in Florence, but in other Italian and European cities. This course will begin with the study of Brunelleschi's predecessor, Arnolfo di Cambio, an artist crucial to Florence's 14th century growth, then to the innovations of Brunelleschi, Michelozzo, Leon Battista Alberti, and San Gallo, to the High Renaissance styles of Vasari, Maiano, Buontalenti and Ammanati.

Literature

LIT 215 Survey of Italian Literature (45 hours, 3 credits)

This course is a survey of Italian literature from its origins to the 18th century. The literary pieces chosen for the course are read in English translation. Writers and poets from the major literary movements throughout the ages will be read, discussed and compared in class. Each student will be responsible for the completion of a written project on a complete literary work of choice.

LIT 225 The Age of Dante (45 hours, 3 credits)

Dante, know as the "father of the Italian language", will be studied in this course, not only through his epic masterpiece, "The Divine Comedy", but also through his other works and poetry. Along with Dante, the course will cover his contemporaries and followers. Special attention will be given to the poetry of Petrarca and to Boccaccio's "Decameron." Literary excerpts will be read in English translation, and will be presented, discussed and compared in class. Each student will write a research paper on a selected author or work.

LIT 325 Contemporary Italian Literature (45 hours, 3 credits)

This course covers the contemporary writers from the early 20th century to the present. The literary works of authors such as Pirandello, Pavese, Svevo, Moravia, Calvino, Ginzburg, to more contemporary authors, will be studied and discussed. Each student will be required to develop an individual project based on a novel of an author of choice.

LIT 335 Italian Women Writers (45 hours, 3 credits)

This course will explore the literary works of Italy's women writers, and recurring themes such as love, marriage, family and the social conditions of women found throughout their works. The women authors to be studied will be chosen from the 15th century to the most contemporary writers. All works will be read in translation. Each student will be responsible for an individual research project on a chosen theme.

Performing Arts

EH 310 History of Italian Cinema (45 hours, 3 credits)

From the great directors of the post-war, neo-realist period (Rossellini, Fellini, Antonioni, de Sica) to the more contemporary (Zeffirelli, Bertolucci, Pasolini, Scola), the evolution of Italian cinematography will be studied. During each lesson, the films will be discussed and viewed (in dubbed or sub-titled versions), and comparisons between the films and the authors will be made. This course is recommended for students who wish to acquire a more complete knowledge of Italian culture.

Department Of Music

For more than ten years, the Music Department has carried out an intense didactical and productive activity by offering high level professional courses and monthly concerts, both at the Institute and in important historical places.

MU 231 History of Italian Music I (45 hours, 3 credits)

This lower-division course is available to music majors and for students with little or no music background. From the Middle Ages to the polyphony - The madrigals and the origins of the melodrama - C. Monteverdi - The 17th century - Instrumental music between the 17th and the 18th century - Vivaldi and the violin culture - The 18th century and G. Rossini - The belcantistic season - G. Verdi - Veristic opera - G. Puccini and the 20th century - The revival of instrumental music - Contemporary composers - The new musical theatre. During the course, students will have the opportunity to see at least one opera in a theater in Florence.

MU 335G History and Language of Opera (45 hours, 3 credits)

This lower-division course is available to music majors and for students with little or no music background. From the madrigalistic comedy to the Recitar cantando - C. Monteverdi - The comic and the serious opera (from the 17th until the 18th century) - The Neapolitan School and Neoclassicism - G. Rossini - V. Bellini, G. Donizetti and the belcanto - G. Verdi - The melodrama after Verdi and Verismo - G. Puccini - The opera after Puccini and the contemporary composers. During the course, students will have the opportunity to see at least one opera in a theater in Florence.

MU 476 Special Topics in Music: Libretti of Opera (in Italian) (45 hours, 3 credits)

An upper-level music course which guides the students through the reading and the understanding of the libretti and their specific language. After a historical-literary introduction follows the analysis of examples of different operas emphasizing the particulars.

Independent Study for Music Specialization

These courses are designed for music majors, or for individuals who have a sincere passion and talent for singing. Each independent study course is comprised of 15 contact hours of lessons with the instructor and 30 hours to be completed independently by the student.

MU 111 Elementary Piano (15 Contact hours + 30 hours of independent study, 3 credits)

This course is designed to provide individual instruction in piano technique, performance preparation, basic musical skills and music appreciation, as well as to foster independent and self-motivated learners. Topics include: basic technical skills, correct articulation of the fingers, scales and arpeggios and the basics of polyphonic technique.

MU 112 Advanced Piano (15 Contact hours + 30 hours of independent study, 3 credits)

The advanced level of this course is geared to the individual levels and needs of the participant. There will be a consistent study of technical pieces, the technique of polyphony, and advanced studies of composers such as Chopin or Liszt. Students have the opportunity to perform in monthly recitals.

Prerequisites: at least one year of piano, and placement audition.

MU 116 Singer’s Diction I (15 Contact hours + 30 hours of independent study, 3 credits)

Prerequisites: placement audition to determine level and skills. This is a specialized course for singers designed to provide individual instruction in Italian diction through singing a variety of Italian literary texts. Emphasis will also be given to the consistent, correct management of breathing while singing, proper tone placement and resonance, as well as the physiological aspects of phonation. Students will have the opportunity to perform in monthly recitals.

MU 117 Singer’s Diction II (15 Contact hours + 30 hours of independent study, 3 credits)

The specialized course for singers builds on 'Singer's Diction I'.

Prerequisites: Singer's Diction I or placement audition.

MU 199 Special Topics in Music: Music of Naples (15 Contact hours + 30 hours of independent study, 3 credits)

This voice course provides individual instruction in the "belcanto" technique in order to introduce the student to the full repertoire of Neapolitan songs. Included in the instruction are the study of posture, breath management, diction (which includes vowel and consonant production, as well as vowel modification), expression and phrasing. Emphasis will be on performance ability and students will have the opportunity to participate in monthly recitals.