Location:

Florence, Italy

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Spend six weeks this summer in Italy! Earn six credits abroad with two courses, "Cultural Context" and "Cities and Human Health." These courses are developed and instructed by University at Albany faculty, Professor Karyn Loscocco ("Cult ural Context") and Professor Lawrence Schell ("Cities and Human Health"). This six week, six credit summer program will take place in Florence and includes field trips within Florence, Tuscany, Vatican City, Rome, and Siena. The program is taught in English,

Courses can be used as electives towards Sociology or Human Biology. Cultural Context (3 credits, Sociology, first 3-week) This faculty-led course explores how our identities are shaped by the cultural contexts in which we live. Emphasis is on visual representations of culture - from art and entertainment, to the rituals of everyday life. The course makes use of the rich artistic heritage of Florence, while also investigating contemporary Italian life. By making comparisons to the United States, we'll discover that one of the very best ways to learn about U.S. culture is to spend some time living in another country. Topics could include (but are not limited to): popular culture, family, politics, entrepreneurship, advertising, work and occupations, immigration, gender, sexuality, communication. The course emphasizes active learning and critical thinking both within and outside of the classroom. Bring your curiosity, your powers of observation, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to learn new things. The course fulfills the International Perspectives requirement and may also fill the Social Science general education requirement. Cities and Human Health (3 credits, Human Biology) This is a survey of the history of health and disease from the earliest humans before the development of settlements to contemporary populations living in industrialized cities. It emphasizes the role of culture and behavior in causing disease. The course will use Florence to illustrate life and health in different periods from Roman times through the 19th century.

Please see our website for more information.

Setting Description:

Students will be housed in clean, safe, centrally located apartments in the historical center of Florence. All apartments will have internet access and fully equipped kitchens. Please see our website for more information.

Cost:

Please see our website for more information.