Cultural Perspectives: Awareness, Exposure, and Engagement

The aim of this course is to study Italian culture through action and participation, and to build awareness from the perspective of active engagement beyond mere observation. The course concept is intended to give students a better understanding of contemporary Italian society and culture, politics, economy, social environment, and traditions and compare their current expressions with historical contexts by using hands-on and interactive participation in cultural integration programs that involve the local community. An important element of this course is the Italian language component, which acts as a bridge to Italian culture based on communication skills. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to apply their basic knowledge of Italian language to fulfill course requirements. The course is designed to expand the student's global prospective through constant reflection and constructive criticism in order to incorporate intercultural knowledge into a richly articulated awareness of the self intended as the individual, as the individual within a community, and the individual within a culture. The Cultural Perspective course includes: 10 visits in Florence, regular involvement in activities related to cultural immersion and fieldwork. During the semester it also includes a weekend research trip to Sicily as an integral component of the academic coursework. During summer sessions, the course includes a weekend trip to Rome and one weekend trip to Verona and lakes as an integral component of the academic coursework. The course focuses on cognitive development, cultural awareness, and intercultural and interpersonal communication by integrating and placing the student in direct contact with local culture.

Includes Connecting Cultures meetings on Monday evenings. Connecting Cultures is an activity which aim is to guide students through their study abroad experience, in order to maximize educational outcomes through deeper understanding of Italian customs and cultural integration. Students are involved in the Florentine community through volunteer opportunities or a Family Club.