Rome
home

Academics

Calendar - Life in Rome - Preparations - Rome Info - Pics - Contacts
Current Courses - Previous Courses - Trips

Courses

Students take three courses in addition to the Italian-language course, which counts as two courses. These courses are designed to fit into most students' graduation requirements as well as give them an in-depth introduction to the city of Rome. They are usually taught in English. Each semester courses are offered in a variety of disciplines, depending on the visiting professor(s) for the semester: history, literature, theology, art history, philosophy, ethics.

Italian Language

Each student will take intensive Italian at Italiaidea, consisting of eight weeks courses for three hourse per day, Monday through Friday, in the afternoon, followed by eight meetings of 1 1/2 hour each over the next four-five weeks. Students receive credit for two courses. Italiaidea is one of Italy's most outstanding Italian language schools. It is located in the heart of Rome near the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. In addition to lively and engaging language and culture courses, Italiaidea offers students an intimate study environment as well as a high degree of professionalism and flexibility.
Italiaidea website

Library

Rather than having its own library, the program encourages students to make use of the many general and specialized libraries of the city of Rome. Most of these have free entrance, upon the presentation of a passport. These libraries are often located in historic buildings so that users can feel themselves within the scholarly tradition of western Europe as they study. Italian libraries, like most libraries in Europe, have more limited access than US libraries. Opening hours are usually 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday and 9am-Noon on Saturdays. The stacks are usually closed, meaning that books to be consulted must be requested. There is no borrowing ability, so books must be consulted and read in the library itself. There is rarely computer access beyond the card catalog of the library. Personal books can be brought into the library.

Computer

Students in Rome will experience a much more limited access than in the US. No computers are provided by the program or required for class use; students who wish to use computers must bring their own laptops. There is no possibility of connecting to the internet at the host family homes. There are only one or two wireless internet access points in the city. Internet cafés, however, are plentiful. There is usually wireless access to the internet in the program classroom for up to ten users at a time.

Class trips

An essential component of the courses are the outings during class and two weekend class trips. The classes utilize the city of Rome as an integral aspect of the material. Visits to various sites and museums help deepen the students' knowledge and ability to understand the subject matter. Many classes will be held on-site throughout the city. There are usually two three-day trips per semester. During these trips the students learn about an area of Italy outside Rome that is important for understanding the history, art, and spirituality of Italy and the West. In the past, trips have been to the Naples area, to Umbria, and to Tuscany. Check the current calendar to see where upcoming trips are planned and the pictures from previous semesters to learn about previous trips.