FLORENTINE FILMMAKERS IN OUR MIDST:
The Vatican Lament
La Pasqua
Easter, Italy, doves and rockets all come together April 24th around 11am. Florence provides an excellent front row seat to this medieval, Christian tradition. Get up early, bring your camera, and join the festivities for Lo Scoppio del Carro.
Gelato
There's no shortage of this study break pick-me-up, but where to go for the best gelato? Not surprisingly, numerous places make this claim, but here's a short list of worthy contenders for the title:
Carabe
Festival del Gelato
Grom
Perche No!
Vivoli
Practice Italian & See a Film
A good way to familiarize yourself with Italian and enjoy an outing with classmates is to see a film at Florence's Odeon Original Sound cinema (Piazza Strozzi 2). Films are regularly shown here in English with Italian subtitles. See their upcoming schedule at the following link:
ODEON ORIGINAL SOUND
ODEON ORIGINAL SOUND
Getting Situated
As you settle into your new apartments and prepare for your classes, you may find that you need a thing or two. As has been advised at multiple meetings, it is best to wait until you have moved into your apartment before buying any items you think you might need (sometimes appliances and various household goods such as hairdryers or shavers have been left behind by the previous tenants). Once moved in, if you find you need a thing or two for your place, you can look for affordable options at Ikea (just outside the city center near the airport) or the 99 cent store (there are a few scattered about Florence, one is at via Pietrapiana 86), or Upim (some clothes, toiletries and house goods) or Oviesse (sort of like an Italian "Ross"!).
To get to Ikea, it's most convenient and affordable to take the free shuttle that operates on the weekend. Board the bus (a regular looking city bus but with "Ikea" noted as the destination on the marquee) across from the Santa Maria Novella train station at the Via Valfonda side. The bus stop is directly in front of the Ciao-Ciao and the Benetton stores. The bus goes directly to Ikea and returns to Florence from the same stop where you're dropped off. Click here for times (recall that 13:30 means 1:30 pm, 14:30 is 2:30 pm and so on):
IKEA SHUTTLE
To get to Ikea, it's most convenient and affordable to take the free shuttle that operates on the weekend. Board the bus (a regular looking city bus but with "Ikea" noted as the destination on the marquee) across from the Santa Maria Novella train station at the Via Valfonda side. The bus stop is directly in front of the Ciao-Ciao and the Benetton stores. The bus goes directly to Ikea and returns to Florence from the same stop where you're dropped off. Click here for times (recall that 13:30 means 1:30 pm, 14:30 is 2:30 pm and so on):
IKEA SHUTTLE
Che cosa e?
Does your apartment contain one of these objects? Want to learn how to put it to use? Follow the instructions on the following link to make coffee at home like an Italian.
COFFEE MADE WITH MOKA POT
Cafe Culture
Want to meet up with friends, study or simply soak up some local ambiance over a coffee? Most Italian coffee bars don't provide ample (if any) seating areas, but cafes are a seating-friendly option where you can either catch up with friends or get away from roommates! Numerous cafes are scattered around Florence, so try one nearest you. Some spaces provide the added bonus of free wifi (ask for the password) such as cafe Naima (via dell' Anguillara, 54 r). Across the river but worth the walk there's Libreria Cafe La Cite (Borgo San Frediano 20r) and Hemingway (Piazza Piattellina 9r).
Weekend Excursion Information
Information is now available regarding optional weekend excursions on the AIFS website, or you can click on the following links:
ROME
SORRENTO
VENICE
ROME
SORRENTO
VENICE
Connecting with Other Florentine Students & Activities
You may find the following website useful for local recommendations: http://www.studentsville.it/index.htm
Books, Supplies, English language, Late Night Destination?
Right downstairs from our school is one of the most comprehensive and convenient bookstores in all of Florence. Edison Bookstore (Piazza della Repubblica 27/r) is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until midnight and Sunday from 10-midnight. This is an excellent place for late night browsing, and the store includes a cafe. Edison not only has a good English language book / magazine selection, they carry other items as well. Drop in on your way out of class and discover their collection.
If you are specifically interested in English language books, another wonderful nearby option (both new and used books) is Paperback Exchange at Via delle Ocche 4/r (open 9-7:30 Monday through Friday and 10:30-7:30 Saturdays).
Informational Meetings - Follow Up
Thanks to everyone who attended our recent meetings. These meetings provided a forum for your questions, and these questions help us provide you with the information you need.
At our recent meeting, many of you had questions about the optional meal voucher plan. The AIFS office has provided us with this booklet of information, and a map indicating restaurant names and locations. Though this information pertains to the Spring 2010 semester, it is doubtful that much will change. We will post the 2011 booklet updates when they become available. Click on the following documents and save to your computer:
LINK
LINK
Others of you had questions about the Italian Life & Culture class: What is it? When does the Italian Life & Culture class meet? How is the grade determined? What levels of Italian are included? Can advanced students of Italian enroll in classes outside of our program? As for the last two questions, the ILC class provides very introductory level Italian language instruction. Students interested in more advanced Italian instruction who are willing to pay additional tuition fees may inquire with the AIFS office as to recommendations on local Italian language classes, pricing, schedules, etc. Keep in mind that this may create long days for you as you will still be required to meet for the ILC class. For other information on the ILC class, please scroll down to the Spring 2011 courses section, and note that additional information will be provided on this blog once available.
At our recent meeting, many of you had questions about the optional meal voucher plan. The AIFS office has provided us with this booklet of information, and a map indicating restaurant names and locations. Though this information pertains to the Spring 2010 semester, it is doubtful that much will change. We will post the 2011 booklet updates when they become available. Click on the following documents and save to your computer:
LINK
LINK
Others of you had questions about the Italian Life & Culture class: What is it? When does the Italian Life & Culture class meet? How is the grade determined? What levels of Italian are included? Can advanced students of Italian enroll in classes outside of our program? As for the last two questions, the ILC class provides very introductory level Italian language instruction. Students interested in more advanced Italian instruction who are willing to pay additional tuition fees may inquire with the AIFS office as to recommendations on local Italian language classes, pricing, schedules, etc. Keep in mind that this may create long days for you as you will still be required to meet for the ILC class. For other information on the ILC class, please scroll down to the Spring 2011 courses section, and note that additional information will be provided on this blog once available.
Who We Are & How We Can Bring You to Florence!
What is AIFS?
Founded in 1964, the American Institute for Foreign Study is one of the oldest, largest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. AIFS partners with schools throughout the world to create meaningful and accessible foreign study experiences for people who endeavor to learn and enrich their personal experiences. The professional and knowledgeable staff of AIFS are integral to a successful live-study abroad experience.
What is NCSAC?
The Northern California Study Abroad Consortium works with AIFS and the College of San Mateo, Cosumnes River College, Diablo Valley College, and Santa Rosa Junior College to provide unique college or general life learning experiences.
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
The AIFS / NCSAC partnership prides itself in providing affordable and high caliber learning opportunities for adults young and old. While the program is highly popular with college students, it also appeals to people who have already completed college and seek the unique experience of living and learning abroad. Florence, Italy has something to offer people of all ages and all interests.
Participants are not required to have any background in Italian language (though this is highly recommended), nor are they required to be students at the participating schools prior to registering for the Spring 2011 semester. Eligible participants will meet the following requirements:
• must be 18 years of age
• must have completed 12 units of college credit at some point prior to Spring 2011
• must have a 2.25 GPA prior to the Spring 2011 semester
All participants must enroll in a full-time schedule for Spring 2011. The Italian Life & Culture class is required of all students. The remaining three classes can be selected from any of the semester’s offerings (see class descriptions below).
Have questions or want more information?
Visit http://www.aifspartnerships.com/ncsac/
Or contact the DVC Study Abroad Coordinator: Harue Takanashi, 925.685.1230, ext. 2735 e-mail: htakanashi@4cd.net
Applications are available at the AIFS website: LINK
Early registration is highly recommended and benefits the applicant.
Founded in 1964, the American Institute for Foreign Study is one of the oldest, largest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. AIFS partners with schools throughout the world to create meaningful and accessible foreign study experiences for people who endeavor to learn and enrich their personal experiences. The professional and knowledgeable staff of AIFS are integral to a successful live-study abroad experience.
What is NCSAC?
The Northern California Study Abroad Consortium works with AIFS and the College of San Mateo, Cosumnes River College, Diablo Valley College, and Santa Rosa Junior College to provide unique college or general life learning experiences.
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
The AIFS / NCSAC partnership prides itself in providing affordable and high caliber learning opportunities for adults young and old. While the program is highly popular with college students, it also appeals to people who have already completed college and seek the unique experience of living and learning abroad. Florence, Italy has something to offer people of all ages and all interests.
Participants are not required to have any background in Italian language (though this is highly recommended), nor are they required to be students at the participating schools prior to registering for the Spring 2011 semester. Eligible participants will meet the following requirements:
• must be 18 years of age
• must have completed 12 units of college credit at some point prior to Spring 2011
• must have a 2.25 GPA prior to the Spring 2011 semester
All participants must enroll in a full-time schedule for Spring 2011. The Italian Life & Culture class is required of all students. The remaining three classes can be selected from any of the semester’s offerings (see class descriptions below).
Have questions or want more information?
Visit http://www.aifspartnerships.com/ncsac/
Or contact the DVC Study Abroad Coordinator: Harue Takanashi, 925.685.1230, ext. 2735 e-mail: htakanashi@4cd.net
Applications are available at the AIFS website: LINK
Early registration is highly recommended and benefits the applicant.
What's New
Italy is known for its remarkable artistic past, but it is also a country of dynamic, new cultural offerings. Students participating in NCSAC’s Spring 2011 Florence semester will be fortunate enough to arrive in Italy during the year of the internationally renowned Venice Art Biennale and fresh on the heels of two acclaimed recent contemporary art museum openings: the Punta della Dogana in Venice and Rome’s long awaited art museum Maxxi.
Both museums are as notable for their architectural innovations (compliments of Tadao Ando and Zaha Hadid) as their thought-provoking, avant-garde exhibitions.
It’s highly recommended that students take the train to Rome to visit Maxxi and the Punta della Dogana in Venice, and students are well advised to extend their stay to visit the Venice Biennale (June 4th - November).
Closer at hand, Florence’s recently established FOR Gallery has quickly established a reputation for its exhibitions of compelling contemporary photography. There is also the Florence Biennale, which will be held in 2011. FLORENCE BIENNALE
Visit the following linked articles:
LINK PUNTA DELLA DOGANA
LINK MAXXI MUSEUM
LINK ON VENICE
Both museums are as notable for their architectural innovations (compliments of Tadao Ando and Zaha Hadid) as their thought-provoking, avant-garde exhibitions.
It’s highly recommended that students take the train to Rome to visit Maxxi and the Punta della Dogana in Venice, and students are well advised to extend their stay to visit the Venice Biennale (June 4th - November).
Closer at hand, Florence’s recently established FOR Gallery has quickly established a reputation for its exhibitions of compelling contemporary photography. There is also the Florence Biennale, which will be held in 2011. FLORENCE BIENNALE
Visit the following linked articles:
LINK PUNTA DELLA DOGANA
LINK MAXXI MUSEUM
LINK ON VENICE
Spring 2011 Courses
The following courses, listed in alphabetical order of host school, will be offered for students participating in the NCSAC Florence Spring 2011 program. Students must take a minimum of 3 classes chosen from the following options, and all students must enroll in the Italian Life & Culture class. You must enroll in one class from your host school. E-mail addresses for Professors Lisa Palmer, Bill Doonan, Ruth Miller and Jeanette Benfarhat are listed below. You may also post open comments and questions on the Florence Facebook page. Course transfer information is posted under each class, and you may also refer to the following attachment to see transfer information for all classes: COURSE TRANSFERABILITY CHART
COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO / PROF. LISA PALMER palmer@smccd.edu
English 110 / Composition, Literature and Critical Thinking
E2b or E2c - Language and Rationality; or E5c - Humanities; CSU: A3 and C2; UC; IGETC: 1B.Units (Letter grade) 3; Prerequisite(s): ENGL 100.
Description: Taking love, Italian style as its theme, this course traces the footsteps of famous lovers, real and imagined, of Italian literature. We will read stories of love as inspiration (Dante and Beatrice) and love as adulterous passion (Francesca and Paolo) as described in Dante’s Divine Comedy; earthly notions of love depicted in Boccaccio’s Decameron; courtly love as developed in Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier; and the tragic lovers Romeo and Juliet. The course incorporates visits to relevant sites such as Dante’s home in Florence and the mythical home of Juliet, in Verona. We will also take in current theatrical productions to compare the classical stories with how love is portrayed in contemporary Italian fiction. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 10:30 am - 12:20 pm
Literature 101 / Twentieth Century Literature
E2b or E2c- Language and Rationality; or E5c - Humanities; CSU C2; UC; IGETC 3B Units (Grade only) 3; Prerequisite(s): English 101.
Description: This course will take us out and about in Florence, visiting street theater and performance. We will study the history and current incarnations of Commedia dell’Arte, the great tradition of public, political, profane, and humorous Italian street performance. Students will study both classical forms of Commedia dell’Arte as well as the recent productions of Dario Fo and Franca Rame. We will also make a side-step to Luigi Pirandello, whose innovative work in the theater serves as a precursor to contemporary drama. DAYS / TIMES: MW 8:30 - 10:20 am
Literature 220 / Introduction to World Literature
(AA: Area E2b or E2c - Language and Rationality; or E5c - Humanities, CSU: C2- Humanities; UC: Area 3B)
Description: Study of world literature and texts (poetry, prose, drama, and film) from antiquity to the present. This course brings Renaissance Florence back to life through the reading of literary masterpieces. We will descend into the Inferno with Dante, escape the bubonic plague by reading tales from the Decameron, and wander the streets of Renaissance Florence under the expert guidance of Renaissance goldsmith, braggart, and wild man Benvenuto Cellini. DAYS / TIMES: MW 2:10 - 4 pm
COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE / PROF. BILL DOONAN Doonanw@scc.losrios.edu
Anthropology 300 / Physical Anthropology
(3 units; Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: completion of ENGWR 51, Developmental Writing, or ESLR 50, Intermediate-Mid Reading, with a grade of “C” or better; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process CSU/UC; AA/AS Area IV - Natural Sciences; CSU Area B2 - Life Science; IGETC Area 5B - Biological Sciences CAN ANTH 4
Description: This course is an introduction to the science of physical anthropology. Topics to be covered will include: the field of anthropology; the scientific method; genetics and inheritance; natural selection; principles and mechanics of evolution; evidence of evolution; modern human variation; living primates; and the fossil evidence for human evolution.
No student of anthropology can ignore the importance of biological classification to the development of evolutionary thought, and Florence is where biological classification was first conceived. Even before Linnaeus outlined the kingdoms and orders we use today, the herbarium at the Botanical Museum at the University of Florence established the first rules for biological classification in 1563, and it’s still open to students!
One of my favorite museums in the world is the History of Science Museum, which houses the telescope that Galileo used to reframe the trajectory of modern scientific thought. And we’ll have the opportunity to see that telescope. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 2:10-4pm
Anthropology 320 / Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory
(3 units; Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade) CSU/UC; AA/AS Area V(b) - Social & Behavioral Sciences; CSU Area D2 - Social, Political & Economic Institutions and Behavior; IGETC Area 4A - Social & Behavioral Sciences
Description: This course is an introduction to the field of Archaeology and a survey of World Prehistory. Students will be introduced to the theories, concepts, and methods employed by archaeologists in the study of the human past. By examining the archaeological record of cultures in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, this course explores the trajectory of human cultures from the Upper Paleolithic onward, using a range of case studies from around the world.
Florence’s Archaeology Museum is world class, housing antiquities from every corner of the Classical world, and the National Museum of Anthropology & Ethnology is one of the most important anthropology museums in all of Europe. We’re also just a stone’s throw away from Perugia where some of the finest examples of surviving Etruscan architecture stand. For students who want to travel a bit further, Pompeii and Herculaneum are worth a visit. So much of what we know about the Roman world comes from there. DAYS / TIMES: MW 10:30am - 12:20 pm
Anthropology 330 / Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
(3 units; Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)CSU/UC; AA/AS Area V(b) - Social & Behavioral Sciences and VI - Ethnic/Multicultural Studies; CSU Area D2 - Social, Political & Economic Institutions and Behavior; IGETC Area 4A - Social & Behavioral Sciences
Description: This is a cross-cultural study of the forms and functions and supernatural beliefs and associated rituals in various societies of Africa, Asia, aboriginal Australia, Oceania, South America, native North America and elsewhere. The emphasis of the course is on understanding beliefs and rituals within their social contexts, and on broad comparison to derive insight into the general functions of beliefs and rituals in human life.
Florence is the ideal place to vest our studies. The birthplace of Humanism, home to the Medici popes, it was here that Dominican priest Savonarola presided over the Bonfire of the Vanities so that Florentines would not be tempted to sin. DAYS / TIMES: MW 2:10 - 4 pm
DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE / PROF. RUTH MILLER rmiller@dvc.edu
Humanities 105 / Arts & Ideas SYLLABUS
(3 units; pass, no pass or letter grade, CSU-C2-Humanities /UC-3B-Humanities / IGETC 3B-Humanities /AA-III.B. Humanities / Recommended English 122)
Description: This is a non-chronological course that introduces students to the integration of creative arts and the world of ideas. Students will learn to analyze, interpret and relate masterworks selected from literature, music, painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and film, to trends in philosophy, religion and political and scientific thought.
The class will examine arts and ideas from a variety of cultures drawn from various historical periods, but special attention will be given to the arts and culture of Italy. From Futurism to feminism, from Catholicism to communism to consumerism, Italian culture provides unique opportunities to examine the relations between its arts and ideas. At the same time, students will be encouraged to relate Italian cultural production to works and movements from other cultures.
Students will analyze both the role of art and the role of the artist in selected works. Class themes include art as expression of tradition and continuity, art as an agent of social change and resistance, arts and censorship, public versus private art, popular culture as both reflection and forger of society, the role of architecture and design, advertising, and a section on Italian – U.S. artistic connections. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 2:10 - 4 pm
Humanities 111 / Middle Ages & Renaissance (500 A.D. - 1700 A.D.) SYLLABUS
(3 units; pass, no pass or letter grade, CSU-C2-Humanities /UC-3B-Humanities / IGETC 3B-Humanities /AA-III.B. Humanities / Recommended English 122)
Description: The focus of this class is what Florence is best known for – the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture), music, literature, drama, architecture, philosophy, religion, science and technology, as they developed from the Medieval through the Renaissance periods. Our primary focus will be the visual arts, and specific works will be examined in an integrative method, one which encourages students to forge connections between different art forms and the ideas that provided their cultural context. From the intimacy of portrait paintings to the bold pronouncements of public sculpture we will examine how the arts, architecture and urban fabric constitute a "portrait" of Florence. Students will benefit from the unique opportunity to examine the objects of their study directly on site, and classes will take full advantage of the surrounding environment of Florence. The architecture, museums, galleries, gardens and other artistically significant sites in Florence will animate the historical subjects of this class. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 8:30-10:20 am
Humanities 118 / Film, Fiction & Criticism SYLLABUS
(3 units; pass, no pass or letter grade, CSU-C2-Humanities /UC-3B-Humanities / IGETC 3B-Humanities /AA-III.B. Humanities / Recommended English 122)
Description: This class will examine literary works, films that have been made from those works, and the branch of philosophy called aesthetic criticism. More specifically, the class will focus on Italian films and fiction (with English subtitles or translations) drawn from a range of genres. The interdisciplinary and critical analysis of film and fiction will enhance our understanding of these forms, which are often considered in isolation. Students will gain an understanding of Italian film history, will learn how to analyze both the form and content of literary and cinematic works, and will consider ways in which both express aspects of Italian culture and both regional and national identity. DAYS / TIMES: MW 4:10-6:00 pm
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE / PROF. JEANETTE BENFARHAT jbenfarhat@santarosa.edu
HIST 4.1 / Western Civilization to 1648
(3 units; Pass/no pass or letter grade) Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent AA/AS Area E – Humanities CSU GE Transfer Area C2 Humanities IGETC Area 3B Humanities CAN Hist2
HIST 4.1 SYLLABUS
Description: In this survey course, students will be introduced to the political, social, cultural, and economic events that shaped Western Civilization from its Near Eastern roots to the Thirty Years’ War (1648). Major topics include ancient Near Eastern civilizations, ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance and Reformation. We’ll pay particular attention to these developments in Florence, from the fall of the Roman Empire, through the black plague and the battles between the Guelfs and Ghibellines during the Middle Ages, to the rise of humanism and the birth of the Renaissance. We’ll walk in the footsteps of literary giants like Dante and Boccaccio, visit the office of Machiavelli, the Godfather of “Realpolitik”, explore the palaces, churches, and offices built by the Medici dynasty, and marvel at the innovations and contributions of artists, architects and scientists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Da Vinci, and Galileo. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 10:30 am -12:20 pm
POLS1 / Introduction to United States Government
(3 units; Pass/no pass or letter grade) Recommended Preparation: Completion of ENGL 100 or ESL 100. AA/AS Area D – Social and Behavioral Sciences; Area F – American Institutions CSU GE Transfer Area D Social Science, D2 Economics, D4 Gender Studies, F2 Constitution and American Ideals IGETC Area 4H – Political Science, Government and Legal Institutions CAN Govt2
POLS1 SYLLABUS
Description: Explore the way the U.S. government functions through a comparative lens. This course offers a unique perspective on the American political process as we compare the American and Italian experience in negotiating the central questions in politics: Who governs? Who benefits? And how do the rules of a country's political game affect this? In this class, we will examine the interplay among the United States’ main political institutions and evaluate how this influences the ability of the public to control policy and the country's ability to respond to pressing economic and social problems. Where appropriate, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Italian political systems, and compare how each country deals with public policy issues such as health care, food safety, education, immigration, welfare, and criminal justice. DAYS / TIMES: TTh 8:30 am - 10:20 am
POLS25 / Introduction to International Relations
(3 units; Pass/no pass or letter grade)Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent AA/AS Area D – Social and Behavioral Sciences CSU GE Transfer Area D Social Science, D2 Economics, D5 Geography, D6 History IGETC Area 4H – Political Science, Government and Legal Institutions POLS25 SYLLABUS
Description: Studying international relations in Florence offers a unique vantage point from which to follow current debates on pressing international issues such as global warming, terrorism, free trade, refugee crises, world hunger, and the politics of food. This course has three aims: to introduce fundamental theories and problems in IR; to explore principal contemporary international issues; and to teach you to think and argue critically about issues of international relations. We begin the course by defining international relations and looking at some of the analytical tools, concepts, and theories IR scholars use to study the behavior of states in the international system. We’ll pay particular attention to realist theories associated with thinkers like Machiavelli and explore critiques of realism. In the second section of the course, we’ll examine contemporary and future problems in the international system and investigate the feasibility of implementing policies that will improve the human condition in all nations. DAYS / TIMES: MW 10:30 am - 12:20 pm
SOCSC 383, 499, 162 or 48.14* / Italian Life & Culture
ILC Class Schedule (ALL STUDENTS)
ILC SYLLABUS FOR DVC, CRC, CSM STUDENTS
Description: The required Italian Life & Culture class (ILC) provides an interesting mixture of guest lectures, occasional field trips, relevant reading on modern Italy, and some introduction to Italian language. Part of the ILC requirement is that all students have 2 hours a week of Italian language. All students will be required to meet twice a week for an hour each session. Your hourly session will be held either MW from 1-2 or TTh from 1-2, and students will be placed in either the MW or TTh session based on their level of language skills (level 1, no background in Italian; level 2, some background in Italian). The Italian instructor will assign both a midterm and a final exam. Those grades are provided to the faculty member of your host school. Beyond the two hours a week of language, there will be additional meetings when guest lectures / activities will be scheduled. Your host school faculty member determines a final grade for this class based on a combination of your Italian language grade and your grade for the lecture / reading assignment components of the class. * Note that the class number and transfer information for the ILC class differ according to your host school.
YOUR "CAMPUS"
The classes described above will be held in the historic Piazza della Repubblica situated in Florence's city center and within close walking distance to all student housing.
COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO / PROF. LISA PALMER palmer@smccd.edu
English 110 / Composition, Literature and Critical Thinking
E2b or E2c - Language and Rationality; or E5c - Humanities; CSU: A3 and C2; UC; IGETC: 1B.Units (Letter grade) 3; Prerequisite(s): ENGL 100.
Description: Taking love, Italian style as its theme, this course traces the footsteps of famous lovers, real and imagined, of Italian literature. We will read stories of love as inspiration (Dante and Beatrice) and love as adulterous passion (Francesca and Paolo) as described in Dante’s Divine Comedy; earthly notions of love depicted in Boccaccio’s Decameron; courtly love as developed in Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier; and the tragic lovers Romeo and Juliet. The course incorporates visits to relevant sites such as Dante’s home in Florence and the mythical home of Juliet, in Verona. We will also take in current theatrical productions to compare the classical stories with how love is portrayed in contemporary Italian fiction. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 10:30 am - 12:20 pm
Literature 101 / Twentieth Century Literature
E2b or E2c- Language and Rationality; or E5c - Humanities; CSU C2; UC; IGETC 3B Units (Grade only) 3; Prerequisite(s): English 101.
Description: This course will take us out and about in Florence, visiting street theater and performance. We will study the history and current incarnations of Commedia dell’Arte, the great tradition of public, political, profane, and humorous Italian street performance. Students will study both classical forms of Commedia dell’Arte as well as the recent productions of Dario Fo and Franca Rame. We will also make a side-step to Luigi Pirandello, whose innovative work in the theater serves as a precursor to contemporary drama. DAYS / TIMES: MW 8:30 - 10:20 am
Literature 220 / Introduction to World Literature
(AA: Area E2b or E2c - Language and Rationality; or E5c - Humanities, CSU: C2- Humanities; UC: Area 3B)
Description: Study of world literature and texts (poetry, prose, drama, and film) from antiquity to the present. This course brings Renaissance Florence back to life through the reading of literary masterpieces. We will descend into the Inferno with Dante, escape the bubonic plague by reading tales from the Decameron, and wander the streets of Renaissance Florence under the expert guidance of Renaissance goldsmith, braggart, and wild man Benvenuto Cellini. DAYS / TIMES: MW 2:10 - 4 pm
COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE / PROF. BILL DOONAN Doonanw@scc.losrios.edu
Anthropology 300 / Physical Anthropology
(3 units; Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)
Recommended: completion of ENGWR 51, Developmental Writing, or ESLR 50, Intermediate-Mid Reading, with a grade of “C” or better; or equivalent skills demonstrated through the assessment process CSU/UC; AA/AS Area IV - Natural Sciences; CSU Area B2 - Life Science; IGETC Area 5B - Biological Sciences CAN ANTH 4
Description: This course is an introduction to the science of physical anthropology. Topics to be covered will include: the field of anthropology; the scientific method; genetics and inheritance; natural selection; principles and mechanics of evolution; evidence of evolution; modern human variation; living primates; and the fossil evidence for human evolution.
No student of anthropology can ignore the importance of biological classification to the development of evolutionary thought, and Florence is where biological classification was first conceived. Even before Linnaeus outlined the kingdoms and orders we use today, the herbarium at the Botanical Museum at the University of Florence established the first rules for biological classification in 1563, and it’s still open to students!
One of my favorite museums in the world is the History of Science Museum, which houses the telescope that Galileo used to reframe the trajectory of modern scientific thought. And we’ll have the opportunity to see that telescope. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 2:10-4pm
Anthropology 320 / Introduction to Archaeology and World Prehistory
(3 units; Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade) CSU/UC; AA/AS Area V(b) - Social & Behavioral Sciences; CSU Area D2 - Social, Political & Economic Institutions and Behavior; IGETC Area 4A - Social & Behavioral Sciences
Description: This course is an introduction to the field of Archaeology and a survey of World Prehistory. Students will be introduced to the theories, concepts, and methods employed by archaeologists in the study of the human past. By examining the archaeological record of cultures in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, this course explores the trajectory of human cultures from the Upper Paleolithic onward, using a range of case studies from around the world.
Florence’s Archaeology Museum is world class, housing antiquities from every corner of the Classical world, and the National Museum of Anthropology & Ethnology is one of the most important anthropology museums in all of Europe. We’re also just a stone’s throw away from Perugia where some of the finest examples of surviving Etruscan architecture stand. For students who want to travel a bit further, Pompeii and Herculaneum are worth a visit. So much of what we know about the Roman world comes from there. DAYS / TIMES: MW 10:30am - 12:20 pm
Anthropology 330 / Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
(3 units; Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade)CSU/UC; AA/AS Area V(b) - Social & Behavioral Sciences and VI - Ethnic/Multicultural Studies; CSU Area D2 - Social, Political & Economic Institutions and Behavior; IGETC Area 4A - Social & Behavioral Sciences
Description: This is a cross-cultural study of the forms and functions and supernatural beliefs and associated rituals in various societies of Africa, Asia, aboriginal Australia, Oceania, South America, native North America and elsewhere. The emphasis of the course is on understanding beliefs and rituals within their social contexts, and on broad comparison to derive insight into the general functions of beliefs and rituals in human life.
Florence is the ideal place to vest our studies. The birthplace of Humanism, home to the Medici popes, it was here that Dominican priest Savonarola presided over the Bonfire of the Vanities so that Florentines would not be tempted to sin. DAYS / TIMES: MW 2:10 - 4 pm
DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE / PROF. RUTH MILLER rmiller@dvc.edu
Humanities 105 / Arts & Ideas SYLLABUS
(3 units; pass, no pass or letter grade, CSU-C2-Humanities /UC-3B-Humanities / IGETC 3B-Humanities /AA-III.B. Humanities / Recommended English 122)
Description: This is a non-chronological course that introduces students to the integration of creative arts and the world of ideas. Students will learn to analyze, interpret and relate masterworks selected from literature, music, painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and film, to trends in philosophy, religion and political and scientific thought.
The class will examine arts and ideas from a variety of cultures drawn from various historical periods, but special attention will be given to the arts and culture of Italy. From Futurism to feminism, from Catholicism to communism to consumerism, Italian culture provides unique opportunities to examine the relations between its arts and ideas. At the same time, students will be encouraged to relate Italian cultural production to works and movements from other cultures.
Students will analyze both the role of art and the role of the artist in selected works. Class themes include art as expression of tradition and continuity, art as an agent of social change and resistance, arts and censorship, public versus private art, popular culture as both reflection and forger of society, the role of architecture and design, advertising, and a section on Italian – U.S. artistic connections. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 2:10 - 4 pm
Humanities 111 / Middle Ages & Renaissance (500 A.D. - 1700 A.D.) SYLLABUS
(3 units; pass, no pass or letter grade, CSU-C2-Humanities /UC-3B-Humanities / IGETC 3B-Humanities /AA-III.B. Humanities / Recommended English 122)
Description: The focus of this class is what Florence is best known for – the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture), music, literature, drama, architecture, philosophy, religion, science and technology, as they developed from the Medieval through the Renaissance periods. Our primary focus will be the visual arts, and specific works will be examined in an integrative method, one which encourages students to forge connections between different art forms and the ideas that provided their cultural context. From the intimacy of portrait paintings to the bold pronouncements of public sculpture we will examine how the arts, architecture and urban fabric constitute a "portrait" of Florence. Students will benefit from the unique opportunity to examine the objects of their study directly on site, and classes will take full advantage of the surrounding environment of Florence. The architecture, museums, galleries, gardens and other artistically significant sites in Florence will animate the historical subjects of this class. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 8:30-10:20 am
Humanities 118 / Film, Fiction & Criticism SYLLABUS
(3 units; pass, no pass or letter grade, CSU-C2-Humanities /UC-3B-Humanities / IGETC 3B-Humanities /AA-III.B. Humanities / Recommended English 122)
Description: This class will examine literary works, films that have been made from those works, and the branch of philosophy called aesthetic criticism. More specifically, the class will focus on Italian films and fiction (with English subtitles or translations) drawn from a range of genres. The interdisciplinary and critical analysis of film and fiction will enhance our understanding of these forms, which are often considered in isolation. Students will gain an understanding of Italian film history, will learn how to analyze both the form and content of literary and cinematic works, and will consider ways in which both express aspects of Italian culture and both regional and national identity. DAYS / TIMES: MW 4:10-6:00 pm
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE / PROF. JEANETTE BENFARHAT jbenfarhat@santarosa.edu
HIST 4.1 / Western Civilization to 1648
(3 units; Pass/no pass or letter grade) Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent AA/AS Area E – Humanities CSU GE Transfer Area C2 Humanities IGETC Area 3B Humanities CAN Hist2
HIST 4.1 SYLLABUS
Description: In this survey course, students will be introduced to the political, social, cultural, and economic events that shaped Western Civilization from its Near Eastern roots to the Thirty Years’ War (1648). Major topics include ancient Near Eastern civilizations, ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance and Reformation. We’ll pay particular attention to these developments in Florence, from the fall of the Roman Empire, through the black plague and the battles between the Guelfs and Ghibellines during the Middle Ages, to the rise of humanism and the birth of the Renaissance. We’ll walk in the footsteps of literary giants like Dante and Boccaccio, visit the office of Machiavelli, the Godfather of “Realpolitik”, explore the palaces, churches, and offices built by the Medici dynasty, and marvel at the innovations and contributions of artists, architects and scientists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Da Vinci, and Galileo. DAYS / TIMES: TTH 10:30 am -12:20 pm
POLS1 / Introduction to United States Government
(3 units; Pass/no pass or letter grade) Recommended Preparation: Completion of ENGL 100 or ESL 100. AA/AS Area D – Social and Behavioral Sciences; Area F – American Institutions CSU GE Transfer Area D Social Science, D2 Economics, D4 Gender Studies, F2 Constitution and American Ideals IGETC Area 4H – Political Science, Government and Legal Institutions CAN Govt2
POLS1 SYLLABUS
Description: Explore the way the U.S. government functions through a comparative lens. This course offers a unique perspective on the American political process as we compare the American and Italian experience in negotiating the central questions in politics: Who governs? Who benefits? And how do the rules of a country's political game affect this? In this class, we will examine the interplay among the United States’ main political institutions and evaluate how this influences the ability of the public to control policy and the country's ability to respond to pressing economic and social problems. Where appropriate, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Italian political systems, and compare how each country deals with public policy issues such as health care, food safety, education, immigration, welfare, and criminal justice. DAYS / TIMES: TTh 8:30 am - 10:20 am
POLS25 / Introduction to International Relations
(3 units; Pass/no pass or letter grade)Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent AA/AS Area D – Social and Behavioral Sciences CSU GE Transfer Area D Social Science, D2 Economics, D5 Geography, D6 History IGETC Area 4H – Political Science, Government and Legal Institutions POLS25 SYLLABUS
Description: Studying international relations in Florence offers a unique vantage point from which to follow current debates on pressing international issues such as global warming, terrorism, free trade, refugee crises, world hunger, and the politics of food. This course has three aims: to introduce fundamental theories and problems in IR; to explore principal contemporary international issues; and to teach you to think and argue critically about issues of international relations. We begin the course by defining international relations and looking at some of the analytical tools, concepts, and theories IR scholars use to study the behavior of states in the international system. We’ll pay particular attention to realist theories associated with thinkers like Machiavelli and explore critiques of realism. In the second section of the course, we’ll examine contemporary and future problems in the international system and investigate the feasibility of implementing policies that will improve the human condition in all nations. DAYS / TIMES: MW 10:30 am - 12:20 pm
SOCSC 383, 499, 162 or 48.14* / Italian Life & Culture
ILC Class Schedule (ALL STUDENTS)
ILC SYLLABUS FOR DVC, CRC, CSM STUDENTS
Description: The required Italian Life & Culture class (ILC) provides an interesting mixture of guest lectures, occasional field trips, relevant reading on modern Italy, and some introduction to Italian language. Part of the ILC requirement is that all students have 2 hours a week of Italian language. All students will be required to meet twice a week for an hour each session. Your hourly session will be held either MW from 1-2 or TTh from 1-2, and students will be placed in either the MW or TTh session based on their level of language skills (level 1, no background in Italian; level 2, some background in Italian). The Italian instructor will assign both a midterm and a final exam. Those grades are provided to the faculty member of your host school. Beyond the two hours a week of language, there will be additional meetings when guest lectures / activities will be scheduled. Your host school faculty member determines a final grade for this class based on a combination of your Italian language grade and your grade for the lecture / reading assignment components of the class. * Note that the class number and transfer information for the ILC class differ according to your host school.
YOUR "CAMPUS"
The classes described above will be held in the historic Piazza della Repubblica situated in Florence's city center and within close walking distance to all student housing.
Tips for Travel
Below are travel preparation tips for participants in the NCSAC Florence Spring 2011 program. Note that an additional list of frequently asked questions and their responses is available at the following link:
http://www.aifspartnerships.com/ncsac/florence/spring_faq.asp
The AIFS offices also provide a hard copy of following Student Guide for students once enrolled. Click on this LINK.
You may also find the following website useful for local recommendations: http://www.studentsville.it/index.htm
These website are also handy for currency conversion, electrical outlet and time zone information (Rome and Florence are the same time zone):
http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html#
http://goitaly.about.com/od/travelpackingtips/l/bl_electricity_italy.htm
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
This website is useful for updated weather information (worldwide but also Florence specifically). Check this prior to departure: WEATHER LINK
WHAT TO BRING:
LUGGAGE: Choose luggage that is sturdy without contributing significantly to its own weight (as does hard shell luggage). Keep in mind that all airlines have different luggage weight limits, and you should check with your airline to determine their limit; exceeding a luggage weight limit may result in a fee. It is better to distribute the weight of your items amongst multiple bags that individually do not exceed the weight limit than it is to try and fit everything in one large heavy bag. Bags with metal frames and nylon bodies are a good option for durability and weight, and luggage with wheels is handy.
BOOKS: You must bring the books required for each of your classes. Make sure you know exactly what books are required for all of your classes and buy and pack them before your trip. The book or reader titles will all be made available by late fall, and registered students will be able to purchase most materials at their last informational meeting prior to departure. Unlike your regular school experiences, you will not be able to drop by the campus bookstore after the Spring semester has commenced!
Your required school books will take up luggage room, but you can save space by purchasing any travel guides, Italian dictionaries / language books in their digital form. Many travel guides and language “books” are available as audio cds, MP3 downloads or other digital formats.
CLOTHES: Select clothes you really like as you will be wearing them repeatedly. Keep in mind that the seasons will change while in Florence. February will still be chilly, but Spring will emerge during your semester. Try to choose clothing that can be layered and is versatile. While many of you native Californians may not have warm winter sweaters or coats, there is no need to spend a great deal of money on clothes for your time abroad. Visit your local used clothing stores (call ahead to make sure they have winter clothes in stock), and you should be able to find very affordable, appealing options. To get a sense of the seasons of our semester, this link lists average monthly Florence temperatures: LINK
Plan to have at least one “dress” outfit should the appropriate occasion present itself. Note that certain dress codes should be respected while in Italy. It is inappropriate, for example, to visit churches (and some churches are effectively museums) in shorts, miniskirts, tank tops or undershirts as outerwear. Note that Italians are generally much less casual than the typical California college student, and they are much more attentive to presenting themselves well in public.
SHOES: Packing the right shoes can make all the difference in your time abroad. It’s advisable to take shoes that are both comfortable and versatile. You will walk a great deal in Florence both for leisure and school activities, and it is important that you wear shoes that provide support and comfort and put a spring in your step. At the same time, Italy is the land of la bella figura, and it’s both culturally respectful and good sense to have a pair of dress shoes for certain events.
Keep in mind that you'll sometimes walk on uneven surfaces (cobblestone or otherwise), and choose shoes with sturdy heels. You may also consider inserts to provide support. Whatever shoes or inserts you choose to bring, test them out by walking a good distance in them before your trip.
As noted in the clothing section, the season will change from Winter to Spring during your stay. Shoes should be selected accordingly.
BACKPACK / MESSENGER BAG: A backpack, book or messenger bag will be invaluable for transporting day-to-day school books and supplies, for field trips and for personal exploration. You can also use it on your flight for those flight essentials you want to have handy in non-checked luggage. When choosing what you'll take, consider how you will be using the bag (transporting a laptop, books, camera, water bottle, etc.) and the advantages of blending in with the locals (black is always a safe bet, and messenger bags are more prevalent than backpacks for urban Italians).
WATER BOTTLE: While this is by no means necessary, if you like to stay hydrated give some thought to bringing your own refillable, environmentally friendly, leach-free water bottle. Bottled water has become ubiquitous, and the bottled water industry is a matter of political and environmental concerns too complex to outline here. Suffice it to say that there are environmental concerns associated with the cheap plastic bottles of water that are so tempting to consume regularly, and there are health concerns associated with reusing such bottles. You should never reuse the cheap plastic bottles in which water is sold. These plastics leach into your drinking water and are only intended for one time use. It’s advisable to invest in a BPA-free bottle that can be refilled. This can be placed in your backpack so you have easy access to water when on field trips or away from your apartment for long stretches. To save space when packing a reusable water bottle, pack other small items inside the bottle (socks). The same space saving tip applies to shoes.
TIMEPIECE: Bring a watch or some portable timepiece (your cell phone, ipod or some other device with an inbuilt clock). You will frequently need to know the time to make sure you’re punctual for classes and events, or to pace yourself for timed assignments, and not all Italian public clocks are as accurate as the one at the venerable Palazzo Vecchio.
LAPTOP: If you have a laptop, by all means bring it (along with an electrical converter and adapter). Though the school does have a limited number of computers on site, you may find that a laptop will greatly assist you in completing school assignments, and you can use it to communicate via e-mail (a much more affordable option than cell phone usage while abroad).
PASSPORT: Your Orientation materials will remind you of this all important document, but for those who need to apply for or renew a passport, this LINK is useful.
CELL PHONE: Your cell phone may not be as convenient or affordable as you'd like, and for that reason you may want to purchase a temporary cell phone abroad and rely more on e-mail as your primary mode of communication with friends and family back home.
Though your cell phone will most likely work fine abroad, you may discover that the roaming charges you accrue for incoming and outgoing calls are not worth it. This is true even if you have an "international plan." Check with your service provider and make sure you understand the costs before you use your cell phone abroad. Providers vary, but they all impose high costs if you take a U.S. cell phone out of the U.S. Note that if your phone is a GSM phone, you can purchase a SIM card with which you can use your phone, be assigned a new, temporary number and pay as you go (a "schede pre-pagate" system) for the length of your stay abroad.
If your phone is not a GSM type and you think you will want a cell phone during your stay, it's recommended that you purchase a cheap (50 euros) Italian cell phone, a SIM card and a little bit of credit. You may purchase credit as you go. There is a modest charge for local calls within Italy, and to receive incoming calls - even from the U.S. - it is completely free (for you, but not the caller).
* Note that you can use your phone to access some useful APPS for your time abroad:
Apps for Android phones:
Florence Travel Guide Triposo (free)
MapDroyd (offline maps) (free)
Adobe Reader (PDF file viewer) (free)
Apps for iPhone:
City Maps 2Go (offline maps) ($1.99)
OpenMaps (offline maps) (free)
As is true in U.S. classrooms, cell phone use for calls and texting is completely forbidden in the classroom.
A more affordable option than cell phone communications is skype. With your laptop and a (free) skype account, you can communicate with family and friends through internet-based video chats. LINK
MONEY: It is advisable to bring a few euros with you so that you have some cash upon arrival.
ADAPTOR / CONVERTER:Bring an adaptor and converter appropriate to Italy. These can be found at any travel store and many electronics stores. Note that some adaptors are 3 prong (grounded) and some are 2 prong. It can't hurt to have both.
LA DOLCE VITA: Wish to enjoy Florence after school ends? If you are interested in extending your stay after the semester concludes, there are a number of short or long-term housing options available. The following links provide a variety of excellent housing options and helpful English-speaking staff.
LINK
LINK
http://www.aifspartnerships.com/ncsac/florence/spring_faq.asp
The AIFS offices also provide a hard copy of following Student Guide for students once enrolled. Click on this LINK.
You may also find the following website useful for local recommendations: http://www.studentsville.it/index.htm
These website are also handy for currency conversion, electrical outlet and time zone information (Rome and Florence are the same time zone):
http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html#
http://goitaly.about.com/od/travelpackingtips/l/bl_electricity_italy.htm
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
This website is useful for updated weather information (worldwide but also Florence specifically). Check this prior to departure: WEATHER LINK
WHAT TO BRING:
LUGGAGE: Choose luggage that is sturdy without contributing significantly to its own weight (as does hard shell luggage). Keep in mind that all airlines have different luggage weight limits, and you should check with your airline to determine their limit; exceeding a luggage weight limit may result in a fee. It is better to distribute the weight of your items amongst multiple bags that individually do not exceed the weight limit than it is to try and fit everything in one large heavy bag. Bags with metal frames and nylon bodies are a good option for durability and weight, and luggage with wheels is handy.
BOOKS: You must bring the books required for each of your classes. Make sure you know exactly what books are required for all of your classes and buy and pack them before your trip. The book or reader titles will all be made available by late fall, and registered students will be able to purchase most materials at their last informational meeting prior to departure. Unlike your regular school experiences, you will not be able to drop by the campus bookstore after the Spring semester has commenced!
Your required school books will take up luggage room, but you can save space by purchasing any travel guides, Italian dictionaries / language books in their digital form. Many travel guides and language “books” are available as audio cds, MP3 downloads or other digital formats.
CLOTHES: Select clothes you really like as you will be wearing them repeatedly. Keep in mind that the seasons will change while in Florence. February will still be chilly, but Spring will emerge during your semester. Try to choose clothing that can be layered and is versatile. While many of you native Californians may not have warm winter sweaters or coats, there is no need to spend a great deal of money on clothes for your time abroad. Visit your local used clothing stores (call ahead to make sure they have winter clothes in stock), and you should be able to find very affordable, appealing options. To get a sense of the seasons of our semester, this link lists average monthly Florence temperatures: LINK
Plan to have at least one “dress” outfit should the appropriate occasion present itself. Note that certain dress codes should be respected while in Italy. It is inappropriate, for example, to visit churches (and some churches are effectively museums) in shorts, miniskirts, tank tops or undershirts as outerwear. Note that Italians are generally much less casual than the typical California college student, and they are much more attentive to presenting themselves well in public.
SHOES: Packing the right shoes can make all the difference in your time abroad. It’s advisable to take shoes that are both comfortable and versatile. You will walk a great deal in Florence both for leisure and school activities, and it is important that you wear shoes that provide support and comfort and put a spring in your step. At the same time, Italy is the land of la bella figura, and it’s both culturally respectful and good sense to have a pair of dress shoes for certain events.
Keep in mind that you'll sometimes walk on uneven surfaces (cobblestone or otherwise), and choose shoes with sturdy heels. You may also consider inserts to provide support. Whatever shoes or inserts you choose to bring, test them out by walking a good distance in them before your trip.
As noted in the clothing section, the season will change from Winter to Spring during your stay. Shoes should be selected accordingly.
BACKPACK / MESSENGER BAG: A backpack, book or messenger bag will be invaluable for transporting day-to-day school books and supplies, for field trips and for personal exploration. You can also use it on your flight for those flight essentials you want to have handy in non-checked luggage. When choosing what you'll take, consider how you will be using the bag (transporting a laptop, books, camera, water bottle, etc.) and the advantages of blending in with the locals (black is always a safe bet, and messenger bags are more prevalent than backpacks for urban Italians).
WATER BOTTLE: While this is by no means necessary, if you like to stay hydrated give some thought to bringing your own refillable, environmentally friendly, leach-free water bottle. Bottled water has become ubiquitous, and the bottled water industry is a matter of political and environmental concerns too complex to outline here. Suffice it to say that there are environmental concerns associated with the cheap plastic bottles of water that are so tempting to consume regularly, and there are health concerns associated with reusing such bottles. You should never reuse the cheap plastic bottles in which water is sold. These plastics leach into your drinking water and are only intended for one time use. It’s advisable to invest in a BPA-free bottle that can be refilled. This can be placed in your backpack so you have easy access to water when on field trips or away from your apartment for long stretches. To save space when packing a reusable water bottle, pack other small items inside the bottle (socks). The same space saving tip applies to shoes.
TIMEPIECE: Bring a watch or some portable timepiece (your cell phone, ipod or some other device with an inbuilt clock). You will frequently need to know the time to make sure you’re punctual for classes and events, or to pace yourself for timed assignments, and not all Italian public clocks are as accurate as the one at the venerable Palazzo Vecchio.
LAPTOP: If you have a laptop, by all means bring it (along with an electrical converter and adapter). Though the school does have a limited number of computers on site, you may find that a laptop will greatly assist you in completing school assignments, and you can use it to communicate via e-mail (a much more affordable option than cell phone usage while abroad).
PASSPORT: Your Orientation materials will remind you of this all important document, but for those who need to apply for or renew a passport, this LINK is useful.
CELL PHONE: Your cell phone may not be as convenient or affordable as you'd like, and for that reason you may want to purchase a temporary cell phone abroad and rely more on e-mail as your primary mode of communication with friends and family back home.
Though your cell phone will most likely work fine abroad, you may discover that the roaming charges you accrue for incoming and outgoing calls are not worth it. This is true even if you have an "international plan." Check with your service provider and make sure you understand the costs before you use your cell phone abroad. Providers vary, but they all impose high costs if you take a U.S. cell phone out of the U.S. Note that if your phone is a GSM phone, you can purchase a SIM card with which you can use your phone, be assigned a new, temporary number and pay as you go (a "schede pre-pagate" system) for the length of your stay abroad.
If your phone is not a GSM type and you think you will want a cell phone during your stay, it's recommended that you purchase a cheap (50 euros) Italian cell phone, a SIM card and a little bit of credit. You may purchase credit as you go. There is a modest charge for local calls within Italy, and to receive incoming calls - even from the U.S. - it is completely free (for you, but not the caller).
* Note that you can use your phone to access some useful APPS for your time abroad:
Apps for Android phones:
Florence Travel Guide Triposo (free)
MapDroyd (offline maps) (free)
Adobe Reader (PDF file viewer) (free)
Apps for iPhone:
City Maps 2Go (offline maps) ($1.99)
OpenMaps (offline maps) (free)
As is true in U.S. classrooms, cell phone use for calls and texting is completely forbidden in the classroom.
A more affordable option than cell phone communications is skype. With your laptop and a (free) skype account, you can communicate with family and friends through internet-based video chats. LINK
MONEY: It is advisable to bring a few euros with you so that you have some cash upon arrival.
ADAPTOR / CONVERTER:Bring an adaptor and converter appropriate to Italy. These can be found at any travel store and many electronics stores. Note that some adaptors are 3 prong (grounded) and some are 2 prong. It can't hurt to have both.
LA DOLCE VITA: Wish to enjoy Florence after school ends? If you are interested in extending your stay after the semester concludes, there are a number of short or long-term housing options available. The following links provide a variety of excellent housing options and helpful English-speaking staff.
LINK
LINK
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