Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Study Abroad, Italy

Program:
"La Dolce Vita" means 'The Sweet Life'.  But what is a sweet life? Classical Rome seems to tell us that a world of expansion, wealth, power, makes a sweet life. The city-state of Florence seems to define it as a life filled with art, music, fine food. The villages of Sicily and the islands seem to find the sweetness of life in the strength of community and family, and the routines of the piazza and the daily meal.

Students visited all of these places and more during the Italy 2005 Spring Seminar.  The voices of Italian authors such as Virgil, Ovid, Boccaccio, Dante, and Machiavelli informed them along the way.  The plays of Seneca, Plautus, and the artwork of classical, medieval, and Renaissance masters were explored to help them in their enquiry.  The art of a culture can reflect the mind and heart of its people; and by looking at Italian culture during different eras, students gained a greater understanding of our own humanity and identity-- what we consider to be a 'sweet life.'

Requirements:
This Senior Seminar is open to students who will be seniors in the 2006-07 academic year.  Students earn two credits, one of which is the Senior English credit.  Students may take this seminar instead of or in addition to any senior English course.