Last updated on Apr. 8, 2009
Florence, Italy
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As you
walk the narrow and hand-hewn streets, absorb the magnificence of the
medieval and renaissance architecture and the beauty of the sculptures
that adorn walls and stand in the loggias of their grand piazzas.
Learn the way of Italian living from the lively and intellectual Florentines as you rub elbows with them in small "caffe" bars while enjoying the local cappuccino and panini. Your Italian ‘Life and Culture’ instructor will help set the stage and serve as your ‘cultural informant’.
"Changed
my perceptions, Classrooms
Student Facilities
Kate Reavey is the author of two limited-edition, letter pressed chapbooks of poetry and one collection, Too Small to Hold You (Pleasure Boat Studio, NYC), now in its third printing. She is co-director of the Foothills Writers Series, poetry editor for Pharos: the Journal of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society, and has published her work in both popular magazines and literary journals. As an undergraduate, she studied anthropology, writing, and literature at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African studies. Her graduate mentor, Gary Snyder, emphasized Ethno poetics and an approach to teaching that honors the diversity of geography and the human spirit, leading Reavey to a deep interest in interdisciplinary learning. She began teaching English composition, literature, and creative writing in 1993, which led to a series of learning community courses based on the literature, natural history, biology, and botany of the Olympic Peninsula. She was recently named Coordinator of Environmental Humanities in the Center of Excellence at Peninsula College.
Students take 15 credits and register at their home college before departure.
Italian Life and Culture (5 credits) is required of all students. The Italian language part of this class is taught by local Italian instructors focusing on beginners’ level Italian language and the cultural part of the class is taught by an English speaking instructor and English-speaking guest lecturers focusing on and including separate lectures on historical, political, economic and cultural aspects of Italy and Florence.
Intro. to World Literature: Italian Voices in the Renaissance and Today (5 credits) Many have heard of the Renaissance and some have studied the stunning artistic works of this period. However, few have the opportunity to live in Florence, such a profound creative center, while reading the literature and seeing up-close the visual masterpieces of this time. In this course, we will study Florence and its surroundings not only during the Renaissance but in the modern world, as well. We will consider this question: How have people’s lives changed (through technology, politics, international travel, and mass communication) and how are our lives very similar not only to the artists/writers of the Renaissance but also the characters in the literature we read? Through close observation of life in Florence today, and by reading 20th and 21st century Italian authors, we will have the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in history/literature while traveling the same streets and the same geographical landscapes of the Renaissance greats. Our own experiences and writing will provide a kind of dialogue across the centuries, helping us better understand our surroundings while we engage some dynamic questions of human experience. Creative Writing I & II: "Italy in Your Own Words" (5 credits each) This class will provide students with strategies that build confidence and creativity, whether they are accomplished writers or just getting interested in poetry and prose. The natural and cultural landscapes will inspire us as we complete some of our “classroom” writing exercises at museums/on field trips/and in the cafes around Florence. Imagine writing about the texture of stone and the light entering a room while standing next to Michelangelo’s David. Imagine studying the spring wildflowers near the walls of San Gimignano, a medieval city. Students will write weekly assignments in poetry, fiction, or memoir. Assessment will center on the student workshop, also called peer review. The techniques employed in our poetry and prose, such as detailed images and use of the five senses in writing, will encourage every student, no matter whether they consider themselves beginners or advanced writers. The small books we create will be reminders of the power of language, memory, and inspiration during this unique experience.
Sienna & San Gimignano
Independent Travel
Cultural Activities
Program
Students live in furnished apartments with cooking facilities in the Historical Center of Florence within 30 minutes walking radius of the Study Center. Each apartment will have 4 students with two students per bedroom with linens and cleaning service. Adequate utilities will be provided up to a normal consumption for the duration of the program.
Meals are not included in
the program, but students are able to prepare meals in their apartments. Students will be invoiced a $250 refundable security deposit in addition to the program fees. The balance of the security deposit (less any charges for damages, missing items or utility overages) will be refunded within 45 days of the last day of the program.
PROGRAM FEES: $6550 + Amount Equivalent to Full-time Tuition at home institution (Based on a minimum of 25 participants. Does not include $250 refundable housing deposit.)
Program Dates: March 24 - June 4, 2010 Application deadline: ***Apply Now!*** Space is limited!
Payment Schedule:
$450 deposit due with application* *At least $150 is non-refundable; please check the Florence brochure and AIFS application for full refund policy guidelines. For a supplemental fee of $495 students can purchase an optional meal plan consisting of 25 vouchers for either lunch or dinner in local trattoria in Florence. These fees are guaranteed not to change as a result of fluctuations in the $ exchange rate. Included
Not Included
When: TBD Where: TBD Time: 10am-3pm What to Bring: Students need to bring (a) a signed copy of the Student Guidelines, (b) 4 passport photos, (c) a copy of your passport, (d) flight itineraries for students not on the group flight, (e) a notepad to take notes, and (f) questions.
Student participants should also invite parents, guardians, or whomever they feel should attend with them. Coffee will be provided in the morning and lunch will be served.
The faculty will be available to discuss their courses and expectations.
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