Few cultures have been as widely exported as Italy’s, and even fewer boast such a universal appreciation for these exports. From pizza and espresso to Renaissance art and luxury brands, there is little that comes from Italy that isn’t available (or sought) in the rest of the world. However, there is always value to be found by exploring the genesis of things, especially in a culture so rich, which is why there are six Summer Abroad courses offered in Italy in 2020.
All Summer Abroad courses are based in Siena, a small historical city in the heart of Tuscany, the region that birthed the Renaissance. (Read: a plethora of art and vast hills that nurture the grapes of astounding wines.) Amidst the landmarks of the city centre, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies the University of Siena, where students will have their classes and seminars. As one of the oldest universities in the world, it’s a great starting point for those wanting to embrace Italy’s deep history.
Enrolling in Modern Italian Culture (ITA358) or The Italian Cinematic City (CIN378) will provide an experience beyond compare of the best morning cappuccino or the entirety of The Irishman. Those less interested in the study of art and history as well as those more intrigued by its niches can find a unique experience in ANT396 – Italian Regional Foodways and Culture. This Anthropology course taught by Professor Anne Urbancic invites students to study Italy’s food scene and its origins hands-on, connecting the topic to larger geographical, economic, and political trends. Not only does this provide students with an incredibly authentic experience of Tuscan culture, it also allows the class to further understand the impact of everyday consumerism and cultural migration caused by globalisation.
Food is a meeting point of several human and natural techniques and elements that are universally shared across the globe. Having the chance to interact with foodways while incorporating academic perspectives into them is a unique opportunity seldom offered in the classroom – and even a unique one among Summer Abroad courses. ANT396 thus appeals to any student with an appetite (pun intended) for field work, food culture, Italian history, agriculture, or who has been meaning to start a food blog for the past 6 months. The course’s seminar structure makes interaction and debate an important part of the learning process, as students are encouraged to dish out (again, intended) their opinions and viewpoints for collaborative purposes.
“Students from previous years have told me they loved the course because of its interactive points of view, offered in an Italian context. Students appreciate the fact that they get to research and explore foodways from perspectives they have not previously considered,” says Professor Urbancic.
Other Summer Abroad courses in Italy include RSM295, exploring the origin of modern financial institutions (Tuscany is largely considered to be the birthplace of modern banking), and FAH393, which studies the intersection of Renaissance and Baroque artistic cultures in their original context. Business-oriented students may also be attracted to IRE332, which dissects leadership styles through an Italian cultural lens.
“Studying the concept of leadership in a different setting helped me re-evaluate how my leadership viewpoint impacts what I do, believe and expect of others and myself,” said an alumnus of the IRE course.
There are many avenues to cover when taking on such a culturally dense environment as Italy. But whether studying Michelangelo’s architecture or Florence’s historic silk manufacturing, students tend to find their way step by step, or as the Italians would say, piano piano.
by Louis Butt, 2019 Summer Abroad participant