Pitt in Florence - Semester

 

Florence is the ideal setting to spend a semester studying in one of the most historic, cultural and beautiful cities in the world. The city is filled with cobblestone streets, open-air markets, unique food experiences, artistic masterpieces, stunning architecture. This program is designed for students of all majors interested in: Italian language, culture, studio arts, art history, cinema, psychology, urban studies and more.  You will take 12-15 credits on this semester long program. No previous Italian experience is necessary, but you are required to take an Italian language course on this program. Florence is the ideal location to begin your Italian language studies and then come back to Pitt to continue. Selected part-time English language internships are also available depending on your desired field.

The city of Florence and hills of Tuscany becomes your classroom during this program. The program includes full day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. Students also have the opportunity to interact with the local community and immerse themselves in optional cultural activities through our partner's, CEA CAPA, My Global City Program. These events/activities may include a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views over the city of Florence and a hike in the nearby hills, followed by dinner in one of the best pizzerias in town. Other activities, often self-guided, reflect what is on in the city at the time and may include a walking tour to the most important markets of Florence, tasting typical Italian snacks, a night at the Opera or attending soccer match at the Florence Stadium. Some events/activities are free while others may require a small fee. Many students say that the CEA CAPA My Global City Programs were some of the best experiences on their entire program.

 

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop:

  • First-hand experience of Italian way of life and a greater appreciation for Italian language and culture
  • Italian language skills that will enable you to interact and acclimate within the community
  • Knowledge about Italian culture from a full-semester of courses of your choice

 

Florence, Italy is the capital city of the Firenze province and Tuscany region. It is surrounded by the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany. Florence is a majestic city that is visually stunning, culturally rich and has a storied past. Florence was founded as a Roman Military colony around the 1st Century BC. The city’s population began to grow due to its location in the fertile, farmable hills. Its location also was perfect for economic development in the region. Florence became a haven for an ever-growing immigrant population that still exists today. Florence has its strong Italian roots, but is also very much a multi-cultural city.

Due to the growing economy and influx of immigrants it became the perfect location for merchants and artists. This in part, led to the Renaissance period in the 14th to 16th centuries. Many of the most influential artists of that time period flocked to the city to work on their art including Michelangelo, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Leonardo da Vinci. They left behind masterpieces in the forms frescoes, sculptures, paintings and architecture that are still visible throughout the city today. Students will have the opportunity to spend a full-semester taking 12-15 credits while still have to explore the city which feels like a living, breathing museum of Italian Renaissance masterpieces. Florence is a major tourist destination, but the authentic-Italian experience is easy to discover.

Temperatures and precipitation vary based on the season. In the Fall Semester as the season change, the temperatures can average 75 degrees Fahrenheit at the beginning of the semester to 45 degrees Fahrenheit by the end. As the seasons change and head towards winter, you will see more cloudy and rainy days. The beginning of the Spring Semester can be chilly, cloudy and rainy with temperature averaging around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. As winter transitions to spring, the temperatures will begin to rise and average 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The old stone buildings across the city are designed to make sure they are never too hot, nor too cold. 

 

Where You'll Live: 

Students will live like a Florentine during their semester abroad. Housing placements are scattered throughout the city-center and location depends on availability and housing option. Exact addresses are provided closer to departure. Regardless of the option you choose, nothing is ever far from you in Florence. The city is a very flat, pedestrian friendly, and walkable city.

​Like the streets of Florence, no two apartments on the Pitt in Florence program are alike in terms of design, but all will give you a comfortable place to call home in Italy.  Most apartments are located within a 40 minute commute to the CAPA Center, either on foot or by bus. Apartments are still within what is considered the city-center. 

You can expect the following at your apartment:

  • Shared bedrooms (2 students/bedroom typically; sometimes more)
  • There are typically up to six students in each apartment (sometimes more)
  • A fully equipped kitchen 
  • En-suite bathroom (generally 1 bathroom for 2 students)
  • Washing machine(s) in the building or apartment (Italian apartments typically do not have dryers).  
  • Meals aren’t included, so plan on learning to cook with local ingredients or budget money to eat out.

We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change.  Contact your program manager with any questions. 

A/C is not common and, if/when available, is regulated. Likewise, heat is also regulated. Plan for your apartment to not always be as warm or as cool as you might be used to. 

 

Alternatively, for an additional cost, students can opt to do a homestay. Students staying in a homestay will receive daily breakfast and dinner.  The up-charge for the homestay will be paid by the student directly to our partner, CEA CAPA. 

For more information on the homestay option, students should contact their program manager.

 

There is no local transportation pass included in this program, but a bus pass can be purchased locally if desired. 

What You'll Study: 

You'll earn between 12 and 15 credits on the Pitt in Florence semester program. You will have the opportunity to choose 4 to 5 courses from a variety of academic areas.

No previous Italian experience is necessary, but you are required to take an Italian language course on this program. Due to the nature of this requirement, students with some previous Italian language experience (I.e. those in ITAL 0102, 0103, and 0110) may have very small classes with a very personalized experience. 

The subject courses will be taught in English and will be comprised of lectures, guest speakers, city tours, cultural activities and excursions.

If you are seeking to count these courses towards a major, minor or certificate, please meet with your academic advisor to discuss this program and what the courses will fulfill for you.

If you are a business student interested in this program, please check out the Global Business Institute Florence Program: https://www.abroad.pitt.edu/gbiflorence

NOTE:

  • Museum Studies HAA1030 is not offered in the fall semester. 

 

International Internship (ARTSCXXXX)

The academic internship provides immersion in the local work environment and helps build both practical skills and intercultural competence. Students will learn how to apply academic knowledge in a business setting, interact with co-workers, and compare teamwork and interpersonal interactions in different cultures. Students will work in local companies and organizations for a total of 100-120 contact hours. On-site experience is reinforced by a solid academic component with weekly seminar meetings and individual academic advising meetings, for a total of 15 contact hours.

Writing the City-Florence (ENGWRT1200)

This course is a creative writing workshop designed to explore the experience of traveling and living abroad in Florence in both verse and prose. Along with the workshop we will also read and discuss texts that focus on Italy in general and Florence specifically from both the native and foreign perspectives, noting particularly the literary techniques and strategies that various writers have used to verbally map out the territory of the city and to express their own place and experiences within its walls. The texts will provide us with a forum for discussing each author’s relationship to and the literary expression of place. The texts will also provide us with models for weekly writing exercises.  I believe that we can use our unique position as sojourners abroad to begin to chart our own internal and imaginative landscapes. Our ultimate goal will be to produce a finalized, substantial text—or series of short texts—suitable for performance and/or publication in the literary world beyond this class.

 

Italian Renaissance Art History (HAA0302)

This course introduces students to painting, sculpture, and architecture in Florence in the Renaissance. Beginning with the great projects of the Middle Ages that defined the religious and political centers of the city, attention focuses on major monuments of the Renaissance. Discussion will center on how works of art were made, their style, and how they communicate intellectual meaning. Sub-themes that intersect with the most recent research in the field of art history are interwoven into each class period. Topics for discussion include the cross-cultural fertilization of artistic ideas, how women, the poor, and children were depicted in Renaissance art, conflicting ideas regarding patronage, and how works of art construct religious, political, gender, and class identities. This course analyzes the interrelationship between people's creative achievements and their society. In other words, students must understand a work of art in the social, artistic, and historical context of medieval and renaissance Florence.

For Italian majors or minors, this course is also cross-listed as ITAL 0183. 

Italian: Here and Now (4 credits) (ITAL0101)

An introduction to the Italian language, including basic grammar, vocabulary and speech patterns. Primary goal is to achieve competence in the spoken language, along with basic skills in reading and writing. Face-to-face lesson meetings consist of communicative activities in which students practiced learned structures and vocabulary.  Students will watch/listen/read lectures, complete exercises related to grammar and vocabulary. This instructional approach is designed to allow for maximum interaction in the classroom environment, so that students can receive extensive feedback on their progress. 

Contemporary Italian Cinema (ITAL0086)
The objective of this course is to give students the opportunity to comprehend contemporary Italian society through the screen images that Italian filmmakers have presented of the cultural, political and working environment they live in. Using a multidisciplinary approach for history, film theory, and social contextualization, this course will explore how contemporary Italian cinema has followed, mirrored, and sometimes even anticipated cultural and social transformations in Italian society. Up to twenty Italian films released between the late '90s to the present will be examined from the point of view of 20th and 21st Century Italian social, political, and cultural history in order to understand the various social and ethical concerns exemplified by the movies.

 

Italian: There and Then (4 credits) (ITAL0102)

Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Second Language  General Education Requirement

This course is designed to teach you the basic vocabulary and grammar you need to navigate Italian culture, history, and society. This innovative class consists of face-to-face class meetings in which students practice their Italian in communicative activities.  In addition, students will watch/listen/read lectures, complete exercises to hone their Italian linguistic skills. Students will also  learn about Italian culture, including Italian fashion and design, travel destinations, popular culture, and contemporary literature.  Primary goal is to achieve competence in the spoken language, along with basic skills in reading and writing.

Medieval and Renaissance Literature - Florence (ITAL1085)
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Literature General Education Requirement
 
The course will introduce students to the history of Italian Literature, focusing on great masterpieces (in English translation) from the 14th to the 16th century. A multidisciplinary approach, dealing with social, political, historical and philosophical implications will provide further understanding by placing literary works in a comprehensive cultural context. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of Italian literature in European culture in pre-modern age, stressing the broad influence of Dante's Comedy, Boccaccio's Decameron and Ariosto's Orlando Enraged. Students will be provided with the basic operational tools to help them recognize different literary genres and understand why certain forms of artistic expression are peculiar to certain ages, at times to the exclusion of others. Literary issues such as the great divide between high and low literature, the question of language, the relation between classical, Christian and chivalric epics, the concept of originality in the Middle Ages, the circulation of books and the development of a reading public will be thoroughly investigated. Students will be able to follow the formation and the evolution of the mainstream literary tradition, and appreciate the innovative charge, both in form and content, of the works selected. They will also learn to practice a close reading of the texts, and will be encouraged to form their own critical opinion on the writings analyzed for their oral presentations. The first lessons will be devoted to a general overview of the 13th and the 14th centuries both from a historical and a more specifically literary perspective. Then the focus will shift onto the role of Dante in shaping the vernacular literature as a means to bridge the gap between academic and popular culture, to Boccaccio's ground-breaking work in restyling storytelling into an art of conversation and therefore a collective enterprise, and finally to Ariostol's humorous contemplation of human vanity and foolishness. Each lecture introducing a new author will be preceded by a brief outline of his life and literary output, and will then proceed with the description and analysis of his major work.

 

Modern Italy: Firenze Popolare (ITAL0110)

This course, taught in Italian, is designed for students who are beyond the ITAL 0103 level.

In this course, students will continue to build on socio-linguistic competencies through the lens of the People’s Florence. We will immerse ourselves in mass culture and non-elite knowledge by studying a variety of Florentine expression: stories, songs, flyers, menus, websites, social media pages and YouTube videos. Class will be held at times in the circoli and case del popolo, with visits to other spaces important to the Florentine community. Avanti popolo!

Depending upon enrollment, students in this course may be combined with students in ITAL 0103 with differentiated instruction. Generally, though, class sizes are very small. 

Interculture and Migration (ITAL1084)

Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Specific Geographic Region,  Diversity  General Education Requirement

Italy has long been a nation of emigrants, but only in the last few decades has become a nation receiving large numbers of immigrants. The fall of communism in Eastern Europe, and wars and violence in the Balkans, across Africa and the Middle East, have spurred new migrants towards the West in search of safety and economic prosperity. The unique position of the Italian peninsula in the Mediterranean has made it a key territory of arrival in these modern-day migrations, but to what advantage and to what cost? This course will explore the complexities of cultural identity and migration, and the impact they have on intercultural conflict and cooperation. There will be a particular focus on migration in Italy and on the marginalized communities of contemporary Italy, such as migrants, their Italianborn non-citizen children, and the Roma. We will examine the fluidity of cultural boundaries across time and space, and how ingroup and outgroup dynamics contribute to the manufacturing of fear and prejudice among populations. During their semester abroad, students will reflect on the various elements that define a culture while gaining an increased understanding of how culture shapes individuals and how our cultural identities interact in shared social spaces such as the piazze of Florence. 

Syllabus:
Italian: What If (4 credits) (ITAL0103)

Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Specific Geographic Region,  Second Language  General Education Requirement

Learn Italian in a comfortable and interactive classroom environment! This course is designed to teach you the vocabulary and grammar you need to navigate Italian culture, history, and society. This course consists of face-to-face class meetings in which students practice their Italian in communicative activities. Students will also watch/listen/read lectures, complete exercises to hone their linguistic skills to better their Italian. In addition, students will learn about Italian culture, including current events, Italian politics, and contemporary literature and cinema. Emphasis continues to be placed on the oral-aural skills, but the reading and writing skills become increasingly stressed.

Depending on enrollment, students in this course may be combined with students in ITAL 0110 and instruction will be differentiated. 

Cross Cultural Psychology in Florence (PSY0186)

This course will explore the field of cross-cultural psychology through a focus on a specific country and its inhabitants: Italy. Aspects of cross-cultural analysis from the field of cross-cultural psychology (as well as interdisciplinary elements from sociology, anthropology, biology and ecology) will be discussed, including: cultural influence on human behavior, attitudes, values, communication and societal organization. Special topics of ethnocentrism, individual vs. collective societies, plural societies, cultural views on mental health, and intercultural communication are highlighted. Methodological issues of cross-cultural research will be reviewed, and students will have the opportunity to conduct a cross-cultural interview and be participant-observers of their own experience here in Italy. The city of Florence and its inhabitants become the classroom through various excursions and field work. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own cultural origins in regards to behaviors, communication, attitudes and values, as well as their acculturation experiences while studying in Italy.

 

Syllabus:
Foundation Drawing (SA0130)
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Creative Work  General Education Requirement
 
A studio arts drawing course for beginning and intermediate students that explores an essential aspect of artistic self-expression and the techniques necessary to learn to draw what you see. The course will examine Florentine artists' drawing techniques that raised the level of this medium during the Renaissance period from preliminary studies to that of true works of art. Visual perception is a way of seeing that differs from our typical way of seeing. The objective is that of teaching students how to transmit what they see, an artistic perception which will permit them to explore their personal mode of expression. The course will concentrate upon the component parts of drawing, the necessary aspects self-awareness and general creativity, learning to draw what is out there and self expression.

 

Sculpture - Figure and Portrait (SA1440)
Figurative sculpture is a basic studio course designed for beginners and intermediate students. It explores the skills and techniques necessary to approach clay modelling. Students are invited to take advantage of class activities as much as possible since it is through constant commitment and exercise that they will achieve the technical mastery of the medium. At the same time, it is necessary for students to acquire a certain theoretical awareness. Stimuli provided by projections, workshop and site visits to the most important sculptures in Florence are integral to the course. Students will visit these works during the week. Students will have a sketchbook in order to document at least one work per visit.

 

Syllabus:
Foundation Painting (SA0120)
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Creative Work General Education Requirement
 
Investigate concepts of color, form, line, composition, volume, space, and the use of oil paint as a medium. Beginning or intermediate levels accepted. This course is structured to introduce oil painting starting from the basic techniques and introducing new approaches and ideas. Students should take advantage of open studio hours to complete their assignments. At the beginning of each new topic and project students will be asked to list the techniques acquired in the previous lessons before moving on to a new exercise. Students will be expected to complete at least 4 paintings to successfully complete the course in addition to completing the weekly assignments.

 

Syllabus:
Analyzing and Exploring the Global City - Florence (URBNST0408)

Florence is a global heritage city: millions of people every day crowd into its small streets admiring the ancient buildings and its artistic heritage, which creates revenue as well as issues. For this reason, contemporary Florence and its inhabitants are less well-known by visitors. Florence today has an ethnically diverse population with complex socio-cultural dynamics that shape the identity of this fascinating city. Although migration to the city has intensified over the last few decades, ‘multiculturalism’ is not a recent phenomenon: over the centuries the city has celebrated diversity, with different ethnic groups, different nationalities and various religious groups who have contributed to Florence’s social and cultural wealth. Even the briefest of walks can unveil this wealth to the eyes of the attentive observer – and it is precisely this ‘below the surface’ understanding that this course provides. Florence is, and always has been, a ‘global’ city. We will analyze the complex dynamics that shape the identity of Florence by applying a critical perspective to the notion of globalization and by analyzing the socio-cultural forces at play both historically and presently. Students will learn to analyze the cultural variety present in the city, examining which ethnic communities live in Florence today, and gaining insight into their lives through scholarly sources and direct observation. Throughout the course we will discuss the relativity of cultural values; we will analyze how multicultural aspects of Florence’s identity have been discursively constructed and by which social actors; we will review which policies the local and national administration have put into effect to deal with these issues.

 

Experiential Learning Description: 

Limited internships are also available for credit in select fields. Please contact your program manager for more details. 

The University of Pittsburgh partners with CEA CAPA Education Abroad for this program. CEA CAPA works with institutions of higher education to build programs that meet their goals for learning abroad, and offers study abroad and internship programs in destinations around the globe. CEA CAPA focuses on academic offerings, support frameworks, and oversight structures for students and visiting faculty.

The CEA CAPA Florence Center is housed in three buildings in the heart of Florence, including in Palazzo Galli-Tassi, a 15th century palace. The CEA CAPA Florence team is available throughout your program to assist and support you 24/7 with any urgent situations.

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Lauren Perri

Hi! I'm Lauren, Program Manager for Arts & Sciences students. As an undergraduate student, I studied abroad in Marburg, Germany. Since then, my career in international education has taken me to many locations around the world. Particularly, I have an affinity for Florence, Italy. There is nothing quite like the challenge of navigating a new city, country, and culture! Let's chat about global experiences.

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways

Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email at lap140@pitt.edu

Your In-Country Contacts: 

Jenny McCord

Jenny McCord is our on-site Pitt faculty in Florence and teaches sections of ITAL 0101 Here and Now, ITAL 0110 Firenze Popolare and ITAL 1084 Interculture and Migration. Jenny moved to Florence in 2015 after a decade in Pittsburgh teaching for the Department of French & Italian and working with study abroad summer programs in Bologna, Rome and Florence. She holds an MA in Italian Literature and an MT in Foreign Language Education from the University of Virginia, as well as a Master in Intercultural Studies from the University of Padova.

COSTS LISTED ARE FOR SPRING 2024 ONLY. FALL 2024 COSTS WILL BE POSTED IN THE SPRING SEMESTER.

Items Billed by Pitt

SPRING 2024 ONLY In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $10,077.00 $19,260.00
Program Cost $8,622.00 $8,622.00
Pitt GEO Admin Fee $400 $400
Total Billed by Pitt $19,099 $28,282.00

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

Airfare $1,800.00
Personal Expenses and Meals $3,000 - $5,000
Local Cell Phone or Cell Phone Plan $100-$500
Visa $70.00
Passport $165.00
Local transportation pass $65.00

The above estimates are only estimates. Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad. Visit our Budgeting page for more information.

There is no local transportation pass included in this program, but a bus pass can be purchased locally if desired.

 

What's Included: 

As a part of your Pitt in Florence fee, the following are included:

  • Tuition for 12-15 credits
  • On-Site Orientation
  • Housing 
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • International Health Insurance
  • One-day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
  • My Global City activities and events through CEA CAPA

 

When You'll Go: 

This program runs for a full semester. See sidebar for exact dates. 

What Else You Need to Know: 

Florence does experience seasons/change in temperature. Be aware that both heat and A/C (when available) are regulated - heat will not be as warm as you are used to and A/C (when available) will not be as cold as you are used to. 

Local bus passes are not included, but can be purchased once in-country if desired.