"History, Media, and Cultural Heritage" Semester Program

Signature Semester Program Overview

Spring 2013

The semester program offers AIRC’s signature courses for all students, and a choice of two electives from several offerings. Topics offered are on the cutting edge of their fields, from issues of sustainability and cultural heritage in antiquities, to urban studies and digital/social media in archaeology, in addition to ancient and modern languages.

AIRC handles every logistical consideration for the academic program, from hiring instructors, to classroom space, A/V equipment, arranging site visits, assisting students in obtaining books and course readers, and technology/computer lab/library and study resources.

For all application materials and related inquiries, please contact AIRC's Programming Director Shelley Ruelle.

Northeastern University students should refer to the dedicated page on NEU's website.

Signature Courses (All Program Participants Enrolled)

Rome: Layers of History

This course explores the social, religious, political, urban, and artistic development of the city from the 8th century BC to today. Course work is often carried out on-site at various points throughout Rome by AIRC faculty and expert guest lecturers. Emerging topics such as digital archaeology and site conservation are cornerstones of this course, as well as the unparalleled highlight of the course which brings students to work directly in a hands-on excavation at one of AIRC’s current archaeological projects.

Discovering Italy

Students will gain priceless direct experience in a variety of important locations throughout Italy, as a means for exploring topics such as sustainability, urban planning, art history, antiquities, culture, food and foodways, cultural heritage preservation, and ancient life. This is an intensive travel-based course that meets for day trips or weekend excursions in order to complete on-site course work. Locations covered may include: Lazio, Campania, Tuscany, Ravenna, as well as a variety of other locations relevant to the course content.

Elementary Italian

Students gain a more in-depth understanding of Italian life and culture and enrich their time in Rome by studying the basics of the Italian language in an interactive, situational-based course. The language elements of daily activities that students will encounter are taught in a conversational approach, with a solid foundation of basic Italian grammar.

Elective Courses (Students Choose Two From The Following*)

Communications and Journalism in Italy

This is a multi-faceted course that gives students a solid foundation in understanding Italy’s unique media environment as well as the opportunity to utilize Rome as a living laboratory for producing a final portfolio of journalistic writings. The course will cover Italian communications through history, from ancient Rome to modern Berlusconi-controlled media, and students will produce a professional portfolio of various writing styles from blogging to travel and food writing, tourism, news and memoir format. Guest lecturers include local and international journalists, writers, and bloggers from media outlets such as TIME and The Daily Telegraph.

Social Media, Video, and Cultural Heritage

Students explore the intersection between the ancient and modern worlds in the study of how digital media can enhance and refine efforts to conserve, protect and promote cultural heritage sites. Students will be introduced to important archaeological sites that need promotion and conservation and will produce a comprehensive portfolio through hands-on work with digital media (photography, video, social media/networking). Guest lecturers include professional photographers, experts in cultural heritage preservation and promotion, filmmakers, and experts from the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage.

Late Medieval to Baroque Art History

The course begins with the development of Christian iconography in art and architecture within the urban context of Rome in the Middle Ages.  The course centers on the flourishing of society in the Renaissance, when the city was restructured throughout its urban landscape by massive projects and commissions (sculpture, painting). The course concludes with ever more ostentatious patronage of the Baroque and further layering of decoration and design.  Through site visits, the course tracks ongoing investigations in urban development, architectural styles, composition and conservation through collaboration with the Ministry of Culture (MiBAC), ISCR (national conservation institute), ICCROM (International centre for the study of the preservation and restoration of cultural property, created by UNESCO) and foreign academics (BSR, AAR, etc.).

Environmental and Geological Sciences of Rome

Understanding Rome’s richly stratified natural and man-made past, which represents one of the most sustainable cities in history, is a complex subject.  The course uses Rome to discuss related issues of global climate change, catastrophic events (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding) and man-made interventions to foster a better understanding between contemporary Rome and its natural environment. Topics include the geological history of Rome and the physical processes that shape it, geological resources (petrology), volcanology, field methodology, water resources (aquifers, aqueducts, Tiber River flooding), earthquakes, environmental planning, resource sustainability.

The City of Rome in Television and Cinema

This course examines the ways in which the Italian and international cinema industries have used the city of Rome as a backdrop and a protagonist in productions spanning the chronological gamut from the Roman period to today. Students will view and analyze more than 20 of the most significant films featuring the city of Rome, and they will visit the places—both real and reconstructed/ imagined—where these films were shot, as well as the legendary Cinecittà studios complex.

Roman Religions and Art

This course explores the fundamental components of the Roman religions through art and its meaning in context exploring both its continuity and change, as Rome rose and fell through a general, chronological framework, with case studies. Through in-depth investigations in archaeological sites and museums, the course will examine the social-political history of the city from its beginnings to decline and transformation into a Christian center. The course also examines both the development of the “savior” cults of pagan Rome and the rise of Judaism and Christianity in the city, from the first through sixth centuries. At the end of the course, the student will have an understanding of the religions of Rome and a basic knowledge of the chronological development and historical context of Roman art, its relationship with Greek art, and its importance in Western civilization.

 

*Electives offered are subject to change depending on total program enrollment each semester and student interest.

Courses of varying levels in Latin and Greek are also available.

 

Academics

- With the AIRC signature program, students enroll in three required courses and then select two elective courses to complete their semester schedule.

- Professors are AIRC Ph.D.-level faculty or local faculty of the highest caliber, selected and hired by AIRC staff.

- As much class work as possible is done outside of the classroom, using Rome as the natural backdrop for the hands-on academic experience that AIRC provides.

- Classrooms are housed in the ACCENT International Rome Study Center in the Palazzo Banco S. Spirito in the heart of downtown Rome.

- AIRC’s signature program is academically challenging and intense, and students will be held to high academic standards of excellence.

Technical Considerations

- AIRC arranges for student stay permits (permesso di soggiorno) and the fees for obtaining these documents are built into the program budget.

- AIRC assists students with any questions they may have in the process of applying for their Italian visas for programs of 90 days or longer. The process should be started at least three months prior to program start date, but preferably sooner if possible. AIRC coordinates with the home institutions to provide the necessary documents for applying for the student visa.

- AIRC can arrange for student health insurance through the Italian government if needed, and the fees for this insurance can be built into the program budget. Proof of student health insurance is required to obtain a stay permit.

- AIRC will coordinate with home campus contacts to help students prepare for departure by providing logistical information and pre-departure orientation materials.

Housing

- AIRC works with local providers to arrange housing for students in shared apartments. Housing must be secured at least six months in advance of the program start date and a deposit is required in advance to secure housing.

- Apartments house four to eight students, with one bathroom per every four students.

- All apartments have kitchen facilities so that students can prepare their own meals.

- Apartments are located throughout the center of the city, with access to public transport and within reasonable distance of the AIRC study facilities and class meeting points.

- For any apartment maintenance issues or disputes between roommates, AIRC staff and housing providers are available and work with students to help ensure the most comfortable living experience possible.

Student Services Overview

AIRC is housed in the beautiful Palazzo Banco S. Spirito in ACCENT International’s Rome study center to provide all of the on-site services necessary for students to be successful in their program.

AIRC Rome staff are bilingual, have been on study abroad programs themselves, have lived in Rome for years, and help students with practical matters, questions, and support in adjusting to their stay overseas.

Arrival & Orientation

AIRC will coordinate with students and the home campus prior to departure to arrange for students’ smooth transfer into their housing in Rome. Within the first two days after arrival, students will participate in an orientation session that covers academic and program matters as well as a wide range of essential tips, strategies and information about life in Rome. Students have ongoing support from AIRC administrative staff throughout the program for all of their practical questions and needs.

Facilities & Technology

Students have access to the AIRC library and computer lab and wireless network during normal business hours. The administrative staff is on hand in the AIRC office to answer any student concerns and assist students with practical and academic needs related to their study abroad program experience.

Excursions

Excursions are fully coordinated and integrated into the academic program. These include all logistical planning such as transport, meals, tickets, guides, etc.

Emergencies

Upon arrival, students are given an emergency phone number that connects to a staff member 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who can assist them should they need emergency assistance at any time during their time on the AIRC program in Rome.

Preliminary Program Planning Checklist

Contact AIRC Programming Director Shelley Ruelle as soon as possible to begin planning for your institution’s participation in our signature program.

Consider primary academic objectives and goals for the student experience, in the context of your institution’s specific needs and requirements.