Introduction
Informational Meeting for Spring 2013 from 5pm to 6pm at Gilchrist 009
- February 5th, 2013
- February 19th, 2013
- March 25th, 2013
- April 4th, 2013
- April 25th, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38hlsKGmLp4&feature=plcp
The catherdrals of Rome, the canals of Venice, Verona’s amphitheater, the leaning tower of Pisa, Florence’s Statue of David, the Duomo of Milan, the Italian cuisine of Bologna, Cinque Terre’s villages on hanging cliffs… Experience the link of culture and communication and the importance of intercultural understanding in effective global interaction by studying the elements (i.e., history, religion, values, social organization, etc), artifacts (art, media, music, literature) and communication (both verbal and nonverbal) in Italy. Construct cultural bridges by exploring how culture shapes and modifies an individual’s view of reality and perception by visiting major centers of history art and culture.
Program City
Day visits to: Montagnana, Verona, Venice, Florence, Bologna, Parma, Florence, Genoa, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Milan; while staying in Rome, Florence, Venice and Genoa.
Faculty Leader
Tammy Gregersen
E-mail: tammy.gregersen@uni.edu
Academic Program
This hands-on three credit Capstone course examines the link of culture and communication and the importance of intercultural understanding in effective global interaction by studying Italian culture and experiencing it firsthand. We begin with an exploration of how culture shapes and modifies an individual’s view of reality and shapes perception. Elements of culture such as history, religion, values, social organization and language all work together to this end. Participants in the course will also put the theory of intercultural communication into practice by exploring the differences between verbal and nonverbal message and how those differences can impact the intercultural encounter. The activities for the course will unfold in three phases: 1) The preparatory phase where students will interact on campus with a variety of texts, the professor and with each other, to understand the theoretical nature of intercultural communications and to prepare for the actual intercultural experience ; 2) The On-site phase will consist of a two and a half week expedition to Italy where students will directly interact with the people, places and artifacts of that culture and gather evidence that they will use in their write-ups; 3) The Wrap-up will consist of a three week period after returning to the U.S. where students will work individually and in groups on projects.
Accommodation & Meals
We will stay in very clean and efficiently run youth hostels in Rome, Venice, Florence and Genoa.
Although we will budget for five or six large group meals, students will often have the freedom of choice as to where they want to eat and how much they want to spend.
Program Cost
The total estimated cost for this program is $3,500-$4,500.
Includes:
- Round-trip airfare
- UNI Tuition and Fees for 3-credits
- Housing while abroad
- Transportation while abroad
- Group meals
- Cultural activities
- Personal Expenses
Students pay UNI tuition and fees (in-state or out-of-state), the $65 application fee, and the study abroad administration fee to participate.
Tales From Abroad
"I had high expectations prior to my short-term study abroad trip to Northern Italy, and I was not disappointed in my experience with both the people and the beautiful sights the country offers. It was a real privilege to be able to see Italians live their normal lives and for me, a small town Iowa girl, to be traveling among them. Whether it was on the train, the city bus, or the narrow streets set between rows of local shops and restaurants, I found it amazing to be in a place that I had only imagined myself being."
Clarissa McPheron, Summer 2011
