MayMester in Perugia Italy - ITAL 398 - Deposit (01/01/2025)

The Umbra Institute is in the historic center of Perugia on the grandiose Piazza IV Novembre. It occupies the main floors of a fifteenth-century palace and the cloisters of the centuries-old Duomo of San Lorenzo. Beyond their unique location, Umbra is among the few institutions in Italy that focus heavily on community engagement activities. After studying at the Umbra Institute, students consistently say these are the experiences that had the greatest most meaningful impact on their time abroad. The Institute boasts over 40 academic partnerships including the University of Connecticut, Villanova University, Bryn Mawr University, Arcadia University, the University of Maryland and number of other top-tier US colleges and universities. The Umbra Institute, also referred to as ISI Perugia, is one of two institutions of higher education in Italy founded and operated exclusively by ISI Abroad – the other being their Florence-based institution, ISI Florence.

Housing: To apply for the Italian in Context Language Program: Visit the UofSC Study Abroad website --> Apply to Study Abroad -->Global Classroom Programs. The Deadline to apply is: February 14, 2023

Contact: Dr. Angela Tumini at atumini@mailbox.sc.edu General Description of the course: The 122 section is for students who want to take Italian language class. The Culture course is "Searching for Italy" ITAL 398

There is a reason why Italy is a favorite destination for students, scholars and visitors across the globe. Not only does its rich history encompass civilizations that span from Ancient Greek, to Etruscan, Roman and Norman, just to name a few, but also because Italians have a way of practicing the art of beauty in every aspect of their life. Food, art, fashion, design, theater, cinema, literature, street festivals and ancient celebrations disguised by Catholic rituals, as well as the profound contrasts that exist between different areas of the country, all contribute to give the country a cultural dimension of unique value. All of that culture is framed within a landscape that is incredibly varied and surprising, and that makes the Italian way of life speak of harmony and balance of shapes, colors and flavors. Italy itself is a way of life and an endless source of inspiration. Placing a particular focus on Sicily, this Italian Culture course is an opportunity to learn more about beauty, and above all, it represents an opportunity for students to experience first-hand an authentic and profound way of life while they widen their cultural scope and intellectual understanding on how the intertwining of ancient cultures can still shape the essence of Italy as a modern country within a globalized world.

Credit: Six hours of undergraduate credit are granted by the University of South Carolina. This course can be used towards major (e.g. International Business or Global Studies), minor and general requirements. It also satisfies the experiential learning requirement.

Faculty: Dr. Angela Tumini, a faculty member from the University of South Carolina, will teach the course and will be in residence, and she will oversee the program and participants' general well-being.

INSTRUCTIONAL FORMAT: Class will meet every day, Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm with 15-minute coffee breaks in between. Meetings will be focused on learning Italian. Sight visits will be conducted during afternoons and weekends.

Requirements for Admission: 1. Students must have had one semester of Italian instruction. 2. All students must be at least 18 years of age. They do not necessarily have to be enrolled at UofSC, but must pay UofSC tuition for three credit hours.

Out of Class Activities: Interviews with local business owners Exploring traditional Sicilian cuisine and the influence by Arabic food Learning about the tradition of Sicilian ice-cream Learning about Sicilian ceramics Exploring Palermo’s way of life Exploring the famous fresh food market of Palermo

List of Sight Visits: General Tour of Palermo Mosaics of Palermo Palermo’s Folklore – “Il Festino” Taormina Siracusa & Greek Theatre Ragusa Ibla and Noto Trip to Mount Etna Trips to Locations of Screened Movies Agrigento: The Valley of Temples