January in Florence, Italy

3 semester credits. In the field of architectural design, the thought process and the method of expression are equally important. In this course, students will learn to communicate their design ideas through the use of instrumental and freehand drawings. The goal is to provide students with the tools and vocabulary to analyze, interpret, and discuss the built environment from environmental, social, historical, perceptual and technical aspects. Lectures based on the readings and assignments will introduce students to the elements of architecture from aesthetic, structural, functional and historical perspectives. The course will cover the production of orthographic, multiview, isometric, oblique, and perspective drawings. In addition, this class promotes hands-on experience: through the free exploration of the city, students will have the opportunity to create sketches and understand their architectural inclinations. Having acquired the basic vocabulary and practiced the primary elements, students will begin translating architectural ideas into images, and will later be able to apply their knowledge to all branches – e.g., house design, garden design, interior design, urban planning, landscape architecture, set design, and historic preservation.

3 semester credits. This course explores the principal architects and artists, monuments, and themes from the 1300s up to the 1500s in Italian art and architecture. Course topics include lectures and are supported by site visits in the city of Florence. A key emphasis will be on Renaissance architecture in Florence, and architectural developments in other Italian towns will also be analyzed. Special topics will include architectural theory, Medici and papal patronage, urban planning, and church and palace design. Architects such as Brunelleschi, Michelozzo, Alberti, and Michelangelo will provide important points of reflection and study while visiting a curated selection of Renaissance buildings and urban spaces in Florence. Prerequisites: One lower-level History, Art History, History of Architecture course, or equivalent.

3 semester credits. The course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks and visits. Embracing the city as an unrestricted classroom, the course unveils artworks, parks, streets, and spaces such as workshops and laboratories that keep the earliest Florentine traditions alive. These traditions include carpentry, music, marble carving, papermaking, and gastronomy. Furthermore, walks and visits will investigate the changing aspects of the city from an architectural and socio-ethnic point of view. Course sessions start in the city center and transition to the areas beyond the ancient walls. This progression allows students to visualize, assess, and comprehend hidden spatial narratives of Florence from the well-known to less-frequented areas. As a result, students discover the significance of the city in its entirety, explore the relationship between the Florentine community and the arts, and develop a new way of “city-gazing” that generates knowledge through walking.

3 semester credits. Italian destination cities immediately conjure up images of the art, food, fashion, wine, and culture in which their fame lies: fashion shows and La Scala in Milan, Renaissance art in Florence, Brunello wine in Montalcino, the Biennale and Carnevale in Venice. This course will explore how creative advertising strategies have been produced and implemented, their effect on city branding, and the proliferation of creative areas in destination cities. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of media planning and buying, including target audience identification, media strategy development, and evaluation of media options. Case studies of both well-established metropolises and developing destinations will be examined to provide practical insights into successful advertising campaigns.

3 semester credits. In this course, students will work on pottery and/or ceramic sculpture projects. During the first portion of the course, emphasis will be on different clay hand-building techniques. The second portion, students will progress to a variety of surface decoration techniques and different methods of firing and coloring. Lecture content will provide students essential information about the nature of clay and glazes and the history of Mediterranean ceramics. Students will be introduced to local Tuscan artisan traditions and the work of contemporary ceramic artists during field learning activities.

3 semester credits. Using specific exercises and readings students will confront/tackle daily problems of “making art.” Observations are drawn from personal experiences that relate more to the need of the “artist”. Students will be engaged in the production and critique of images. There will be discussions and readings for each class. Both will help the student to describe, interpret, evaluate, and to synthesize technical information in order to correlate theory with practice. The coursework is a preparation for the Solo Exhibit and Publication of Solo Work course. Exercises and assignments will culminate into a final project. This course that requires students to thoughtfully examine their work and strive to refine an artistic vision, vocabulary, and voice This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Advanced Digital Photography or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course addresses the new professional shopper profile by examining both the customer-oriented features of the industry as well as the general business principles of the fashion industry. Topics analyze the profession of the personal shopper, understanding the nature of services provided, as well as the strategies advised to clients from wardrobe analysis and purchasing. During the course, students will discuss fashion both in relationship to fashion history and international trends as well as communication and protocol for special occasions such as events. The final part of the class will include career guidance and marketing and promotion principles to build a customer base.

3 semester credits. This course teaches students how to create and develop fashion collections for diverse markets by using appropriate research techniques, project development methods, sketching and rendering techniques. Collections will be structured and organized in a professional manner from customer research and trend forecasting to the creation of mood boards and the selection of materials and colors. Throughout the course students will be invited to develop and test communication skills in order to learn how to assertively communicate collections values. The ultimate goal of the course is to design, create, and prototype a final collection. Studies of fashion designers and design studios will stimulate the student’s creativity and are an essential part of the course. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Fashion Design Major Junior Standing or equivalent skills in sketching, sewing, and patternmaking.

3 semester credits. This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers.

3 semester credits. This course is designed to take full advantage of the student’s unique experiences living and studying in the city of Florence. With on-site inspiration channeled into artistic creativity, students will draw on location at sites of historical significance and visual interest, ranging from architectural masterpieces, landscape vistas, and medieval streets to formal gardens, street markets, and Renaissance fountains. Course topics will document the rich history of how Florence and its environs have attracted and inspired visiting artists over the centuries. Students will develop individual sketchbooks with the aim of building up source material for future projects. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course examines the city of Florence with themed walks offering a comprehensive approach to the city as an open-air cultural, historical, and artistic research site from its Roman foundation to its contemporary Zeitgeist. Students will learn the history of the city through its art: they will understand how buildings, streets, squares, and monuments can be mapped as living traces of multiple, overlapping layers of a complex past, and how to encode them in their personal appropriation of the city. Starting from learning how to decode the artistic environment of the city and to unveil its traces – both visible and invisible – the course aims at understanding the main social and cultural reasons underlying the existing shape of the city. The course explores traces and evidences from Roman times through Middle Ages, Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque, up to Art Nouveau and contemporary Florence. Students will be provided with a consistent theoretical background related to relevant historic-artistic landmarks and their social and cultural context and main characters (Guelphs vs. Ghibellines, the Florentine Guilds, Dante, the Medici family, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Ammannati, Pontormo, etc.). Students will be encouraged to develop their own experiential tools and strategies to approach the city through guided field learning activities that assess research, on-site involvement, and academic outcome for each themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course teaches beginning students the fundamental principles and techniques of black and white drawing with a focus on the media of pencil and charcoal. Through an in-depth exploration of the art form of still life, students will learn the skills for rendering a three dimensional subject on a two-dimensional surface. Value, line and proportions will be studied as a means of determining space, shape, volume and composition. Practical demonstrations and guided practice will alternate with lectures which provide students with the background and history of drawing done by great masters of the past and present. Students will be encouraged to rethink the way they see and observe a subject, to develop their own sense of creativity and artistic expression. During the course students are required to create a digital portfolio of their work.

3 semester credits. This course teaches beginning students the fundamental principles and techniques of painting with a focus on introductory painting techniques based on the so called dry and wet techniques such as colored pencils, markers, chalk, pastels, and acrylic paints, as well as the exploration of figurative subjects such as still life. Students will learn the build-up of form, tone, and color, shading and highlighting on a two-dimensional surface, using the principles of perspective and drawing to portray a convincing pictorial space. Emphasis will be given to the theories of colors, forms, and composition. Practical demonstrations will alternate with lectures.

3 semester credits. This course introduces students to all aspects related to the operations and management of an art gallery and its exhibited content. Students will be involved in curating and promoting art shows and art-related events through community and on-campus exhibitions. Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda.

3 semester credits. This course is dedicated to accessory design. Students will be exposed to a variety of design materials. Emphasis will be placed on three-dimensional sketching and on creative detail design for footwear, handbags, small leather goods, gloves, and belts. The course includes an historical overview of personal accessories from ancient Egypt to the present, allowing the evaluation of different materials and styles. During this course students will also receive basic guidelines on hand sewing techniques, on the use of patterns for simple leather accessories, and an overview of materials. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. This course examines the managerial role in the arts and the related competency required to bring artistic and cultural programs such as exhibitions, festivals, film screenings, and performing arts events to audiences. Course topics cover the business side of the arts, providing students with an overview of the careers in arts management and the current issues and trends affecting professionals in the field. Topics covered include the evolution of the field, the internal culture and structure, external influences, governance, planning, human resources, marketing, fundraising, financial management, economic impact, and other topics such as non-profit organizations in the arts. Students will be introduced to a wide range of organizations, administrative figures, and institutional models through coursework that also includes site visits and guest lectures.

3 semester credits. This course introduces contemporary technologies for producing photographic images. Approaching the medium in its current complex and pluralistic state, students explore a variety of photographic concepts and techniques. The fundamentals of using a digital camera including manual exposure and lighting are stressed. The course also introduces seeing, thinking, and creating with a critical mind and eye in a foreign environment (Italy) to provide understanding of the construction and manipulation of photographic form and meaning. During the first half of the course assignments, lectures, readings progressively build on each other to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of camera functions (manual mode) and processing techniques. The second half of the course will focus on weaving the techniques with specific photographic concepts via assignments. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode.

3 semester credits. This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the ‘brand’ in today’s consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and ‘experience shopping’ – visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).

3 semester credits. This course involves theoretical and practical aspects related to film photography. In addition to lectures, coursework will take place both outdoors in the city of Florence and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose film, and the basic principles of black and white photography and composition. In addition, students will be given a broad overview of the history of photography. Students will work on two projects and a final portfolio.

3 semester credits. Through a series of walks and visits through art and design this course intends to show famous and hidden fashion paths in Florence. A journey through time and space to discover the place that marked the birth of Italian fashion and opened the doors to Made in Italy. Back in 1954 Florence was the star of the fashion system, anticipating trends and steeling the exclusive scene from Paris. Italy embraced the “new” in fashion through the talent and genius of Giovanni Battista Giorgini, who staged the first ever Italian fashion shows in Florence. Students will discover a city of exquisite taste, tradition and artistic craftsmanship. Starting from the location of the first Italian cat walk held in the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti, they will learn how to map the fashion environment of the city. From Renaissance to modern day inspiration, fashion is kept alive in the products that were designed here and that grace the beautiful city today. Designers, such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Stefano Ricci, Ermanno Scervino, and Roberto Cavalli, have all developed and changed through the years and they have all surely blossomed here in Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each fashion themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course delves into contemporary photographic practices and technologies. By examining the multi-layered nature of photography today, students will develop a strong foundation in both technical and conceptual aspects of the medium. Core camera skills, including manual exposure and working with available light, are emphasized alongside critical thinking and visual literacy. The course also integrates writing exercises to enhance students’ ability to articulate their visual ideas, analyze the work of others, and engage in critical discourse. The first part of the course focuses on building technical camera proficiency through hands-on practice, lectures, and readings. Students will learn camera functions and image processing techniques. In the second half, these skills will be applied to explore diverse photographic concepts and approaches, towards a culminating project, Tiny Florence, challenges students to create images of the city and fostering creative intimate expression and public engagement. Through writing, students will develop their ability to connect their technical skills with their conceptual understanding and develop a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to photography. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period, assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.

3 semester credits. Italian destination cities immediately conjure up images of the art, food, fashion, wine, and culture in which their fame lies: fashion shows and La Scala in Milan, Renaissance art in Florence, Brunello wine in Montalcino, the Biennale and Carnevale in Venice. This course will explore how creative advertising strategies have been produced and implemented, their effect on city branding, and the proliferation of creative areas in destination cities. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of media planning and buying, including target audience identification, media strategy development, and evaluation of media options. Case studies of both well-established metropolises and developing destinations will be examined to provide practical insights into successful advertising campaigns.

3 semester credits. This course provides students with fundamental working knowledge of the traditional methods of production for cookies and basic petit fours.
 The course will explore the preparation and design of cookies and mignardises ranging from Italian traditional cookies and biscuits to international specialties. 
Topics covered include mixing and make-up methods as well as shaping, baking, filling, finishing and storing. The course will also provide an introduction to petit fours production, with a focus on the description and service of petit fours and basic production techniques. Upon completion of the course students will be confident in choosing the most appropriate cookie for each occasion. Prerequisites: Baking Techniques I or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course provides an introduction to the theory, methods, and challenges of corporate finance. The main focus is on financing decisions and investment. The following topics are addressed: risk and return, asset markets and market efficiency, valuation, capital structure, capital budgeting, dividend policy, and derivative securities. Some consideration will also be given to financial management issues that multinational firms face, with an emphasis on the effects of currency denomination on financial decisions.

3 semester credits. Creating original and innovative recipes is one of the main goals of a professional pastry chef. New recipes need to meet the market needs and pastry chefs must be able to understand trends as well as develop a personal style.
The aim of this course is to provide students with the instruments to develop new and innovative recipes.
Creativity is not only a matter of new ideas: new recipes need knowledge of the basic ingredients and how they can be combined, besides the standard classic applications. Students will approach the basics of food pairing, a branch of culinary science used by most professionals today in order to broaden the possible flavors combinations. This course provides students with a solid knowledge of the chemistry behind single preparations, whether traditional or contemporary. Through the lectures students will be guided into a new perspective of ingredients and their interaction.
 This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. 
 Prerequisites: Master Italian Pastry Arts II or equivalent.

3 semester credits. The aim of the course is to give students the fundamentals of dessert presentation. Starting from fruit cutting skills, students will experience a variety of decoration techniques to be applied to mignons, single portion and tortes. Glazes and gelees, buttercream, whipped cream, icings, chocolate and caramel decorations will be explained and then practiced to gain confidence with the related techniques. Students will experience both classic and contemporary decoration methods, ranging from piping skills to the application of dedicated equipment for royal-icing writing. By the end of the course students will be able to execute the most common decorating and styling techniques and develop their own personal decoration style. Prerequisites: Baking Techniques I or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This intermediate course examines the various logistic and production elements vital to the planning and success of events. During this course, students will receive an overview of the required equipment needed to execute events. They will learn how to manage time and will be introduced to the principles behind planning, organizing, and implementing programs. The operational functions and main tasks of an event will be examined and the essential phases of negotiation and drafting of contracts will be analyzed. During the course students will gain first-hand experience by participating in a variety of events organized on campus. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. This course addresses the procedures involved in managing a fashion retail enterprise and the decision-making inherent in successful merchandising for smaller-scale stores. Knowledge will be acquired through lab practice gained by running a real enterprise in which students and professionals exchange their knowledge and propose successful solutions to be applied. Coursework includes site visits to well-known Italian luxury brands in Florence such as Ferragamo, Gucci, and Cavalli (companies may change according to availability), and special guest lectures from local prominent emerging designers.

3 semester credits. The front of house area of any restaurant should be carefully planned in order to balance ambiance with function. Restaurant seating, wait stations, and waiting areas are just a few of the areas to consider when planning a restaurant dining room. The course focuses on all aspects that characterize the front of the house experience. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the front of the house to properly reflect the restaurant concept and the necessity of planning front of the house spaces for efficiency. Furthermore, the course considers the pivotal role of excellent customer service and the training methods of front of the house staff.

3 semester credits. This course examines two critical areas of hospitality management such as management operations and front office procedures. In the first part of the course, students will examine the industry from a managerial perspective by covering the business procedures, accounting controls, legal issues, and policies. Such topics are necessary in order to effectively manage hospitality structures such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, and clubs. The second half of the course focuses on front office procedures from business flow to reservation processes, revenue management, accounting, internal control, night audit, and computer systems for guest management. Housekeeping operations, guest accounts, room management, and other services will also be studied from a service-oriented perspective.

3 semester credits. This course further develops the main principles of marketing by exploring the strategic implications of marketing in different countries and cultures and identifying specific marketing techniques and the modifications necessary to accommodate cultural differences. Topics include global marketing, marketing planning, segmentation, culture and business customs, political and legal factors and restraints, economic and technological development, and the international monetary system. Prerequisites: Introduction to Marketing or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course examines the managerial role in the arts and the related competency required to bring artistic and cultural programs such as exhibitions, festivals, film screenings, and performing arts events to audiences. Course topics cover the business side of the arts, providing students with an overview of the careers in arts management and the current issues and trends affecting professionals in the field. Topics covered include the evolution of the field, the internal culture and structure, external influences, governance, planning, human resources, marketing, fundraising, financial management, economic impact, and other topics such as non-profit organizations in the arts. Students will be introduced to a wide range of organizations, administrative figures, and institutional models through coursework that also includes site visits and guest lectures.

3 semester credits. This course provides an introduction to the main principles of banking activities as well as fundamentals of financial institutions. Students will gain an understanding of the structure of the banking industry. Theoretical issues related to the modern banking business will be analyzed alongside the management of liquidity and capital. Other topics include the understanding of the bank balance sheet and the role of the central bank, banking systems in different countries, and the corporate governance and organizational arrangements in banking. The course will address the importance of ethics in the sector and the importance of a professional and effective management. As the differences in managing and structuring bank activities throughout the world are considered, the EU banking system and organization will be especially examined and analyzed.

3 semester credits. This course is an introduction to the concept of business strategy in both internal and international contexts. Covered topics include economic and market analysis, market entry, contracting with intermediaries, investment, strategic alliances, and internal organization of businesses. Students will be expected to simulate individual strategies based on case studies.

3 semester credits. This course is designed as an introduction to the study of economics. Students develop an understanding of economic institutions, history, and principles. Topics include basic tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics deals with consumers, firms, markets, and income distribution. Macroeconomics deals with national income, employment, inflation, and money. Models that determine long-term growth and short-term fluctuations in national economies will be explored. Additional discussion will focus on the role of government regulation, monetary policy, and fiscal policy. Also, students will analyze major economic institutions, such as property rights, markets, business organizations, labor unions, money and banking, trade, and taxation.

3 semester credits. This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the ‘brand’ in today’s consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and ‘experience shopping’ – visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).

3 semester credits. This introductory course provides an overview of management functions and managerial problem-solving strategies. Students will be instructed in the areas such as the qualities of successful managers, elements of strategic decision-making at various levels of an organization, global business issues, goal-setting processes, and basic business controls. This course also teaches the fundamental principles of management built on human relations in order to manage and lead people effectively, resolve conflicts, and build productive teams.

3 semester credits. This course introduces students to the role of marketing within a business context. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, readings and simulations, students will address analytical marketing concepts and techniques developed from economics, psychology, statistics, and finance in order to plan and develop products and services to satisfy the needs of target customers. Topics include product planning, pricing, promotion, advertising, distribution policies, targeting, and market research techniques.

3 semester credits. This course offers an overview on traditional Italian ingredients, prepared goods, dairy products, and Italian specialties. The course explores fresh, prepared, and preserved foods and focuses on the products that represent an important cultural background for traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Special attention will be put into the analysis of the Slow Food movement and how it helped (and helps) to preserve the gastronomical heritage that made Italy become a landmark for quality food. Students will also learn to evaluate products for taste, texture, smell, appearance, and other quality attributes. Lectures will be also dedicated to the knowledge of distinctive liqueurs and wines. Field learning and practical experience will offer a wide panorama on both famous and niche products deeply rooted in Italian history. Prerequisites: Open to food and wine studies, hospitality, nutrition and dietetics, and health majors.

3 semester credits. Starting from the previously acquired knowledge of macro and micro nutrients, this course will provide students with the tools to analyze and develop a wide variety of nutritionally balanced meals on a seasonal basis.
Students will learn the fundamentals of metabolism and digestion and apply previously acquired cooking methods in order to preserve nutrients, and the possible applications of a wide variety of ingredients to create satisfying dishes while still respecting nutritional concepts.
Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of special dietary requirements either depending on dietary special needs or ethical choices. Raw foodism, vegetarian and vegan diet as well as the possible alternatives to guarantee a balanced nutrient intake will be thoroughly covered. The course will give students the tools to design meals on a seasonal basis following the principles of healthy cooking. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Three semesters of culinary arts or dietetics/nutrition coursework and Cooking Light: Contemporary Techniques for Health Living, or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course presents an exploration of food and wine pairing. The topic goes beyond a classic approach to pairing by demystifying the terminology and the methodology of matching wine and food. Whether preparing a meal at home or ordering at a restaurant, students gain an enhanced knowledge of pairing that can create a harmony and synergy between wine and food, which ultimately leads to a sublime connection of the mind, mouth, memories, and experiences. Particular focus will be given to the Italian cultural approach through wine tastings from the major wine areas paired with classic Italian recipes.

3 semester credits. This course is a study of bakery operations and management as practiced in a pastry shop environment. Studies focus on the various pastry shop components and front/back of the house areas. Front of the house emphasizes customer service, space management and maintenance, retail display, client relations, and ordering strategies. An introductory approach to the back of the house is considered in terms of equipment handling, supplies, production types, yields, formula conversions, dessert menu planning, and the handling of special requests and events. Safety and sanitation are examined for proper practice and application in the pastry shop. Students will gain familiarity with dessert categories and how they are positioned within the baking industry. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. Pastry art competitions are fundamental milestones in the career of a professional pastry chef. Chocolate sculpture competitions are by far the most challenging field where artistic abilities and technical skills play a major role. This course offers students the knowledge needed to join the world of international chocolate competitions by covering the entire process of competition sculpture from design to creation. The international evaluation standards will be analyzed and will be the starting point of the creative plan developed by students to present in competition: dimension and proportion, applied color percentage, balance of the various elements, sugar decorations application, cleanliness of the work, theme recognizability, and more. Students will learn how to produce their own resin, plaster and PVC molds, while all other operations will be rigorously hand-made. Special emphasis will be placed on a variety of different techniques such as carving, hand-modeling, hydro-free butter application, and piping-painting. Students will learn the guidelines for the choice of suitable colors to be applied in relation to a specific theme. The course will include also the application of basic geometry and physics principles in order to guarantee the balance and stability of the sculpture. Prerequisites: Advanced Chocolate Artistry or equivalent.

3 semester credits. The aim of this course is to provide students with an advanced knowledge of real estate management. Students will learn how to conduct a financial analysis on the real estate sector. This course also focuses on real estate marketing management. Students will gain knowledge of financing and taxation, as well as mortgages and access to credit strategies. Prerequisites: Introduction to Management or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course examines the problems of the financial structures of restaurant management, in parallel with the objectives and techniques of the individual owner. The planning and decision-making tools available to managers in an organization and comparison between single or partnership managements will be discussed. Personnel organization and food preparation plans will be covered. The course is based on a double approach, combining theory and practice: students will be introduced to the basics of restaurant management and will be given the opportunity to discuss their ideas and questions with selected professionals who are successfully running their restaurant businesses in Florence. Extensive site visits to local restaurants be organized. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. This course focuses on the business and marketing aspects of the wine industry. Students will consider and analyze wine marketing including an introduction to communication theory, wine communication practices and trends, introduction to management and marketing theory, wine marketing strategies, and economics of the wine world industry.Course topics also cover distribution channels and sales strategies according to laws and regulations of each country, consumer demand and responsible drinking issues. Students will be able to identify the various career paths in the wine business according to their inclinations and personal skills.

3 semester credits. The course features a multifaceted approach that involves and engages students in the investigation of the Florentine tradition of wine windows. Introducing these peculiar wine businesses under a cross-disciplinary lens structured around historical, socio-cultural, and financial filters, students gain a thorough and extensive knowledge of the aspects and features that lie beyond wine marketing and tourism and the social media trend of wine windows. The exploration of city center neighborhoods – where wine windows witness the centuries-old wine heritage of Florence – catalyzes the topics pursued in the course and allows students to gain an understanding of the socio-economic value of wine windows as a tangible expression of the Italian wine culture. The course entails an overview of fundamental concepts, related to the wine industry and deeply intertwined with the wine window phenomenon, such as financial resilience during global crises, brand image strategies, the impact and consequences of fast tourism on economic sustainability, and generational wine consumption habits. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the Course website platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course teaches students the basic writing skills necessary for news reporting. Students will perform several in-class writing assignments based on news leads. Topics will progress from short news items to longer stories with more complex issues and topics. Students will learn to gather facts through skillful interviewing techniques, practiced during role-playing exercises in class. Other topics include how to write under pressure for a deadline, develop and verify sources, and structure news stories to capture and retain the attention of the reader. Some exercises such as interviewing and fact gathering will be carried out in the field. Course projects and activities will contribute with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of AUF’s campus press Ingorda.

3 semester credits. This course introduces students to the strategic roles and functions of the Public Relations (PR) practitioner. Students evaluate the context in which PR is practiced, gain an understanding of the potential and practice of PR as a management function, and critically analyze the structure of PR management, its role, and techniques. In addition, students will be introduced to the rhetorical arguments that impact PR activities and will be made aware of the importance of professionalism and ethics in the practice of public relations.

3 semester credits. The first of a two-part series on magazine production, this course gives students a professional magazine production experience as an academic course. Students, under the supervision of faculty members, will curate every phase of production brainstorming, design, writing, photos, editing, layouts, production, and distribution of a professional lifestyle magazine produced by the institution. The magazine and its semiannual format will represent the student’s approach to living in Florence and topics such as the arts, gastronomy, travel, style, city scenes, etc. from a cutting edge perspective that seeks to challenge and go beyond the surface of a city. Course projects and activities will interact with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of FUA’s campus press Ingorda. This project requires additional hours outside of regularly scheduled class times. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. This course focuses on the business and marketing aspects of the wine industry. Students will consider and analyze wine marketing including an introduction to communication theory, wine communication practices and trends, introduction to management and marketing theory, wine marketing strategies, and economics of the wine world industry.Course topics also cover distribution channels and sales strategies according to laws and regulations of each country, consumer demand and responsible drinking issues. Students will be able to identify the various career paths in the wine business according to their inclinations and personal skills.

3 semester credits. Creating original and innovative recipes is one of the main goals of a professional pastry chef. New recipes need to meet the market needs and pastry chefs must be able to understand trends as well as develop a personal style.
The aim of this course is to provide students with the instruments to develop new and innovative recipes.
Creativity is not only a matter of new ideas: new recipes need knowledge of the basic ingredients and how they can be combined, besides the standard classic applications. Students will approach the basics of food pairing, a branch of culinary science used by most professionals today in order to broaden the possible flavors combinations. This course provides students with a solid knowledge of the chemistry behind single preparations, whether traditional or contemporary. Through the lectures students will be guided into a new perspective of ingredients and their interaction.
 This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. 
 Prerequisites: Master Italian Pastry Arts II or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course is targeted towards students with an interest in Italian food traditions, society, and culture. The main focus consists of what is generally defined as “made in Italy” culture and style in post-war Italy. Also covered are the relationships between Italian traditions, folklore and contemporary Italian society drawing from examples including festivals, food, tourism, and economy, and the influence of foreign civilizations. Students will be asked to regard the subject of food outside of the context of ingredients and the procedures used to create a dish; we will instead examine a large scale context in which food is either featured as a main component or an integral element in cultural situations. Thus the student is asked first and foremost to observe the presented material across an anthropologic lens that roves over the entire Italian peninsula. Lectures will be complemented by visits and tastings.

3 semester credits. The best way to get to know a city is to explore it by foot, wander its streets, gain confidence with its social life and surroundings, breathe in every corner of it, and be captured by the unique views, perfumes, and, especially in Italy, the food. Jean Brunhes wrote “To eat is to incorporate a territory” mainly because food, its ingredients, and the rituals connected to it, have represented the mirror of society since ancient times. This course offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself into Florentine gastronomy and cultural background through neighborhood walks and tastings, using the city as one of most beautiful classrooms. Walking will give students the opportunity to see things that they otherwise would never see and to taste what’s hidden in between the tourist food attractions. Going by foot means to stumble across areas of the city that are not always intended for tourists, maybe less fancy or famous, perhaps calmer and more beautiful, possibly with the best food ever tasted, along with neighborhood stories and curiosities to be discovered in tiny galleries or in hidden food and wine shops. Florence and its treasures are ready to be unveiled. Classes include tastings in gelaterie, gastronomie, enoteche, visits to food-related city spots, and suggestive walks in the secret Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each food and wine themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. The garden is a space traditionally associated with food cultivation and recreational activity, both are known to have an influence on wellbeing. This course explores a culture of wellness based on the fundamentals of horticulture therapy and the use plants and green spaces, as well as horticultural and culinary activities to promote wellbeing. Students will explore the traditions related to garden activities to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing for individuals and specific groups (i.e. the elderly, children, individuals with special needs) in a variety of settings. Adapting horticultural therapy in diverse site conditions from sowing to cultivation and the preparation of food products from the garden harvest will be a focus of this course. Course topics will include principles of horticulture, soils and soil cultivation, plant propagation, and harvesting, and the therapeutic potential of farm to table practices. Students will experience first-hand the restorative powers of green spaces through garden management and cooking labs to examine the benefits of the natural environment as a fundamental outcome of this course. This course includes an Experiential Learning Project with CEMI.

3 semester credits. Studies have shown that following the Mediterranean diet has many health benefits, especially when combined with exercise. This course includes lectures on various forms of physical and lifestyle activities and an overview of their respective health benefits. Lectures will also include visits to athletic centers within the local community and the nutritional aspects of the Mediterranean diet, and particularly the Italian culinary tradition. Food and wine tastings, and physical activity are integral components of the course and will result in the creation of a customized exercise and nutritional program by the student. This course also features a field learning component in relevant Italian locations to supplement and enrich academic topics.

3 semester credits. The continuous growth of nutritional awareness worldwide has brought nutrition to be one of the fundamental subjects in constant evolution during the last decades. This course provides students with basic nutrition concepts and focuses on the overview of the requirements and functions of protein, carbohydrates, lipids and the major vitamins and minerals that are determinants of health and diseases in human populations. Emphasis will be placed on the role of nutrition in growth and health through the life cycle and the role of diet in the development of chronic diseases and the maintenance of a good health status thanks to a balanced food consumption.
The course offers an overview of food policies, food education and an analysis of nowadays eating habits. Students will also learn the guidelines for the balancing of a vegetarian diet and understand how to read a food pyramid.

3 semester credits. Starting from the previously acquired knowledge of macro and micro nutrients, this course will provide students with the tools to analyze and develop a wide variety of nutritionally balanced meals on a seasonal basis.
Students will learn the fundamentals of metabolism and digestion and apply previously acquired cooking methods in order to preserve nutrients, and the possible applications of a wide variety of ingredients to create satisfying dishes while still respecting nutritional concepts.
Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of special dietary requirements either depending on dietary special needs or ethical choices. Raw foodism, vegetarian and vegan diet as well as the possible alternatives to guarantee a balanced nutrient intake will be thoroughly covered. The course will give students the tools to design meals on a seasonal basis following the principles of healthy cooking. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Three semesters of culinary arts or dietetics/nutrition coursework and Cooking Light: Contemporary Techniques for Health Living, or equivalent.

3 semester credits. Pastry art competitions are fundamental milestones in the career of a professional pastry chef. Chocolate sculpture competitions are by far the most challenging field where artistic abilities and technical skills play a major role. This course offers students the knowledge needed to join the world of international chocolate competitions by covering the entire process of competition sculpture from design to creation. The international evaluation standards will be analyzed and will be the starting point of the creative plan developed by students to present in competition: dimension and proportion, applied color percentage, balance of the various elements, sugar decorations application, cleanliness of the work, theme recognizability, and more. Students will learn how to produce their own resin, plaster and PVC molds, while all other operations will be rigorously hand-made. Special emphasis will be placed on a variety of different techniques such as carving, hand-modeling, hydro-free butter application, and piping-painting. Students will learn the guidelines for the choice of suitable colors to be applied in relation to a specific theme. The course will include also the application of basic geometry and physics principles in order to guarantee the balance and stability of the sculpture. Prerequisites: Advanced Chocolate Artistry or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course explores the principal architects and artists, monuments, and themes from the 1300s up to the 1500s in Italian art and architecture. Course topics include lectures and are supported by site visits in the city of Florence. A key emphasis will be on Renaissance architecture in Florence, and architectural developments in other Italian towns will also be analyzed. Special topics will include architectural theory, Medici and papal patronage, urban planning, and church and palace design. Architects such as Brunelleschi, Michelozzo, Alberti, and Michelangelo will provide important points of reflection and study while visiting a curated selection of Renaissance buildings and urban spaces in Florence. Prerequisites: One lower-level History, Art History, History of Architecture course, or equivalent.

3 semester credits. This course seeks to offer an overview of the Italian culture through the exploration of the city of Florence. Students will become familiar with the main Italian and Florentine cultural aspects through the observation of street names, studied as an intangible cultural heritage. In particular, students will learn about Italian social dynamics and traditions related to education, business, social life, healthcare, politics, religion, and sports. The course is held entirely outside as it makes use of the city as its learning environment. Students are therefore encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and develop a critical gaze. The course is further enriched by basic notions of Italian language, with exercises based on grammar, vocabulary, and communicative functions. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course is designed to take full advantage of the student’s unique experiences living and studying in the city of Florence. With on-site inspiration channeled into artistic creativity, students will draw on location at sites of historical significance and visual interest, ranging from architectural masterpieces, landscape vistas, and medieval streets to formal gardens, street markets, and Renaissance fountains. Course topics will document the rich history of how Florence and its environs have attracted and inspired visiting artists over the centuries. Students will develop individual sketchbooks with the aim of building up source material for future projects. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course examines the city of Florence with themed walks offering a comprehensive approach to the city as an open-air cultural, historical, and artistic research site from its Roman foundation to its contemporary Zeitgeist. Students will learn the history of the city through its art: they will understand how buildings, streets, squares, and monuments can be mapped as living traces of multiple, overlapping layers of a complex past, and how to encode them in their personal appropriation of the city. Starting from learning how to decode the artistic environment of the city and to unveil its traces – both visible and invisible – the course aims at understanding the main social and cultural reasons underlying the existing shape of the city. The course explores traces and evidences from Roman times through Middle Ages, Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque, up to Art Nouveau and contemporary Florence. Students will be provided with a consistent theoretical background related to relevant historic-artistic landmarks and their social and cultural context and main characters (Guelphs vs. Ghibellines, the Florentine Guilds, Dante, the Medici family, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, Ammannati, Pontormo, etc.). Students will be encouraged to develop their own experiential tools and strategies to approach the city through guided field learning activities that assess research, on-site involvement, and academic outcome for each themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course provides students with the writing skills necessary to produce various genres of writing, including: academic essays, literary analyses, and reflection journals. Students will reinforce critical thinking and cultural competence through the assessment of different texts and they will rely on peer review as a means to enhance their ability to integrate and deliver constructive feedback. The entire writing process will be explored systematically, and students will have the opportunity to bridge theory and practice by working on a variety of writing projects aimed at strengthening their ideas and voices.

3 semester credits. This course offers an innovative way to learn the Italian language and develop environmental consciousness while exploring Florence and its green urban areas. Through the study of the relationship between humans and nature, the human role in ecology, and the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, students will learn basic Italian vocabulary and usage in the form of experiential learning. The course aims to develop four basic Italian language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), while providing experiences and on-site lessons aimed at expanding the connection between individuals and the natural world and developing sustainable lifestyles. Each topic, excursion, and experience will be supported by a structured class of Italian language, providing a great opportunity to explore Florence, its parks, its people, and its traditions from a new perspective while learning and practicing the Italian language. This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students.

SLC (Studies with a Language Component) represents an engaging approach to learning that embraces a multi-disciplinary application of cultural education methods. This stimulating approach broadens students’ understanding of their studies and creates a link between their academic careers and the local cultural environment which surrounds them. Through SLC courses, students learn notions of Italian language and terminology as a bridge to better understand and appreciate Italy’s modern, multifaceted society. By being exposed to the Italian language, Students discover different elements of Italian communication and culture and learn the linguistic fundamentals that enable them to engage in simple, everyday conversation. While doing so, they examine the sociological and pedagogical aspects of Italy such as society, politics, education, family, geography, and the environment. SLC is a learning methodology that integrates theory with practice: students learn the culture and language of Italy in class, then experience what they have learned through interaction with the local communities within the city of Florence and its neighborhoods. Diverse student populations benefit from this educational approach.

The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the course site platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course explores the meaning of the term “Renaissance” when applied to the period of Italian history from circa 1350 to 1550. The subject will be approached from a variety of standpoints: social, political, economic, intellectual, scientific, and artistic. The focus will be on the concept of Italian Renaissance Humanism and on the relationship between art and society during this period. Lectures will be supplemented by a number of visits to key historical sites in Florence. Field activities and museum visits are an integral part of the course.

3 semester credits. This introductory art history course will take students through Italian and European art from the classical Greek and Roman periods up to and including the eighteenth century. Special emphasis will be given to Florentine and Italian art of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and to the “Golden Age” of the Renaissance. The course is aimed at students who have not taken a history of western art course before. Lectures will alternate with on-site teaching in Florence including architectural walking tours and visits to relevant museums, churches, and palaces.

3 semester credits. This course develops basic conversation, reading, and writing skills. Equal focus will be given to grammatical structures, vocabulary, and conversation skills. Students will develop a vocabulary that will enable them to engage in simple but useful everyday conversations, thus enhancing and supporting their Italian experience. Upon course conclusion, students will be able to express themselves in basic sentences, recognize gender and number in both nouns and adjectives, and begin approaching the Passato Prossimo. Emphasis will be given to the oral expression of practical vocabulary and newly acquired grammar structures. This level is for absolute beginner students who have never studied Italian before.

3 semester credits. Through a series of walks and visits through art and design this course intends to show famous and hidden fashion paths in Florence. A journey through time and space to discover the place that marked the birth of Italian fashion and opened the doors to Made in Italy. Back in 1954 Florence was the star of the fashion system, anticipating trends and steeling the exclusive scene from Paris. Italy embraced the “new” in fashion through the talent and genius of Giovanni Battista Giorgini, who staged the first ever Italian fashion shows in Florence. Students will discover a city of exquisite taste, tradition and artistic craftsmanship. Starting from the location of the first Italian cat walk held in the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti, they will learn how to map the fashion environment of the city. From Renaissance to modern day inspiration, fashion is kept alive in the products that were designed here and that grace the beautiful city today. Designers, such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Stefano Ricci, Ermanno Scervino, and Roberto Cavalli, have all developed and changed through the years and they have all surely blossomed here in Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each fashion themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. Italian destination cities immediately conjure up images of the art, food, fashion, wine, and culture in which their fame lies: fashion shows and La Scala in Milan, Renaissance art in Florence, Brunello wine in Montalcino, the Biennale and Carnevale in Venice. This course will explore how creative advertising strategies have been produced and implemented, their effect on city branding, and the proliferation of creative areas in destination cities. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of media planning and buying, including target audience identification, media strategy development, and evaluation of media options. Case studies of both well-established metropolises and developing destinations will be examined to provide practical insights into successful advertising campaigns.

3 semester credits. The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills.

3 semester credits. This course is targeted towards students with an interest in Italian food traditions, society, and culture. The main focus consists of what is generally defined as “made in Italy” culture and style in post-war Italy. Also covered are the relationships between Italian traditions, folklore and contemporary Italian society drawing from examples including festivals, food, tourism, and economy, and the influence of foreign civilizations. Students will be asked to regard the subject of food outside of the context of ingredients and the procedures used to create a dish; we will instead examine a large scale context in which food is either featured as a main component or an integral element in cultural situations. Thus the student is asked first and foremost to observe the presented material across an anthropologic lens that roves over the entire Italian peninsula. Lectures will be complemented by visits and tastings.

3 semester credits. The best way to get to know a city is to explore it by foot, wander its streets, gain confidence with its social life and surroundings, breathe in every corner of it, and be captured by the unique views, perfumes, and, especially in Italy, the food. Jean Brunhes wrote “To eat is to incorporate a territory” mainly because food, its ingredients, and the rituals connected to it, have represented the mirror of society since ancient times. This course offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself into Florentine gastronomy and cultural background through neighborhood walks and tastings, using the city as one of most beautiful classrooms. Walking will give students the opportunity to see things that they otherwise would never see and to taste what’s hidden in between the tourist food attractions. Going by foot means to stumble across areas of the city that are not always intended for tourists, maybe less fancy or famous, perhaps calmer and more beautiful, possibly with the best food ever tasted, along with neighborhood stories and curiosities to be discovered in tiny galleries or in hidden food and wine shops. Florence and its treasures are ready to be unveiled. Classes include tastings in gelaterie, gastronomie, enoteche, visits to food-related city spots, and suggestive walks in the secret Florence. The course is intended to provide academic knowledge through guided field learning activities that include research, on-site involvement, and topic assessment for each food and wine themed walk in Florence. The classroom approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyFUA platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to the students’ academic and personal enrichment.

3 semester credits. This course offers an overview on traditional Italian ingredients, prepared goods, dairy products, and Italian specialties. The course explores fresh, prepared, and preserved foods and focuses on the products that represent an important cultural background for traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine. Special attention will be put into the analysis of the Slow Food movement and how it helped (and helps) to preserve the gastronomical heritage that made Italy become a landmark for quality food. Students will also learn to evaluate products for taste, texture, smell, appearance, and other quality attributes. Lectures will be also dedicated to the knowledge of distinctive liqueurs and wines. Field learning and practical experience will offer a wide panorama on both famous and niche products deeply rooted in Italian history. Prerequisites: Open to food and wine studies, hospitality, nutrition and dietetics, and health majors.