CHOOSE YOUR COURSES!
The BUILD-YOUR-SEMESTER program is open to all students and allows for maximum flexibility when choosing courses at the Institute. Students may freely choose from the curricular offerings and must enroll in a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 17 credits per semester and include one course in the Italian language. Students with advanced proficiency may alternatively choose an elective course taught in Italian.
For students who are uncertain of their proficiency in Italian, select the course that you feel is suitable for your course selection form. The Institute offers Italian at all levels from beginner to advance. Upon arrival, ISI Florence Italian faculty will administer a placement exam to ensure that you are in the appropriate level.
Once the appropriate Italian course is selected, students may choose freely from the wide variety of elective courses available. See our COURSES OFFERED pages for an up-to-date list.
Sample Curriculum
A typical semester for a General Studies student may look as follows:
- ITAL XXX The Florence Experience – 4 credits (required)
- Elective One – 3 credits (required)
- Elective Two – 3 credits (required)
- Elective Three – 3 credits (required)
- Elective Four – 3 credits (optional)
Maximum Total: 16 credits
Independent Research
For students pursuing an area of study that is not offered in our curriculum, ISI Florence has created the option of choosing an Independent Research course (3-6 credits). The Independent Research course is a student-centered learning experience that provides a deeper academic understanding of a specific topic. The course engages students in advanced research based on their interests with the support of a faculty mentor. As such, it is ideal for those who have previously studied a particular topic and would like to explore a more focalized aspect through individual research. For a modest additional fee, a unique independent study course in your chosen subject can be added to your course load. Contact us to discuss independent research options.
Curricular Concentrations
Students may design a program centered on a particular field of research by creating a thematic study plan. If interested in this option, students should consult their advisors at their home institutions to develop a customized curricular concentration in line with their unique needs and interests. Presented here are a variety of curricular concentrations with a list of courses that would be appropriate to each.
Art History Concentration
The Art of Florence: Exploring Visual Culture
Architecture in Italy: History and Preservation
History of Italian Design
Special Topics in Art History: Leonardo
Special Topics in Art History: Michelangelo
Special Topics: The Villa and The Garden
Food Studies & Sustainability Concentration
The History & Culture of Food: A Comparative Analysis
Historical Foundations of Sustainable Food Systems: A Florence Experience
The Business of Sustainable Food Supply Chains in Italy
Social Media, Social Food
History Concentration
History and Politics of Modern Italy: The Twentieth Century
The History & Culture of Food: A Comparative Analysis
Florence: The Story of The City
Ancient Rome: Civilization and Legacy
The European Union
Sports History and Culture
Italy and the Jews- History and Culture from the Renaissance to the Present
Italian Studies Concentration
Identity and Culture in Italy: A Comparative Approach
Family Business in Italy
History and Politics of Modern Italy
Florence: The Story of The City
Readings in Italian Literature: A Journey into Italian Theater
The Art of Florence: Exploring Visual Culture
Special Topics in Art History: Leonardo
Special Topics in Art History: Michelangelo
Special Topics: The Villa and the Garden
Studio Arts Concentration
Drawing: The Human Figure
Introduction to Photography: Portfolio of Florence
Beginning Oil Painting: Imagery of Florence
Florence: The Story of The City
Readings in Italian Literature: A Journey into Italian Theater
The Art of Buon Fresco
Independent Study in Studio Arts
Create your Own
Review the course offerings each semester with your academic advisor to:
a) ensure the smooth transfer of qualifying credits for your degree
b) develop a specialized plan of study that inspires and engages you
c) strategically choose courses that match your particular focus.
