Course Selection Guide

Explore a variety of materials, techniques, and artistic styles. Perfect course to build a strong foundation in visual arts while developing personal style and understanding of artistic expression. Experiential Learning activities may include visits to local museums and gardens to create your own versions of existing works of art such as paintings, sculptures, and other architectural elements.

Draw on location within the city of Florence at sites of historical interest, from architectural masterpieces, to landscape vistas and medieval streets, to elegant gardens, street markets and Renaissance fountains.. Experiential Learning: Visit local sites such as the Duomo for in-person inspiration to hone your drawing techniques with its rich details. Note: this is a walking-intensive class, and consists of 3 hours of class time + 3 hours of studio time per week

Explore some of the world’s most iconic and mysterious artworks—from ancient underground churches to Renaissance masterpieces. Along the way, we’ll uncover how art reflects the values, beliefs, power structures, and daily lives of different cultures. From timeless classics at the Uffizi Gallery to architectural marvels, you’ll be immersed in a world of artistic brilliance.

Examine the achievements of pioneering Renaissance artist/scientist figures including Filippo Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci, and Galileo Galilei, and discover the interplay between artistic vision and scientific discovery. Experiential Learning visits to multiple artistic sites such as the Duomo, San Lorenzo, Santa Croce, Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti. Note: this is a highly experiential and walking-intensive class.

Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 1110, or placement into MATH 1115.

Explore the principles of biological organization with an emphasis on cell structure and function. Use a variety of formats to communicate biological concepts and gain foundational laboratory skills from weekly required labs designed for the practical application of class content. Ideal for students interested in pursuing STEM majors. Experiential Learning visits may include delving into the early history of medicine at the Florence Botanical Gardens, and facing the power of bacteria at the Museum of the History of the Black Death.

Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 1110 or placement into MATH 1115

First half of a one-year course sequence in General Chemistry intended for science and engineering students. This course provides a brief overview of chemistry fundamentals including measurement, atomic structure, compounds and chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, quantum chemistry, electronic structure, bonding theory and molecular structure. Experiential Learning: Labs are held at the Verto Center, or off-site in the city of Florence visiting sites such as the original Florentine coin mint, or the leading light in art restoration: the semi-precious stones lab at the Florence Cathedral.

Build real-world skills by learning to present ideas, navigate conflicts, and make your voice heard across multiple platforms. You’ll learn to master the art of communication in every setting—from group discussions to social media! This dynamic course explores the power of words, body language, culture, and active listening to help you connect, lead, and inspire.

Explore how individuals and businesses make decisions in a world of scarcity, with a focus on markets, resource allocation, and income distribution. You will learn to apply microeconomic principles—like supply and demand, elasticity, and utility—to real-world problems, and develop skills in problem-solving and policy analysis.

Learn the essentials of academic writing for university and professional success. Explore thought-provoking texts, sharpen your research and argumentation skills, and craft polished pieces. Experiential learning visit to historic literary cafés of Florence. These iconic cafés have long served as meeting places for writers, artists, and intellectuals, offering inspiration through their atmosphere, history, and connection to Florentine culture.

Journey through the rise and evolution of global civilizations from the 16th to 20th century, uncovering the cultural shifts, conflicts, and connections that shaped our modern world.

Examine post-WWII global developments such as the Cold War, decolonization, the Arab-Israeli conflict, global economies, and the war on terror. Explore how political, social, and economic changes shaped the modern world, analyzing shifting international relationships using primary and secondary sources and global data. Experiential Learning activity may include locating and observing selected war monuments throughout the city center from Italy’s local and contemporary eras.

Acquire Italian language and culture through speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Practice through communicative role-play, group work activities and real-life applications of the language in everyday situations. Experiential learning activities may include role play scenarios to practice language, visits to local markets/drugstores to practice communication in everyday settings, and language exchanges.

Get ready for a fresh approach to mathematics, focusing on logic, patterns, and problem solving. Through real-world applications, you develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the structure and creativity of mathematical thought.

Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 1110 with a "C" or higher or placement into MATH 1115

Prepare for success in calculus by exploring the properties of key transcendental functions — exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric. Strengthen your mathematical reasoning and deepen your understanding of the functions that form the backbone of calculus.

Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 1115 with a "C" or higher or placement into MATH 1117

Build a strong foundation in limits, derivatives, and integrals while exploring both the theory and real-world applications of calculus. Focus on problems from engineering and the physical sciences as you sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Experiential Learning visits may include sites related to the history of science such as the Planetarium.

Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 1117 with a "C" or higher or placement into MATH 1118

Topics include fundamental theorem of calculus, methods of integration, applications of the integral, improper integrals, infinite series, and introduction to differential equations. Experiential Learning visits may include sites related to the history of science such as the Planetarium.

Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 1104 or placement into MATH 1108 or MATH 1110

Gain practical skills in statistics using R and Excel as you explore core concepts like probability, distributions, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Work with real-world data to summarize, interpret, and communicate your findings with confidence and clarity. Experiential Learning visit to the Museum of Illusions.

Be inspired by local yet universal thought leaders such as Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei as you experience the birth of the new vision of man and the universe. Become a better reader, listener, and debater as you discover new ideas and theories. Experiential Learning visits may include the Room of the Elements in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s ancient city hall

How shall one live? Critical examination of answers proposed by classic and modern philosophers of the major world traditions.

Prerequisites: Completion of MATH 1104 or placment into MATH 1107

From stargazing basics and Newton’s laws to black holes, galaxies, and the birth of stars, you'll explore the physical forces shaping everything from our solar system to the edge of the observable universe. Discover how we know what’s out there—and what might be waiting beyond.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of international politics as you explore the intricacies of power dynamics across nations, right here in the vibrant city of Florence. This course delves into the heart of political science, examining different approaches to governance and the factors that shape political landscapes worldwide through hands-on experiences and engaging discussions.

Delve into the key forces and structures shaping the modern world, from foreign policy decision-making to the impact of decolonization. Explore the growing interdependence of developed and developing nations through International Relations theories and post-WWII economic and political developments. Experiential Learning visits may include Honorary Consulates of other countries located within Florence.

Gain insight into the diverse fields of psychology and its real-world applications. You’ll examine key concepts such as learning, development, biological influences on behavior, and psychological disorders. Coursework will engage in up-to-date research topics, ethical discussions, and exploration of topics like cognition and personality.

This course introduces the field of public health and its core domains to students interested in managing the health of populations, governmental health administration, and public policy. This course introduces and distinguishes public health thinking from traditional clinical approaches and explores biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral health and health education, health services administration and management, and environmental health.

Define what success means to you—academically, personally, and professionally—as you reflect on your goals and build practical skills. Strengthen your confidence, develop resilience, and gain a clearer sense of purpose to guide you through your college journey. Experiential Learning: public speaking workshop or coaching session

Prerequisites: Cannot take in the same semester as SOCI 1114

Explore the world of sociology and connect theories and concepts to your life and the social structures around you. Engage in discussions, talk to guest speakers, and explore everything from social behavior and group dynamics to the influence of institutions like family, politics, and education, all while developing your own sociological imagination.