Torino Courses – 2024 Fall
Studying abroad can be a more meaningful and invigorating learning experience than at home—both inside and outside of the classroom. You may be more curious and alert than you usually are so use this heightened energy to enhance your studies as well as your cultural and geographical explorations. You may also encounter different teaching styles and course processes; be prepared to adapt and to learn.
Academics
Students may enroll in 12 to 18 credits per semester comprised of Italian language plus electives in business, international management, politics, and cultural studies. At least one Italian language course is required. Course availability is contingent upon student enrollment and is subject to change.
Click the course title to view course details, description, and availability.
Italian Language Studies (Both Semesters)
All students are required to spend the beginning of the fall and spring semesters taking an intensive six-week Italian language course, which allows for rapid acquisition of language and culture. Language courses generally have a maximum enrollment of 15 students each, but may vary by level. All language courses focus on the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The following courses are offered during the intensive period:
- FallItalian 100-level 4 credits Taught in ItalianSpringItalian 100-level 4 credits Taught in Italian
This course is designed to help learners of Italian develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes.
- FallItalian 200-level 3 credits Taught in ItalianSpringItalian 200-level 3 credits Taught in Italian
Students will learn to narrate in the main timeframes and use the subjunctive mood in the correct contexts. This course will focus on writing, familiarizing the student with the conventions of different types of written genres, such as descriptions, narrations in emails, blogs or journal articles, formal and informal letters, and expository academic essays.
Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level Italian, or equivalent
After the intensive period, semester students have the option to take one additional language course. You may choose from the following:
- FallItalian 100-level 4 credits Taught in ItalianSpringItalian 100-level 4 credits Taught in Italian
This course is designed to help learners of Italian develop basic communicative competence and critical thinking skills. It offers an intensive study and practice of the productive and receptive language skills in the oral and written modes. The main emphasis of this course is on communication
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Italian, or equivalent
- FallItalian 200-level 3 credits Taught in ItalianSpringItalian 200-level 3 credits Taught in Italian
Students will learn to narrate in the main timeframes and use the subjunctive mood in the correct contexts. This course will focus on writing, familiarizing the student with the conventions of different types of written genres, such as descriptions, narrations in emails, blogs or journal articles, formal and informal letters, and expository academic essays.
Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level Italian, or equivalent
Fall Semester
International Business, Politics, Architecture, and Italian Studies
- FallGeneral Business Law 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
Globalization offers our world new opportunities but challenges business, international trade, and people’s welfare in developing and developed countries. New rules are gradually being shaped to direct this worldwide process toward sustainable development and increasing the well-being of people; frequently, however, their practical impact is not as strong as envisaged. This course highlights these challenges, rules, and critical aspects. Students will predominantly discuss examples of ethical dilemmas, international laws, practical experiences, and cases.
- FallGeneral Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringGeneral Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course presents leadership, management and teamwork concepts/models that have emerged over the past years. It is conceived as a behavioral course, aiming to challenge students to apply these concepts/models through class exercises, simulations, role-plays, etc. in a dynamic and participative way.
Prerequisite: introductory course in business
- FallEconomics History Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringEconomics History Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The creation of the European Union will go down in history as one of the most remarkable achievements of the twentieth century. In less than two generations, Europeans fought two appalling wars among themselves, appreciated the dangers of nationalism and sat down to design a system that would make inconceivable that they would ever take up arms against each other again. A body of laws and treaties has been agreed and a set of institutions has been created that have altered the political, economic and social landscape of western Europe. The main objective of this class is to gain understanding on how European Union works and about what it means for the millions of people who live under its jurisdiction. Our goal is to provide students with fair understandings of concept of the European market integration within the present framework of globalization, trade liberalization and regionalism.
- FallSpeech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringSpeech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will explore the definitions, nature and manifestation of culture while examining their own values, traditions and beliefs.This course offers an introduction to the major issues related to intercultural communication. The course aims at providing students with an understanding of the intercultural communication process and to develop the skills necessary to analyze intercultural interactions, including evaluations of their own communicatory behaviour in intercultural settings.
- FallPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The concept of human rights, since the end of World War II, has become an integral part of modern consciousness and dominates the narrative in both foreign and national policymaking. Human rights norms and institutions deeply inform the practice as well as the rhetoric of international law and politics. This course will cover topics in international law, and encourage students analyse the architecture, powers, functions, and processes of international human rights organizations. Students are encouraged to discuss topics such as free speech, right to education, discrimination against ethnic minorities, and right to healthcare.
- FallInternational Business Marketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringInternational Business Marketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course is designed to enable students to develop marketing strategies and plans in and across a range of different international market environments. While extending students' marketing and strategic skills obtained in earlier courses into a global context, students also develop knowledge and skills in international marketing processes.
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level marketing or business administration
- FallGeneral Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringGeneral Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course focuses on the new challenges and possibilities globalization brought into the world of sport and sport business. Special attention will be paid the commercial management of sport events and organizations. The course will also discuss, as essential aspects of international sports management: sponsorship, broadcasting revenues, marketing, economics and finance of international sports, human resource management, leadership strategy in a global market, governance of sports organization, branding and retail, social media in international sport business, tourism, facilities, governing bodies and legal aspects. The course will also incorporate the role differing cultures plays in sport.
- FallArt Film Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringArt Film Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This film course serves as a key to understanding Italian society through a wide-ranging historical look at Italian cinema. The course introduces the history of Italian film and its major genres, studies the relationship of film to literature and the performing arts, and examines films currently released in the commercial and the film festival circuits. Torino, birthplace of Italian cinema, is the ideal site for the course – also for the National Cinema Museum.
- FallNutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSpringNutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
Students are given the opportunity to learn, observe and participate first-hand in the art of preparing Italian foods, as well as to study the relationship between food and culture. USAC provides instruction and facilities for this cooking class. This course is based on the principle that cooking is a way to learn the culture, and learning the culture is a way to better appreciate the cooking. As such, the course has both a theoretical and a practical side. An introductory lecture is needed to understand Italian cooking. Its peculiarity is highlighted by a knowledge of history, geography and other social customs; knowing these allows the students to better appreciate this rich aspect of Italian life.
The course will include actual cooking and learning how to prepare Italian meals: antipasti, first courses, second courses with vegetable side dishes, desserts - and of course, how to make a good pizza. After learning how to prepare each meal, the class will enjoy eating the meal together.
This course has an additional fee
- FallAnthropology Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringAnthropology Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course analyzes various aspects of Italian culture through lectures, readings, discussions, and observation research projects. Students will develop an understanding of contemporary Italy, encompassing its recent history, regional differences, social institutions, and contemporary issues. Students will also reflect on their cultural upbringings and beliefs, and to share their Italian culture experiences in class. Students are encouraged to break down commonly held stereotypes and experience the realities of contemporary Italian life.
- FallMarketing 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and issues of marketing products and services. Students will focus on understanding the marketing environment through a market analysis, and then will learn how to implement successful marketing strategies in such an environment.
- FallArchitecture Art 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringArchitecture Art 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course intends to provide all students with an introduction to contemporary architecture, with special interest in the contemporary city. It will focus on the major trends, events, key figures and works in architectural and urban history. Major architectural and urban trends and perspectives will be discussed on an international scale, from the late 19th century to the present.
Lectures and class discussions will provide the framework of the course. Walking tours and visits to selected parts of the city will be scheduled. Selected readings will be assigned in advance, in view of the lectures and visits. Two in-class tests will be scheduled on the topics of the architectural lectures and of the visits, to make the discussion fruitful. Additional assignments may be announced at the discretion of the professor.
- FallManagement 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
In this course, students will learn the concepts and techniques of operations management across all activities of an organization. This course covers topics related to methods of analyses that support organizational decision-making. Students will evaluate and apply the appropriate analytical technique for a variety of scenarios, perform quantitative analyses utilizing primary sources, and develop conclusions regarding effective management of operations in manufacturing and service environments.
Prerequisite: introductory coursework in business management
Spring Semester
International Business, Politics, Architecture, and Italian Studies
- FallGeneral Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringGeneral Business Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course presents leadership, management and teamwork concepts/models that have emerged over the past years. It is conceived as a behavioral course, aiming to challenge students to apply these concepts/models through class exercises, simulations, role-plays, etc. in a dynamic and participative way.
Prerequisite: introductory course in business
- SpringPolitical Science 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This introductory course offers an overview of the concepts and methods that allow for the systematic comparison of political phenomena across countries, including government structures, political institutions, ideologies, parties and party systems, elections, and political behavior. Using six case studies -Mexico, Italy, UK, Iran, Russia, and Nigeria- will allow students to examine in depth the political life of each of these countries.
- FallEconomics History Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringEconomics History Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The creation of the European Union will go down in history as one of the most remarkable achievements of the twentieth century. In less than two generations, Europeans fought two appalling wars among themselves, appreciated the dangers of nationalism and sat down to design a system that would make inconceivable that they would ever take up arms against each other again. A body of laws and treaties has been agreed and a set of institutions has been created that have altered the political, economic and social landscape of western Europe. The main objective of this class is to gain understanding on how European Union works and about what it means for the millions of people who live under its jurisdiction. Our goal is to provide students with fair understandings of concept of the European market integration within the present framework of globalization, trade liberalization and regionalism.
- SpringManagement 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course exposes students to the study and practice of Human Resource Management. The goal is to provide a conceptual and practical understanding of the HRM function and its importance to the effectiveness on an organization. Theoretical concepts and practical approaches relevant to the management systems and processes; recruitment, training, appraisal, compensation and labor relations will be analyzed as well as emphasis on legal constraints and international management.
- FallSpeech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringSpeech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will explore the definitions, nature and manifestation of culture while examining their own values, traditions and beliefs.This course offers an introduction to the major issues related to intercultural communication. The course aims at providing students with an understanding of the intercultural communication process and to develop the skills necessary to analyze intercultural interactions, including evaluations of their own communicatory behaviour in intercultural settings.
- FallPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringPolitical Science 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The concept of human rights, since the end of World War II, has become an integral part of modern consciousness and dominates the narrative in both foreign and national policymaking. Human rights norms and institutions deeply inform the practice as well as the rhetoric of international law and politics. This course will cover topics in international law, and encourage students analyse the architecture, powers, functions, and processes of international human rights organizations. Students are encouraged to discuss topics such as free speech, right to education, discrimination against ethnic minorities, and right to healthcare.
- FallInternational Business Marketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringInternational Business Marketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course is designed to enable students to develop marketing strategies and plans in and across a range of different international market environments. While extending students' marketing and strategic skills obtained in earlier courses into a global context, students also develop knowledge and skills in international marketing processes.
Prerequisite: one semester of college-level marketing or business administration
- FallGeneral Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringGeneral Business 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course focuses on the new challenges and possibilities globalization brought into the world of sport and sport business. Special attention will be paid the commercial management of sport events and organizations. The course will also discuss, as essential aspects of international sports management: sponsorship, broadcasting revenues, marketing, economics and finance of international sports, human resource management, leadership strategy in a global market, governance of sports organization, branding and retail, social media in international sport business, tourism, facilities, governing bodies and legal aspects. The course will also incorporate the role differing cultures plays in sport.
- FallArt Film Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringArt Film Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This film course serves as a key to understanding Italian society through a wide-ranging historical look at Italian cinema. The course introduces the history of Italian film and its major genres, studies the relationship of film to literature and the performing arts, and examines films currently released in the commercial and the film festival circuits. Torino, birthplace of Italian cinema, is the ideal site for the course – also for the National Cinema Museum.
- FallNutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in EnglishSpringNutrition 200-level 1 credit Taught in English
Students are given the opportunity to learn, observe and participate first-hand in the art of preparing Italian foods, as well as to study the relationship between food and culture. USAC provides instruction and facilities for this cooking class. This course is based on the principle that cooking is a way to learn the culture, and learning the culture is a way to better appreciate the cooking. As such, the course has both a theoretical and a practical side. An introductory lecture is needed to understand Italian cooking. Its peculiarity is highlighted by a knowledge of history, geography and other social customs; knowing these allows the students to better appreciate this rich aspect of Italian life.
The course will include actual cooking and learning how to prepare Italian meals: antipasti, first courses, second courses with vegetable side dishes, desserts - and of course, how to make a good pizza. After learning how to prepare each meal, the class will enjoy eating the meal together.
This course has an additional fee
- FallAnthropology Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringAnthropology Italian 200-level 3 credits Taught in English
This course analyzes various aspects of Italian culture through lectures, readings, discussions, and observation research projects. Students will develop an understanding of contemporary Italy, encompassing its recent history, regional differences, social institutions, and contemporary issues. Students will also reflect on their cultural upbringings and beliefs, and to share their Italian culture experiences in class. Students are encouraged to break down commonly held stereotypes and experience the realities of contemporary Italian life.
- FallArchitecture Art 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringArchitecture Art 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
The course intends to provide all students with an introduction to contemporary architecture, with special interest in the contemporary city. It will focus on the major trends, events, key figures and works in architectural and urban history. Major architectural and urban trends and perspectives will be discussed on an international scale, from the late 19th century to the present.
Lectures and class discussions will provide the framework of the course. Walking tours and visits to selected parts of the city will be scheduled. Selected readings will be assigned in advance, in view of the lectures and visits. Two in-class tests will be scheduled on the topics of the architectural lectures and of the visits, to make the discussion fruitful. Additional assignments may be announced at the discretion of the professor.
- SpringManagement Supply Chain Management 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
In this course, students will learn the concepts and techniques of supply chain management across all activities of an organization. This course covers topics related to methods of analysis that support the organizational decision-making around supply chain decisions and strategies. Students will evaluate and apply the appropriate analytical technique for a variety of scenarios, perform quantitative analyses, and develop conclusions regarding effective management of supply chains in manufacturing and service environments.
Prerequisite: Introductory coursework in business management
To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu
Internships
For eligibility requirements and application information, see the USAC internship page.
For more information about placement options, see the Torino internship page.
- FallInternships 300-level 3 credits Taught in EnglishSpringInternships 300-level 3 credits Taught in English
USAC skills-based internships abroad are designed to complement a student’s program of study while providing a structured work or field experience under the direction of a professional supervisor and with the oversight and support of an on-site USAC internship coordinator.
USAC internships facilitate the academic and professional development of students through:
1) the practical application of knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a professional work environment.
2) the further development of practical competencies essential to the ongoing work of the placement site.
3) the cultivation of a network of professional contacts.
USAC internships will expose students to the workplace culture, norms, and expectations of their respective placement site and host country, deepening cross-cultural understanding and helping students develop intercultural communication and language skills in an internationally focused organization or other professional work setting.
Through the consistent participation in the processes and practices of a professional field, students will acquire a working knowledge of that field and will apply that learning to their own career and academic choices and goals.
This course has an additional fee
Host University Courses
Attending a host university course is a great option for students looking to expand their academic experience abroad. By auditing a class at the University of Torino, USAC students can experience firsthand the academic style of Italy, immerse themselves in the academic community of Torino, and get to know local university students with similar academic interests. Most courses are taught in Italian, but English-language offerings may be available.
While it may be possible to earn academic credit for host university courses, the University of Torino does not provide an official university transcript for courses completed by USAC students. Instead, they may provide a letter verifying participation in the course and the grade received. Be sure to work with your home university academic advisor to determine if host university courses will be accepted for credit. Please note that the University of Torino may follow a different academic calendar than USAC. This means that final exams may take place after the USAC program has ended. It may be possible to arrange early exams, but USAC cannot guarantee this. Additionally, there may be supplementary fees associated with host university courses that are not covered by USAC program fees.