Verona Courses – 2024 Spring

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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

You will enroll in 12 to 18 credits per semester comprised of Italian language courses plus electives in business, fashion, management, hospitality, and Italian 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

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. You may choose one of the following courses:

• Elementary Italian I

  Spring

  Italian 100-level 4 credits Taught in Italian

  This course offers an introduction to the Italian language with a focus on the development of language skills and structural analysis, as well as an introduction to Italian culture.

After the intensive period, students have the option to take one additional language course. You may choose from the following:

• Elementary Italian II

  Spring

  Italian 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 Italian, or equivalent

Spring Semester

International Business, Tourism, and Italian Studies

The following courses are designed to familiarize you with the region, International Business, Tourism, and Italian Studies as well as provide a multi-disciplinary approach to your studies.

• Business Communications

  Spring

  General Business Speech Communications 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Students will develop professional writing, speaking, and document design skills for traditional and new media in today's hyper-connected digital age. This course will cover topics such as letters of inquiry and application, resumes, email practices, social media, PowerPoint, etc., in a new corporate and non-profit communication era. Students will develop practical communication skills at the interpersonal and professional level and learn how to provide feedback efficiently to improve business communication skills. They will be able to refine the skills employers value most, such as superior writing, speaking, presentation, critical thinking, and teamwork.

  This course aims to provide students with a conceptual framework and concrete tools for communicating in complex environments and accomplishing strategic academic and professional business goals. In addition, this course includes writing, oral, and collaborative skills necessary for future business courses, internships, and professional positions.

• Food and Culture

  Spring

  Anthropology Nutrition 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  Food is a topic with which every student of every ethnicity has personal experience; it is so common that its cultural connotations tend to be overlooked. Food is often an area related to strong identity, whether positive or negative, of one’s ancestry. Cuisines are not just about sustenance, but also about cultural symbols that bind together people in ritual and as a community. How one participates in the act of eating (when/how) and why certain foods are to be prepared are learned and understood at the table.

  This course explores connections between what we eat and who we are through cross-cultural study of how personal identities and social groups are formed via food production, preparation, and consumption. Several films will be used to discuss specific topics, such as festivals/rituals and food as family/community. Moreover, our topics and readings will be eclectic: food taboos; gender and kinship, voice and identity, symbolic and expressive culture, feasts, festivals, fasts, famine, religion and spirituality, race and ethnicity, nationalism, class and social stratification, politics of globalization, among others. Then, we will focus on foodways in Italy, using the tools of anthropology, history, geography, sociology, journalism, and marketing. Furthermore, we will use food as a lens through which to deepen understanding of your new home and neighbors for this term in Verona.

• Global Political Economy

  Spring

  Economics Political Science 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course examines the major economic systems of the world, in both theory and practice. It provides a general understanding of how economic systems work and how economic theory are linked with government policy and culture to explain economic performance. Thus, the course analyzes the key distinctions between capitalism and socialism as they apply to modern European and/or American economies. Economies examined in detail include some advanced market capitalist countries (e.g. US, Japan, France, Germany, and Sweden), the former socialist economies (e.g. Soviet Union), and East Asian economies. This course takes also into account Iran, i.e. example of an Islamic-based economy and India, i.e. an example of an isolationist country which is now beginning to appear on global economy.

• Intercultural Communication

  Spring

  Speech 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 business relationships across cultures. Students will explore the definition, nature and manifestation of culture while examining their own values, traditions, and beliefs. Through active in-class and out-of-class activities, students will learn about the similarities and differences in communication behaviors and explore language usage, nonverbal actions, and perceptions to see how they influence face-to-face communication between individuals of different cultures in the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world.

• International Finance

  Spring

  Finance International Business 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course provides an understanding of international financial markets, of the financing opportunities for international business operations and investments, and financial decision-making in the multinational firm. The course will also cover topics such as measuring and managing currency risk, foreign exchange rates, international monetary systems, balance of payments and international financial institutions. The course will provide insight into the connections between theoretical determinants of international finance and realities of international financial management. The course is based on interactive collaboration with student, who are expected to complete additional coursework/projects.

• International Marketing

  Spring

  International Business Marketing 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course offers a study of all aspects of marketing unique to international business. We will examine the impact of cultures, ethics, history, politics, and the law on marketing practice in the globalized economy. It also provides knowledge of tools for cultural analysis and discusses issues related to culture, the economy, and all other environmental variables that affect global business. A better understanding of cultural diversity is essential for successful international business, and this course provides a comprehensive perspective.

  Prerequisite: Principles of Marketing, Introduction to Marketing, or another lower-level business course

• International Strategic Management

  Spring

  Management 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  The objective of the course is to push students to think strategically and critically in different competitive situations. The course introduces the students to a coherent framework of “as is” analysis, strategy formulation and strategy implementation, thus developing students’ abilities to analyze the competitive environment of a firm and assess its internal strengths and weaknesses and, finally, produce a corporate and business strategy. Due to globalization of companies, special attention is given to international competition and to international strategies development. Furthermore, all these concepts will be practically applied in that students will work to develop their own strategic plans.

  Prerequisite: introductory course in management

• Introduction to Italian Language I

  Spring

  Italian World Languages and Literatures 100-level 1 credit Taught in English and Italian Cancelled

  The course objective is to enhance the period of study in Italy for participants with little or no knowledge of the Italian language. A working basic knowledge is provided, including a general introduction to common vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Emphasis is placed on oral communication and precise pronunciation. Class activities will include role playing, dialogues, and games. Additional class visits to enhance the course topics may be scheduled.

  This course is for students not taking intensive Italian language. It is designed to help students assimilate into the community.

• Italian Cuisine

  Spring

  Nutrition 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 and to study the relationship between food and culture. 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.

  This course has an additional fee

• Italian Culture

  Spring

  Anthropology 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.

• Roman Art and Architecture: Verona and Veneto Region

  Spring

  Architecture Art 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course will explore the most important examples of Roman art and architecture in Verona and the Veneto area and give students foundational knowledge of Roman history related to the world of art and architecture. We will use magnificent Verona as our backdrop to learn firsthand about ancient Roman life and culture through the well-preserved examples of art and architecture created in and part of old Roman life and remain as part of the daily life of the Veronese people today in the twenty-first century.

To request a course syllabus: syllabus@usac.edu

Field Studies

Optional field studies are an excellent way to deepen your academic experience abroad. During your 1-credit field study course, you will participate in carefully planned excursions that allow you to explore the cultural, historical, and natural features of Italy. These overnight field experiences, combined with required academic components such as readings, research, and written assignments, will increase your understanding of the sites and locales visited.