Study Tracks
environment and BIODIVERSITY
CULTURAL HERITAGE and ARCHAEOLOGY
SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Course List
Students can choose to enroll in 1 or 2 courses from the list below:
marine ecology & biodiversity in the mediterranean
Term: Summer Session I and III
Course code: ES251
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Whale and Dolphin monitoring activities on sailing boat with MareCamp NGO
- Marine turtle nest monitoring activities with WWF Sicily experts
- Snorkeling eld trip at Marine Protected Area and visit to Plemmirio MPA laboratories
Course description:
This course provides a comprehensive investigation of the rich and diverse biota, of the past geological events, of the variety of climatic and hydrologic conditions that make the Mediterranean Sea, amongst the most complex marine a ecosystems on the planet, situated at the crossroads of dierent biogeographic regions, inhabited by a rich and diverse ora and fauna, currently imperiled by dierent pressures, mainly induced by human activities.
Students engage in comparative eld studies through experiential learning during eld trips, which will complement the classroom teaching and will be carried out in distinct coastal and marine environments. Students are led by expert professionals and researchers of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve research institute during visits to the laboratory facilities and on activities of census and control in the Protected Area, investigating its eect on marine biodiversity.
Environmental Humanities: Storytelling and Ethics
Term: Summer Session II and III
Course code: ES200
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
Participate in hands-on digital multimedia storytelling projects that bring to life the lessons learned from Sicily’s enduring struggles, tales and creative expressions.
Course Description:
Students immerse in the rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes of Sicily in this unique study abroad course focused on environmental humanities. The course delves into Sicily’s profound history, where the crossroads of Mediterranean cultures have woven a vibrant tapestry of stories, traditions, and artistic expressions. From the ancient Greek and Roman inuences to the intricate patterns of Arab and Norman civilizations, experience how these diverse cultural threads have shaped Sicily’s relationship with its natural environment.
Archaeology Field School at the Temple of Zeus
Term: Summer Session I and III
Course code: AR200A/B
Contact Hours:
- Session I: 60 hours
- Session III: 100 hours
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Hands on excavation at the archaeological site guided by experts
- Take part in analysis of artefacts at the Archaeological Museum of Syracuse
- Join team work activities with students from University in Naples and other prestigious international universities
- Field trips to historical sites of interest and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Course description:
Students step into the heart of ancient civilization at the Archaeology Field School at the Temple of Zeus, located in the enchanting city of Syracuse, Sicily. This extraordinary course unfolds at the crossroads of history, where students are granted exclusive access to the revered archaeological sites, museum laboratories, and rich archives of the Archaeological Park of Syracuse. Each corner of this historic site whispers the tales of time, waiting to be unearthed and brought to light. Immersed in the awe-inspiring landscapes where history and mythology intertwine, students will work side-by-side with renowned archaeologists and researchers from prestigious Italian and European university departments. Together, they will embark on a journey through time, engaging in hands-on archaeological practices—from excavations to analyses. The course oers an invaluable opportunity to delve deeply into the realms of archaeology, experiencing rsthand the thrill of discovery and the meticulous art of preserving historical treasures.
The columns of the Greek Temple of Zeus Olympic, perched majestically overlooking the great harbor of Syracuse and the enchanting island of Ortigia, stands as a timeless sentinel of ancient history and divine reverence. This magnicent temple, a tribute to the most prominent of the Olympian gods, Zeus, embodies the architectural grandeur and spiritual signicance of the ancient Greek civilization in Sicily. Serving as a monumental nexus of religious and cultural activities, the temple has silently witnessed the conuence of diverse civilizations, maritime sagas, and historical epochs that have unfolded in the vibrant landscapes of Syracuse’s harbor and the mesmerizing Ortigia, such the city siege by the Athenian and Roman armies. Embraced by the gentle whispers of the Mediterranean breezes and bathed in the warm Sicilian sun, the Temple of Zeus Olympic continues to echo the illustrious tales of ancient rituals, mythological legends, and the enduring legacy of Greek inuence on the rich tapestry of Sicilian history and culture.
Mediterranean Food Systems: Identity, Innovation & Human Rights
Term: Summer Session I and III
Course code: SFS250
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Field trip to local sustainable agribusiness and traditional street market
- Traditional Sicilian Cooking class
- Visit to Libera Terra, NGO operating organic citrus farms on maa-conscated lands on the foothills of Mt. Etna
Course description:
This course will focus on Food and Culture, and particularly on how consumer choices related to one’s diet have wide-reaching eects, beyond the individual’s health, on a local and global scale. This course will provide students with the chance of exploring the regional culinary identity of Sicily by visiting agribusinesses, meeting with food quality activists and local entrepreneurs to share a meal and discuss lifestyle and values.
This course relies on cultural exchanges among students, food producers and the local community to provide an impactful learning experience. The course takes place in Sicily, a land that during the past centuries was ruled by many dierent civilizations (Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, etc.). Sicilian food style was deeply aected by this rich mixture of dierent cultures. After learning about Mediterranean diet features and its relationships with human health, students will get the chance of cooking and tasting typical Mediterranean recipes along with Italian people and learn about how food can be an expression of people’s history, character and identity. Students are directly engaged in these topics by participation in eld trips.
Capstone Project: Sustainability in Action
Term: Summer Session II and III
Course code: ES252
Contact Hours: 60
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Libera Terra NGO: Hands-on experiential activities, impact analysis and communication strategies with Libera Terra’s leadership on (1) organic farming, (2) community engagement with promotion of justice and Anti-Maa values:, and (3) economic development.
- WWF Sicily: Direct involvement in the monitoring of marine turtle nesting sites and other ora and fauna, gaining hands-on experience and understanding of conservation realities and efforts. Course description: Students engage in independent and small group project-based learning activities with mentoring and support from local faculty and community project partners working collaboratively on a project brief based on addressing Critical Global Issues and the needs of the local NGOs.
ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: levels a1 to c1
Term: Summer Session I, II and III
Course code: ITL100 / ITL150 / ITL200 / ITL250 / ITL300
Contact Hours:
- Session I or II: 45 hours
- Session III: 90 hours
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Field trip to historical and cultural sites of interest (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) – Visit to local traditional street market
- Traditional Sicilian Cooking class
- Intercultural exchanges with local and international students
Course description:
The language courses are oered at dierent levels for students who are either approaching the study of the Italian for the rst time or who have already taken previous Italian courses.
Lessons are held in Italian through a communicative approach and take into consideration the need to combine the study of lexis and grammar with the development of communication skills and cultural awareness. The instructor encourages students to put the language structures and vocabulary studied in class into practice in real life situations, thus accelerating the learning process and bringing students into contact with local society so that they may fully appreciate the way of life and cultural dierences. This knowledge is an integral part of linguistic competence.
Online Application
Select the program of interest below to apply for the program.
To reserve your seat on the program you should complete the payment of the application fee = €60
Start Dates 2024
Students are advised to apply as soon as possible to reserve their preferred courses and housing options.
Program housing offered on “first come, first served” basis.
Apply by April 14th
Day(s)
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Hour(s)
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Minute(s)
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Second(s)
29
June
SUMMER SESSION I
2 weeks
13
JULY
SUMMER SESSION II
2 weeks
29
JUNE
SUMMER SESSION III
4 weeks