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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences

Take two sociology courses that cover current social and political issues in Rome and a comparative study of crime and deviance in Italy. Add a Rome-focused elective and challenge your left brain with an elementary course in Italian to round out your schedule. Interactive guest lectures and site visits around the Eternal City are embedded in each course.

Unique study opportunities

  • Meet with local public officials and activists for nonprofit organizations such as the International Women's House and the Libera Anti-Mafia Organization.
  • Visit residential neighborhoods off the tourist track to learn about urban and social development beyond the city's center.
  • Develop a writing portfolio through group and individual projects.
  • Take guided visits to Rome's most popular destinations like the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Borghese Gallery.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Italian Language Study: Required

You will take one elementary Italian language course. If you have previously completed an Italian language course, you will take an additional elective in place of the elementary Italian language course.

The Italian language course focuses on practical use and oral expression. Italian instructors use Rome as a laboratory, enabling you to engage immediately in the community around the Study Center. You will also participate in conversation groups and weekly "get to know Rome" outings led by Italian student interns.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad​

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Four courses for a total of 20 quarter/13.2 semester UC units.
    • Two sociology courses: 5 quarter/3.3 semester units each.
    • One upper-division elective course: 5 quarter/3.3 semester units.
    • One lower-division elementary Italian language course: 5 quarter/3.3 semester units. (If you have previous Italian language study experience you will take an additional elective course in place of the elementary Italian language course.)
  • You may take one course for pass/no pass credit.

Current Program Courses

Exact offerings may vary depending on enrollment and instructor availability. Final course offerings are announced before the start of the program. Course enrollment is held on a first-come, first-served basis; enrollment in your top course preferences is not guaranteed, so be sure to have back-up courses in mind. Recent courses include:

Sociology courses:
Italian course:
Elective courses:

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

Catalogs and Resources

  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic Culture

Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday with some activities on Fridays and weekends. You are required to attend class, arrive on time, and actively participate in courses. Attendance is taken at every course meeting.

You’ll be in the classroom with other UC students and potentially a small number of non-UC college students from the US. Since courses are designed for UC students, regular papers, reports, exams, and projects are all part of the curriculum.

Classes are relatively small and the professors are local Romans with experience teaching UC students.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the fall semester are typically available in February.