Academics
Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences
Take courses in the humanities and social sciences that are specially designed to use the city of Rome to understand Italian history, culture, and society. All elective courses include site visits in Rome and beyond that bring each subject to life. Expert local professors teach in the city’s piazzas, churches, and museums, exploring many of Rome’s most interesting neighborhoods. Past classes have visited some of Rome’s most popular destinations including the Vatican Museum and the Borghese Gallery, not to mention private, behind-the-scenes tours of lesser-visited sites like the excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica and the tomb of St. Peter.
Unique study opportunities
- Explore the culture and ecology of pasta and the historical evolution of spices.
- Celebrate the artifacts and rivalries of Baroque and Renaissance artistic geniuses.
- Get to know fellow UC students from across California in small classes.
Language
Language of Instruction: EnglishItalian Language Study: Optional
You have the option to take a lower-division 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: Three courses for a total of 15 quarter UC units.
- You may take one course for pass/no pass.
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.
- During the first 10 weeks, take three elective courses. Each course is worth 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units.
- During the last five weeks of the program take one intensive elective course worth 5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units.
- You may take one course for pass/no pass. If you decide to take one of your courses for pass/no pass in the first 10 weeks of the program, you cannot use the pass/no pass option for the last five-week course.
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:
Elective courses (select three):
- Elementary Italian (lower-division)
- Italian Media: From Bread and Circuses to the Digital Age
- Territory, Food, and Anthropology
- Women in Art
- Love and Sexuality in Early Modern Italy
- Art Crime and Cultural Heritage Protection
- Sport and Society in Modern Italy
- Social Psychology and Social Influence
- Politics of Migration
Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.
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:
Elective courses, first 10 weeks of the program (select three):
- Elementary Italian (lower-division)
- Italian Media: From Bread and Circuses to the Digital Age
- Territory, Food, and Anthropology
- Women in Art
- Love and Sexuality in Early Modern Italy
- Art Crime and Cultural Heritage Protection
- Sport and Society in Modern Italy
- Social Psychology and Social Influence
- Politics of Migration
Elective courses, final 5 weeks of the program (select one):
- Rome Theatre of the World: The Early Modern City in a Global Perspective
- Religious and Social Diversity in Rome Today
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.
Academic culture
This program is designed for UC students and taught by faculty from local universities who are long-term residents of Rome. You will be in classes with other UC students and a small number of non-UC college students from the US. Classes are relatively small. You are required to attend class, arrive punctually, and participate actively in your courses. Attendance is taken at every course meeting.
Papers, reports, exams, and projects are all part of the curriculum. Professors are local Romans with experience teaching UC students. They will bring some of the Italian style to the classroom, including vibrant discussions, expectations of student professionalism, and a fondness for student independence.
Grades
You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the winter quarter are typically available in May. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in June.