Academics
Fields of Study: Humanities
Take courses in communication with local instructors experienced with teaching in the city's ancient piazzas and modern museums. Gain a deep understanding of Italian culture while exploring Rome's most interesting neighborhoods with your professor as guide. Soak up the Italian perspective on modern journalism and public relations.
Unique study opportunities
- Read, research, and write journalistic articles on current topics with an Italian flair.
- Examine the field of public relations communication with a focus on Italian and European perspectives.
- Take guided visits to some of Rome's most popular destinations like the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Borghese Gallery.
Language
Language of Instruction: EnglishItalian 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 communication 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.
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:
Communication courses:
- News and Fake News in Italy: From the Great Fire of Rome to the COVID 19 Pandemic
- Public Relations: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
- Media and Migration in Times of European Crisis
Italian language course:
Elective courses:
- Ancient Romans at Work and Play
- History Wars: Myth, Memory, and Meaning in the Making of Modern Italy
- A Celebrated Rivalry: Bernini and Borromini in the Making of Baroque Rome
- On Location: A History of Italian Film in Rome
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.