Below are listed the different programs and courses offered (each course is a 3 credit course except Italian language courses which comprise more than one option). Students can choose any of the following courses from any field:

FIELD 1 – ITALIAN LANGUAGE, LITERATURE AND CULTURE

The student will use Italian in all written work, oral comprehension exercises and support activities (video exercises, meetings, conversation, outings, summaries, etc.) designed to make the student’s time in Florence a full, well-rounded experience.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE

BEGINNING ITALIAN

These first two courses allow students to study the Italian language and to have enough time to attend other elective courses.

101 - “Elementary I”  (45 hours, 3 credits)
An elementary course for students without prior knowledge of Italian. In this course you will establish an introductory base in the Italian language in the four areas of language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

At the successful completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate proficiency in everyday spoken Italian. You will be able to read simple essays in Italian and write short paragraphs on familiar topics. You will be able to greet people and introduce yourself, give directions, respond to and ask questions, describe your family and friends, order items in a café, discuss your life at school and your hobbies, express likes and dislikes, and recount what you have done in the recent past. You will also have gained specific knowledge about contemporary Italy, including family life, student life, sports and pastimes, music, coffee culture, and regional differences. Students without prior knowledge of Italian will be able to understand and communicate after only 3 weeks.

Prerequisites: no prior Italian is required.

102 - “Elementary II” (45 hours, 3 credits)

An elementary course for students with some knowledge of Italian. In this course you will establish a solid base in the Italian language in the four areas of language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Prerequisites: ITL101
 

INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN 

103 - “Intermediate I” (45 hours, 3 credits)

104 - “Intermediate II” (45 hours, 3 credits)

An intermediate course continuing grammar introduced in Beginning Italian 101-102 supplemented by further grammar, conversation, and composition. Further development of facility in reading texts of moderate difficulty; selected readings are of 20-century authors. In this course you will establish a solid base in the Italian language in the four areas of language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. At the successful completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate proficiency in everyday spoken Italian. You will be able to read simple essays in Italian and write short paragraphs on familiar topics. You will be able to greet people and introduce yourself, give directions, respond to and ask questions, describe your family and friends, order items in a café, discuss your life at school and your hobbies, express likes and dislikes, and recount what you have done in the recent past. You will also have gained specific knowledge about contemporary Italy, including family life, student life, sports and pastimes, music, coffee culture, and regional differences. Students at this level will easily be able to understand and communicate in the target language after the first week. Intermediate II (Italian 104), besides excellent readings, offers to students the opportunity to study and review the most difficult Italian verb conjugations such as congiuntivo, passato remoto, periodo ipotetico.  Pre: 101 & 102 or equivalent.

INTENSIVE ITALIAN

A combination 2 sessions in an intensive 90-hour course (6 credits)

or

A combination of 3 sessions in an intensive 140-hour course (9 credits)

101, 102 - “Intensive Elementary” (90 hours, 6 credits)

103, 104 -“ Intensive Intermediate” (90 hours, 6 credits)

102, 103 - “Elementary - Intermediate I” (90 hours, 6 credits)

101 ,102 & 103 - “Intensive Elementary-Intermediate I” (140 hours, 9 credits)

102, 103 & 104 - “Intensive Elementary – Intermediate II” (140 hours, 9 credits)

103, 104 & 205 - “Intensive Intermediate-Advanced I” (140 hours, 9 credits) 

SUPER INTENSIVE ITALIAN

A combination of 4 sessions in one 230-hour course (15 credits)

101, 102, 103 & 104 - “Super Intensive Elementary-Intermediate” (230 hours, 15 credits)

The super-intensive courses are for those students interested in a full-immersion study of the Italian language and culture. Students are not required to have previously studied Italian since all 6 levels – beginners to advanced – are covered.
An intermediate course continuing grammar introduced in Beginning Italian 101-102 supplemented by further grammar, conversation, and composition. Further development of facility in reading texts of moderate difficulty; selected readings are of 20-century authors. In this course you will establish a solid base in the Italian language in the four areas of language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. At the successful completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate proficiency in everyday spoken Italian. You will be able to read simple essays in Italian and write short paragraphs on familiar topics. You will be able to greet people and introduce yourself, give directions, respond to and ask questions, describe your family and friends, order items in a café, discuss your life at school and your hobbies, express likes and dislikes, and recount what you have done in the recent past. You will also have gained specific knowledge about contemporary Italy, including family life, student life, sports and pastimes, music, coffee culture, and regional differences.

Students at this level will easily be able to understand and communicate in the target language after the first week.

Prerequisites: 101 (for 102), 102 (for 103),  and 103 (for 104), or equivalent.

102, 103, 104 & 205 - “Super Intensive Intermediate-Advanced” (230 hours, 15 credits)

ADVANCED ITALIAN

205 - Conversation and composition (45 hours, 3 credits)

An intensive course, ideal for students with previous knowledge of Italian grammar. Promotes facility in speaking and understanding idiomatic Italian. Students are introduced to contemporary Italian culture through history, geography, art, music, and literature. The four basic communication skills are strengthened through vocabulary development and grammar review. Oral and written proficiency is developed through class presentations and critical essays. Lessons and special guests provide students with the unique opportunity to improve their vocabulary and writing skills. Students at this level will be able to speak and write with grammatical precision and fluency.
Prerequisites: 104 or permission of chairperson.

206 - Advanced conversation and composition (45 hours, 3 credits)

Same as above for students of a higher level.

ITALIAN CULTURE HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION

301- FLORENCE AND THE RENAISSANCE (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Students will study the most fertile period in Florence’s history (13^th to 16^th centuries), when the city witnessed a period of incredible growth and progress in the arts. Why did the Renaissance begin in Florence? How did these developments influence the social status of the artist? Key works of art will be discussed in relationship to the artist, the patron and the overall socio-cultural context. Emphasis will be on works in Florence, which will be visited during on-site lectures.

302 - ITALIAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

This course examines the current social, economical and political issues in Italy. We will discuss their impact on Italian traditions in a historical perspective, while gaining knowledge of the most important monuments, artistic sites and museums of Florence.

303 - ITALIAN CIVILIZATION (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

An advanced course for students with a solid grasp of the fundamentals of Italian grammar.

The course focuses on Italian Civilization, History, Art, Literature, Culture, and aims at achieving proficiency in speaking and writing through vocabulary development and higher-level syntactical structures. Students will discover Italian culture through cuisine, fashion, regional traditions, economy, politics, Italian newspaper and magazine articles, feature films, literary works. Practice is acquired through class presentations, compositions and discussions. Course also includes educational trips, hands-on experiential learning, etc. Lessons and special guests provide students with the unique opportunity to improve their writing, oral skills and their knowledge of Italian language, civilization and culture.

Prerequisites: 205 or 206 or permission of chairperson.

304 - FLORENTINE HISTORY (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

This course is of particular interest for those who wish to know more about the history and secret lives of the great families such as the Medici who ruled Florence.

ITALIAN CINEMA

315 - HISTORY OF THE ITALIAN CINEMA (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

A historical look at Italian society, seen through the eyes of famous film directors such as De Sica, Visconti, Fellini and their most famous masterpieces. Regular screenings.

316 - CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN CINEMA (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Directors and actors of the “new generation” of Italian filmmakers such as Nanni Moretti, Roberto Benigni, Gabriele Salvatores, Marco Tullio Giordana, and others. Films will be viewed in their original versions, followed by discussions concerning issues and problems of contemporary Italian culture.
 

ITALIAN LITERATURE AND SPECIAL TOPICS
 

325, 326 - INTRODUCTION TO ITALIAN LITERATURE (45 hours each, 3 credits each; taught in Italian and/or English)

Students explore the literature of the 19th and 20th century through the works of major Italian writers and poets such as Manzoni, Leopardi, include Italian narrative, drama, and lyric poetry. Literary appreciation and elements of literary criticism. Lessons and special guests provide students with a unique opportunity to improve their writing skills and their ability to analyze literary texts.

Prerequisites: one 300-level course or permission of instructor.

395 - DANTE’S DIVINE COMEDY (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Reading Dante’s masterpiece in English. Through textual and critical analysis, students will interpret the language and the cultural content of the Divine Comedy from the social, religious, philosophical, and political perspective of the Middle Ages. Secondary readings will be assigned for further interpretation of the most important passages of La Divina Commedia.

455- SELECTED ITALIAN AUTHORS (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Works of one or more major authors of Italian literature not treated or emphasized in other courses. Specific author(s) are designated the semester before the course is given.
Prerequisite: one 300- level course or permission of the instructor.

465 - TOPICS IN ITALIAN LITERATURE (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Special topics or themes in Italian literature not treated or emphasized in other courses.
Prerequisite: one 300 level course or permission of instructor.

480- BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE AND THE LANGUAGE OF TOURISM  (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English). Study of concepts and terminology relating to the Italian business world. Vocabulary and stylistics. Learn how to conduct business in/with Italy, drawing from authentic examples. Explore the Italian corporate structure, advertising in Italy, the media, distribution, banking and corporate finance. The course is taught in Italian with readings and reviews in English. Includes an in-depth look at specific sectors such as the fashion industry, import-export, restaurant and hotel management, etc. Students also learn basic elements of Italian business correspondence. Planned activities include visiting factories and other business environments.
Also basic training for those who work or plan on working in the tourist industry (hotels, restaurants, travel agencies). The course allows the student to master specific technical terminology.
Pre: Enrolment in at least one 300-level Italian course, or permission of instructor.

481- THE WORKS OF DANTE ALIGHIERI (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Dante’s works with special attention given to analysis and interpretation of the Divine Comedy from the social, religious, philosophical, and political viewpoints of the middle ages.
Prerequisite: one 300 level course or permission of instructor.
 

497 - INDEPENDENT STUDY/DIRECTED STUDY (3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English)

Designed particularly for the advanced student. Individual research and reports on topics of special interest.
Prerequisite:  project approval by APT faculty member and chairperson at home institution.

FIELD 2 – FASHION AND INTERIOR DESIGN

100 - INTRODUCTION TO FASHION DESIGN (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)
Students can gain essential fashion design knowledge in color theory, figure drawing, sewing, and fabric. Close links with the fashion industry allow APT to offer internship opportunities with fashion houses, retailers and textile producers.

110 - HISTORY OF FASHION DESIGN (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)
From ancient Egypt to the present. Particular attention will be given to the development of Italian fashion design from 1950s to the present. 20th century fashion is studied through an examination of the influences of history, literature, politics, media, psychology and culture. Students study the history and meaning of dress and the development and practice of style.

130 - INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILES PRODUCTS FASHION 130 (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)

Product knowledge in design, manufacturing and merchandising in the textile business. Visit to local textile factories and to the Museum of fabrics (Museo del tessuto) in Prato. Close links with the fashion industry allow APT to offer internship opportunities with textile manufacturers.

200 - INTERIOR DESIGN (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)

The Interior Design program is structured to produce a graduate qualified to directly enter into the interior design field. The program emphasizes creativity and innovation, while giving students a strong background in technical and practical knowledge. The students will have the opportunity to develop a design concept for an interior space and transform this concept into a practical and functional, yet innovative and exciting environment that meets the needs of the client.

205 - FASHION DESIGN & MERCHANDISING (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)

The Fashion Design & Merchandising program teaches students to transform their creative vision into wearable garments, accessories, and displays. Students learn the basic foundations of apparel creating, from sewing and tailoring to flat pattern drafting. Coursework emphasizes the elements of good design, focusing on both drawing and illustration techniques.

IFE 300 - INTERNATIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCE. (3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 24 credits. S/U credit)

Field experience through our internship opportunities will be defined in a contract between the placement organization and the student intern, and carefully overseen by the intern’s faculty advisor, the appointed agency supervisor (representative from the internship site) as well as the APT Program Director.

See INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES or contact the Program Director. These experiences can be custom tailored to fit your needs, are carefully supervised, and can count not only for academic credits, but look outstanding on a professional resume.

Prerequisites: Permission of faculty advisor.

350 - FASHION MERCHANDISING (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)

The theory of fashion merchandising and its application to basic retailing procedures, the responsibility of the buyer, and procedures used to determine consumer demand, merchandise selection, and pricing.

400- FASHION MARKETING  (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or in English)
Students can study a comprehensive range of disciplines including advertising techniques, marketing strategies, and retail management. Guest speakers provide direct contact with the people who actually run the industry. Internship opportunities with fashion houses or retailers are an opportunity to gain real-world experience.

FIELD 3 – ART AND ART HISTORY

Students are free to choose up to 5 courses. Italian Language and an Art History Course are compulsory. All courses except language courses are in English.

During the course, students will have the opportunity to visit the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, the Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio, the National Sculpture Museum (Bargello) and others.

100 - ART HISTORY I (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

Survey of western art from pre-history to the onset of the Renaissance in Italy. This historical overview of art will include painting, sculpture and architecture.

110 - ART HISTORY II (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

Survey of the history of art from the onset of the Renaissance in Italy to contemporary art.

301 - FLORENCE AND THE RENAISSANCE (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in Italian and/or English. Cross listed with Italian 301). For course description please see ITALIAN 301.

302 - HISTORY OF ANCIENT ART (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

Evolution of western consciousness from Ancient Greece to the Renaissance. Significant examples of art, architecture, literature, music, philosophy, religion and science from each of these periods will be examined in their overall cultural context.

303 - HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL ART (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The course explores those centuries from the fall of Rome to the dawn of modern Europe and the Renaissance. How did culture change dramatically, and with it the art? We focus on the background of the economical and religious unrest and social and political situations that influenced the development of art in this period of European history, especially 1000 to 1500.

350 - MEDIEVAL ART (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the various periods and styles from the Late Gothic to High Renaissance, in Italy and in Northern Europe, particularly focusing on Florentine visual arts.

351 - BAROQUE ART (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The baroque period was a time of great change. It had strong roots in the past, yet heralded the dawn of new attitudes that ultimately led to the Age of Enlightenment and the triumph of science over faith. The art of this period reflects an obsession with death, a new sense of space in an infinitely larger world, and the exploration of the heavens.

370 - ITALIAN PAINTING (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

Italian painting from the beginning of the 15^th century to the end of the 19^th century.

380 - INTRODUCTION TO THE ARTS (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

An introduction to the basic tools of understanding visual art. Major approaches, such as technique, subject matter, form and evaluation. Painting, sculpture, architecture, and the graphic arts are discussed.

405, 406 - MASTERPIECES OF PAINTING I & II (45 hours each, 3 credits each; taught in English)

Analysis of selected masterworks of painting, intended to reveal the creative process, the personality of the artist, and the cultural context.

420 - PHOTOGRAPHY (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

Photography from its history to learning how to take pictures using different techniques and tools. Students learn the basics and practice taking pictures in the fabulous Tuscan countryside with one of the best photographers in the world. Exhibition of students’ works at end of course. 

450 - MUSEOLOGY (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

How to coordinate and solve problems when working in a museum.

470 - ART EXPERTISE (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

How to become an art expert. Beginning with the definition of what is a 'work of art' and a discussion on the criteria to define quality. This course leads students through the ins and outs of buying and selling art. The following issues will be part of the course:

- The 'Connoisseur' and the 'art consultant'

- Classification of works of art (filing and the Auction catalogue)

- Scientific diagnostic procedure

- Fakes and 'revivals'

- Italian and International Art Legislation

            - Auctions (visits to the Pandolfini Auction House in Florence)
 

FIELD 4 – POLITICAL SCIENCE, ECONOMICS  AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.

Students are free to choose up to 5 courses. Each course is 3 credits and Italian Language is compulsory. All courses except Italian are in English.

200 - POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC HISTORY OF EUROPE IN THE 20TH CENTURY (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

This course will analyze the following topics: The beginning of a new century and the decline of the European apogee, the Second Industrial Revolution, Fordism, the birth of the ‘big company’, Imperialism. From the beginning of the century to the First World War, the First World War, the “roaring” Twenties, the crash of Wall Street, Fascism, Nazism, Protectionism in the Thirties, the Soviet Union and Stalinism, the Second World War, the iron curtain, the economic Reconstruction, decolonization and the Third World, the economic “boom”, 1968 and the cultural movements, the process of European economic unification, the decade of détente, the oil shock and the crisis of the Seventies, the new order in Eastern Europe, supply side economics and the crisis of the Welfare state, information and technology revolution: the new economy, the fall of the Berlin wall.

350 - EUROPEAN UNION POLICY (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The course is divided into two parts. Part one: Embedding the EU in the longer-term trends of European history and civilization (European politics in international systems, the history of European economic integration, democracy as a European heritage, European party systems, European welfare states, diversity of languages and media, European identity). Part two: in-depth analysis of single EU policies (overview of EU institutions, Single Market, Monetary Union, immigration policy, EU's social and regional policies, cultural politics, EU enlargement, foreign and security policy with particular focus on transatlantic relations, theories of European integration.)

301 - HISTORY OF FASCISM 1919-1945 (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

This course is divided into three parts.

Part 1_ Introduction: what is Fascism?
Part 2_ The rise of Fascism as a political movement after World War I (long-term intellectual and social roots, why did Fascism take root in some European countries but not in others?, Fascism's rise to power in Italy and Germany)
Part 3_ Fascism in power (Hitler and Mussolini as dictators, Fascist foreign policy, repression and social regimentation, everyday life under Fascism, resistance, racism and the Holocaust, World War II and the destruction of Fascism).

400- EUROPEAN AND ITALIAN POLITICS AFTER 1945 (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

This course also focuses on Italian post-war politics, such as legacies of Fascism, the resistance movement, the "economic miracle" of the 1950s, the North-South problem and the Mafia, 1968 to the "anni di piombo", and the transitions of the 1990s, from Tangentopoli to the 2006 elections. 

FIELD 5 - BUSINESS

250 - Introduction to Marketing (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The main concepts in the marketing fields are discussed and analyzed in this course. The focus is on the influences in a Marketing Plan have the definitions of the Product, of the Price, of the Place and of the Promotion. It will also include an approach to the basic marketing process. Many firms are recognizing the advantages of operating in an international market. These benefits includes sourcing materials, capital, labor and expertise, relocating cheap manufacturing, and distributing product and services to new markets. The students will also learn about the various marketing sub-disciplines: advertising, promotion, sales and sales management, distribution, product marketing, and pricing, and how these aspects of marketing are influenced by international business environment. 

301 - History and Sociology of Modern Consumerism (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The course will focus on the rise and development of consumer cultures. The aim is to study and to apply interdisciplinary approaches to the study of consumer society now and in the past. The course will explore key substantive themes in the history and sociology of consumption, including the following: 1) the rise of commercial society, the relation between freedom of choice and the power of commercial systems, models of consumer psychology and behavior, the concept of "happiness" and "satisfaction"; 2) the way class, gender, ethnicity and age affect the nature of our participation in consumer culture; 3) the evolution of capitalism to the present day, as well as the history of commodities in a number of different settings (advertising, food and drink, fashion and clothes); 4) the social, cultural and economic context of specific consumer groups.

400 - Fashion Marketing (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

This course explores fashion marketing and merchandising. It focuses primarily on Italian brands and their strategies for product development, advertising, promotion and retailing. After designers come up with the latest trends, it's up to fashion merchandisers and marketers to figure out how to get people to buy them. The course analyses strategies for fashion products, paying special attention to the affective aspects of fashion communication. Specialized topics include the importance of Florence as a fashion center and the understanding of the Italian fashion system. The course also examines the new and emerging trends and issues that impact on the fast-moving environment of the fashion and textile industry, looking at the globalization of the industry.

450 - Labor Law and Business Law (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English)

The students will study the principal aspects of Italian Labor and Business Law. A historical overview about the birth of modern syndicates and their role in contemporary Italian politics will also be given. The main focus will be on the protection of the so called "Weak Part" in both individual and National Contracts and on the different warranties that Italian Business Law sets to protect individuals from and against hidden firms, frauds, the role of the Public Notaries in this process and which solutions have been adopted to avoid tax frauds in business operations. The course will also analyze two different cases of critical business crashes of the Italian economy.

FIELD 6 – MUSIC

The school has its own Music department, which is open all year round. This department, the only one of its kind, was specially created for students who want to get involved in the Italian music world while they study the language.

Students are free to choose up to 5 courses. Each course is 3 credits and Italian Language is compulsory.

250 - Staging and Introduction to the Opera (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English or in Italian)

The teacher works on different operas each month (Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, The Barber of Seville, La Bohème, etc.) and explains how they are interpreted, on musical, psychological and dramatic levels. At the end of the seminar, scenes from the opera studied are performed with piano accompaniment.

301 - History of Italian and Florentine music (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English or in Italian)

Held by the well known tenor Stephen Woodbury.

350 - History of Italian Opera (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English or in Italian)

An in-depth course on the history of opera from its origins to the present. The origins of opera. Monteverdi. The development of opera in Italy during the 17th century. Opera seria and Opera buffa. The Neapolitan school. Mozart's Italian operas. Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini. Verdi. Puccini. Modern trends.

370 - History of the Italian Song (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English or in Italian)

The course examines the milestones in Italian songs, drawing socio-political profiles of the country through its music.

400 - Opera Libretti (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English or in Italian)

The course focuses on the reading of Italian libretti (lyrics) to facilitate comprehension, and examines the relationship between the libretto and music. The libretto in the 17th century. Metastasio. Da Ponte. The court poet. The libretti of Rossini and Verdi. "Verismo" Authors of Puccini's libretti.

450 - Diction for Opera Singers (45 hours, 3 credits; taught in English or in Italian)

Under professional guidance, students will be able to correct errors in diction and obtain useful suggestions on how to interpret their roles.

FIELD 7 - APT ART COURSES AT SANTA REPARATA

(To view the art courses at Santa Reparata click on the above link).