Montclair in Sicily

  Italy

• Sicily: 
Taormina

Term: Summer 
Dates: inquire for dates

Description: Boasting some of the richest history and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean world, Sicily is a land relatively undiscovered by tourists and American universities with study abroad programs. This unique program is not only based in Sicily, but its academic focus is solely on southern Italy, the region referred to as the Mezzogiorno, the land of the midday sun. The program is located in Taormina, a town that has managed to cultivate a cosmopolitan feel while maintaining its medieval charm. Mt. Etna provides a spectacular backdrop for its most famous landmark, the Teatro Greco ("Greek theater"). Of the many charming towns of Sicily, Taormina stands out as the jewel in the island's crown.

The program cost includes field trips to Palermo, Agrigento Acireale, Piazza Armerina and Monreale, a traditional Sicilian puppet theater performance, and a farewell Sicilian dinner. Students may participate in a number of optional excursions and cultural activities, such as films and seminars, at additional cost. In addition, the Taormina Art Festival offers students the opportunity to attend dance, musical and theater performances that are held in the stunning Teatro Greco.

Highlights: All students in the program select two of the following courses:

* Foundations of Western Civilization

This course focuses on the origins and development of Western civilization to about 1350, including Egyptian, Judaic, Greek, Roman, Islamic and Medieval European contributions. Special attention will be paid to the historical significance of Sicily and Southern Italy.

Note: Meets Gen Ed requirements

* History Study Abroad: The Many Manifestations of Italian Culture

This undergraduate course is designed to introduce students to conversational Italian and southern Italian culture. All levels of language skill can be accommodated, with each student placed in a conversational Italian class through Babylonia, an Italian language and culture institute. During the first two weeks, students learn conversational Italian through immersion. The final two weeks of the course are rooted in the history and culture of the island, during which students are introduced to topics such as the Arabic poets of Sicily, Bellini's operas, the geology of Mt. Etna, myths and legends, the history of the puppet theater, handmade carts, the evolution of ceramics, and an introduction to regional foods (including marzipan and the role of olive oil in the island's multicultural cuisine).

* Art in Western Civilization: Ancient and Medieval

The course will provide a general overview of the history of Western art and architecture from Prehistoric Europe through the Middle Ages. The course covers ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, Greece and Rome, then Byzantine, Early Medieval, Romanesque and Gothic art.
* Seminar in Western History

*Kingdoms in the Sun: Siciliy and Southern Italy in Antiquity and the Middle Ages
This advanced history course can be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit. It is an excursion into the history of Sicily and the southern Italian mainland from approx. 500 BC - 1300 AD and is driven by the cultures that left lasting impressions on this diverse region, investigating Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, German and French occupations and influences. The art and archeology of Sicily-- including the cross-fertilization of Christian, Jewish and Muslim cultures-- figure prominently in this exploration of the island's distant past.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 4,200 plus tuition and fees

* Program prices are based on 15 participants and current exchange rates and are subject to change. Single rooms in the hotel are not available. An odd number of students may require some students in larger triple rooms.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Italy in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 15-25

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application