ASA: Academic Study Associates 2009 Programs

Get Inspired

The interdisciplinary curriculum allows you to explore your interests while taking advantage of the setting of Florence. Most classes are field-based, complete with visits to local museums and cultural sites.

Students are taught by native professors, curators and artists who are experts in their field and are dedicated to ensuring you get the broadest exposure to the cultural riches of Florence. Some classes take place at the Convitto della Calza, uniquely charming for its combination of a 16th-century cloister, halls frescoed with original masterpieces such as Francibigio's Last Supper. Fashion design takes place at the magnificent Polimoda fashion school home to the world's largest fashion library. Photography takes palace at a professional darkroom and studio studio and cooking takes place in a professional Tuscan kitchen.

Students select two courses from the following list, one Major and one Elective. Majors meet every weekday morning for three hours and electives meet twice a week for three hours in the afternoon.

Majors:

art history & architecture

A field-based course that focuses on the extraordinary wealth of art and architecture of Florence. Florence is truly your classroom as you visit some of the world's greatest museums and study art and architecture from the Etruscans to Brunelleschi and Michelangelo.

renaissance history

Politics, religion and art combined to make the Renaissance one of the most important periods in European history. Discover how, from Dante to the Medicis to Leonardo, Florence enjoyed pre-eminence in art and ideas that continued to influence the world for four hundred years.

international relations

This course examines the European Union (EU) emerged and its current role in world affairs. The course will look at positions taken by EU members with a focus on Italy. Examine worldwide challenges such as ongoing hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan and tensions with North Korea and Iran and the key issues in modern international relations. How do Italy and European nations differ from the US in their approach to international conflict? Are we growing further apart in how we see the world and where is the common ground?

italian

This course provides a lively, hands-on introduction to the Italian language and culture. Students gain an understanding of basic Italian grammar and vocabulary, with emphasis on phrases that will be useful in everyday situations. Two levels are offered: Beginners and Intermediate.

fashion design

Florence has always been an important centre of fashion due to its historical roots with the textile trade. Learn about the history of fashion design and Italian designers in particular. There will be visits to designers' studios and famous fashion houses. See how the process of design goes from a sketch to an actual piece of clothing and even design your own line.

Electives:

drawing and painting

This course takes advantage of the setting of Florence to develop and refine your artistic vision. You will study line, form and chiaroscuro (light/dark) and explore still life, landscape and portraiture. You will study different techniques to understand the city's make up through works painted.

italian cinema

Italian cinema has a rich history in producing powerful and critically acclaimed films. Survey the stylistic themes and major genres of Italian film. Gain a unique insight into Italian culture by examining the works of Visconti, de Sica, Fellini and Tornatore.

cucina italiana

This course is an exciting introduction to the wonders of Tuscan cuisine and is structured as a sequence of classes progressing from antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti through to dessert. You will make traditional Tuscan dishes in a professional kitchen under the careful guidance of a professional chef. You will not only learn culinary techniques, but get a special insight into Tuscan culture and tradition. ($400 supplement)

photography

What better backdrop than Florence and the Tuscan countryside to develop your photography skills in the field with assignments covering photo-essay, landscape, portraiture and art photography. You will exhibit your work at the end of the course. Students need a 35mm camera. ($300 supplement)

italian

This course provides a lively, hands-on introduction to the Italian language and culture. Students gain an understanding of basic Italian grammar and vocabulary, with emphasis on phrases that will be useful in everyday situations. Beginners level offered.