The Department of Sociology cultivates an appreciation for history, traditions and social engagement through a wide range of courses that address topics such as European social phenomena and Italian social frameworks, culture, and gender and family relations.
3 semester credits. How is individual and collective memory created? What is heritage, and how is it propagated? This course explores memory and memorialization as social phenomena that shape, and are mutually shaped, by both tangible and intangible heritage. Emphasis is attributed to an increasingly relevant concept in the social sciences: multisensoriality. The latter can be framed as a means to attain an embodied experience that can foster the generation of sociological, political, and imaginative considerations. Memory shapes and is mutually shaped by the organization and values of communities. Students will be exposed to a great variety of multisensorial spaces in Florence, such as participatory museums and memorials. These will be examined analytically, with a particular focus on the methodology of ethnographic research, so as to bridge the gap between theory-based knowledge and the applied skills of data gathering and assessment. The approach of this course is based on experiencing the city of Florence as the academic space for learning and engagement. Classes are not held in a traditional, frontal-style setting; each lesson is carefully mapped for curricular content and featured locations: lectures, observations, exercises, analysis, and reflections on presented topics are held in relevant sites that are accounted for in the academic planning, syllabus, and related course material. Coursework and submissions will be regularly assessed on the MyAUF platform through daily assignments in addition to exams, papers, and projects. Learning through the on-site classroom approach fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural environment of Florence and how it is related to the subject of study represented by the course, and allows the overall experience to contribute to students' academic and personal enrichment.
3 semester credits. This course is structured as one week of on-site field learning class in different locations throughout Tuscany. Students will have the chance to gain critical insight of this superb region as they uncover its unity and fragmentation in terms of territory, gastronomy, social structure, and historical layers. The course will reveal local hidden gems, with the aim of having students embark on an authentic learning experience focused on the traditions, values, and social fabric of Tuscany. The course places emphasis on a variety of Tuscan landmarks, with emphasis on religion, mythology, gastronomy, art and architecture, and folklore. Topics explored will incude: music opera, villas, folktales such as Pinocchio, the wine traditions of Chianti and Montalcino, al fresco meals, and impressive castles. The itinerary will take students through various communities and landscapes of the Mediterranean Riviera, hills, and mountains, immersing them in the richness Tuscany has to offer. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide students with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students will be encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytical social assessment skills. This class also includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of education through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include onsite field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The course’s field learning experience is cultural in scope and aims to be comprehensive. Field-related content is not limited to the course topic but seeks to supplement and enrich it. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
3 semester credits. Design thinking refers to creative strategies that designers use during the process of designing. Focused on listening, user empathy, whole-brain thinking, collaboration, and experimentation, design thinking can be applied within any team and in any field – from architecture and design to healthcare and product development. This course applies design thinking methodology to everyday problems and provides students with the tools they need to become innovative thinkers. Envisioned as a collaborative lab, this course fosters the integration of research, problem-forming and problem-solving, aesthetics, technology, prototyping, and publishing, with a strong focus on user’s needs. Several tools to help students understand design thinking as a problem-solving approach are introduced throughout the course. Case-studies from different organizations that used design thinking to uncover compelling solutions are used to support instruction. This course delves into the fundamentals of this creative approach by immersing students in dynamic discussions, relevant readings, and team exercises. Throughout the course, students learn how to empathize with the needs and motivations of the end users, discover new ideas for solving a problem and how to apply strategies and methodologies drawn from a wider range of creative design practices.
3 semester credits. This course is targeted towards students with an interest in Italian food traditions, society, and culture. The main focus consists of what is generally defined as "made in Italy" culture and style in post-war Italy. Also covered are the relationships between Italian traditions, folklore and contemporary Italian society drawing from examples including festivals, food, tourism, and economy, and the influence of foreign civilizations. Students will be asked to regard the subject of food outside of the context of ingredients and the procedures used to create a dish; we will instead examine a large scale context in which food is either featured as a main component or an integral element in cultural situations. Thus the student is asked first and foremost to observe the presented material across an anthropologic lens that roves over the entire Italian peninsula. Lectures will be complemented by visits and tastings.
3 semester credits. This course explores the cultural anthropology and sociology of the Italian-American family from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. Topics will focus on the following themes: stereotypes, gender, religion, politics, social change, and community character and adaptation. Students will analyze newspapers, magazines, and narrative fiction, as well as documentaries, feature films, and popular television programs. Special attention will be paid to the emotional and cultural experience of the return of Italian-Americans to their roots in Italy.
3 semester credits. One week of on-site field learning with Italian families before session start. The course examines the development and structure of the Italian family through history with the following topics: Sexuality and the development of relationships, study of individuals, groups, and families, diversity in modern families, community regulations/policies addressing issues of family change, crisis, and maintenance. Students will conduct evaluation of different styles and examples of interpersonal communication behaviors. The course will also compare and contrast family/individual behavior patterns associated with human life cycle transitions and examine various social issues associated with the study of Italian families. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
3 semester credits. The course examines the development and structure of the Italian family through history with the following topics: Sexuality and the development of relationships, study of individuals, groups, and families, diversity in modern families, community regulations/policies addressing issues of family change, crisis, and maintenance. Students will conduct evaluation of different styles and examples of interpersonal communication behaviors. The course will also compare and contrast family/individual behavior patterns associated with human life cycle transitions and examine various social issues associated with the study of Italian families.
4 semester credits. The course examines the development and structure of the Italian family through history with the following topics: Sexuality and the development of relationships, study of individuals, groups, and families, diversity in modern families, community regulations/policies addressing issues of family change, crisis, and maintenance. Students will conduct evaluation of different styles and examples of interpersonal communication behaviors. The course will also compare and contrast family/individual behavior patterns associated with human life cycle transitions and examine various social issues associated with the study of Italian families. Students will be involved in experiential learning projects which will provide students the opportunity to interact through the "Family Club" with Italian families and merge with the local community. This course includes service learning hours within the Florentine Community. Service learning is a method that incorporates intentional learning with service to the community, in which the service component functions as a reflection on classroom learning for all tasks performed. In addition to regular class hours, students will be involved in a volunteer project for the entire session that integrates them in the local community in order to remove barriers and gain a sense of social responsibility. The acquisition of new skills and knowledge obtained in the service learning environment outside the classroom will enrich the learning experience and contribute to personal and emotional growth, as well as cultural consciousness, to develop a greater sense of a global citizenship and sensitivity to the needs of others. Students are guided through the experience by the non-profit association supervisor and the service learning coordinator to enhance outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. The contribution to the association is not only crucial to a deeper understanding of course topics but also allows for a greater sense of belonging in the community, allowing for students to acquire a heightened awareness of emotional intelligence that enhances the classroom learning experience.
6 semester credits. One week of on-site field learning with Italian families before session start. Upon completion of the field learning week, the course continues as a regular academic session in Florence. The course examines the development and structure of the Italian family through history with the following topics: Sexuality and the development of relationships, study of individuals, groups, and families, diversity in modern families, community regulations/policies addressing issues of family change, crisis, and maintenance. Students will conduct evaluation of different styles and examples of interpersonal communication behaviors. The course will also compare and contrast family/individual behavior patterns associated with human life cycle transitions and examine various social issues associated with the study of Italian families. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
3 semester credits. The aim of this course is to provide an overview of main theoretical concepts of organizational behavior (OB) and their application in professional organizations. The course covers various topics in OB, which are generally grouped into the individual, group, and organizational levels of analysis. The course balances conceptual knowledge with practical application. Lectures will provide a broad overview of the course topic and explain key concepts to be used in understanding phenomena occurring in the business world. Relevant case studies will be discussed in class in order to develop students’ skills in applying knowledge to practical situations. Prerequisites: Human Resources Management or equivalent.
3 semester credits. This course addresses significant moments in the timeline of Italian fashion from its historic origins to the present day. While exploring the art and business of Italian fashion design, students will discover influential individuals, style and industry-changing happenings, and the places that hosted them. Designers and creative figures, industry players and companies, hallmark fashion shows, and significant Italian locations are amongst the case studies covered.
3 semester credits. This course examines major philosophies and concepts that have contributed to the discussion of art theory, aesthetic discourse, and criticism in the wider context of contemporary society. Reading and analyzing various texts from antiquity to the present, students will explore the underlying questions and meanings of art and how they interact or conflict throughout the development of Western thought, behavior, and society. The aim of this course is to utilize art theory foundations in order to develop an informed critical analysis. Texts covered in class will include writings by philosophers, critics, and artists such as Plato, Alberti, Kant, Benjamin, Greenberg, Barthes, Baudrillard, Lippard, and Trin T. Minha. Prerequisites: Introduction to Art History.
3 semester credits. This course is targeted towards students who are interested in the Italian traditions and the pivotal role that Italy has played in the evolution of food and wine culture. Italy is in fact the oldest wine-producing nation in the world where grapes are grown in almost every region of the country. This course will consider and analyze the various influences and cultural overlaps that this ancient tradition has brought to contemporary Italian culture. The course will also feature an Italian language component in order to better understand and appreciate the elements of contemporary Italian culture which will be discussed during the course.
6 semester credits. This course is targeted towards students who are interested in the Italian traditions and the pivotal role that Italy has played in the evolution of food and wine culture. Italy is in fact the oldest wine-producing nation in the world where grapes are grown in almost every region of the country. This course will consider and analyze the various influences and cultural overlaps that this ancient tradition has brought to contemporary Italian culture. This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.