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Italian Media, Society and Culture in Milan
(Outgoing Program)
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This study abroad program gives students from all majors the opportunity to learn more about Italy, and its rich history and people through lectures and excursions. People interested in learning about Italian art, politics, culture, society, food, history, film, media, and engaging in intercultural communication daily should consider this trip.
Each day, Monday through Friday, participants are introduced to new elements of Italy, with the goal of having a well-rounded understanding of what it means to be Italian in the 21st century when they return home. Weekends are free for participants to travel to famous cities like Florence, Rome, Venice, and Verona (home of Romeo and Juliet).
Italian professors, who are experts in their field, have warmly welcomed participants for 10 years and thoroughly enjoy sharing with us what they know! All professors are fluent in English and have traveled the world, including the U.S. They love learning more about who we are, what you we studying, and what we are learning in Italy.
To enhance the lectures, participants engage in numerous excursions weekly. Participants are guided by English-speaking experts in their field while we learn about the historic city of Turin and the Roman city of Pavia. We learn about the Black Plague and its importance not only to Milan, but to the world as we know it today. We have a special visit to see Leonardo daVinci’s The Last Supper, with a guide who knows it intricately.
One of the favorite days of previous participants is our day-long personal cooking lesson overlooking Lake Como with Chef Moreno! There, we will learn to cook Italian dishes such as gnocchi and pasta, and will learn how to make tomato sauce from scratch. This day will change the way you think about food and its place in our culture!
We spend time in Milan experiencing its rich history and remarkable sights. Much overlooked by tourists, this northern Italian gem boasts some of the best art and exciting world history in Europe. We have a guided tour of Milan’s art museum where we can see some world-renowned pieces such as a Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna. We will spend time in the Castello Sforzesco, where we learn about life and treachery in a medieval settlement.
Yet, some of the most exciting moments in Milan happen when you have time during lunches or after lectures to explore the city! Whether it’s lunching near the Duomo, having aperitivo by the Navigli, or shopping during the month-long sales, you will find yourself feeling caught up in the excitement that is Milan!
Program Highlights
Experience the society and culture of Italy while living in and studying some of the most fascinating and historical cities in Italy
Excursions to Lago Maggiore, Castello Sforzesco, National Museum of Cinema, Armani | Silos, Milan Duomo Terrace, and Turin
Personal guided tours of the Last Supper, Certosa di Pavia, di Brera, city of Pavia, and Milan Black Death Tour
Full day personalized cooking class with Chef Moreno on Lago di Como
Student Videos
Credits
6 credits
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Anticipated Course Options*
Undergraduate:
Art History (ARTH) 303: National Traditions
Art History (ARTH) 398: Study Abroad in the History of Art
Communication (COMM) 307: Field Study in Communication
Communication (COMM) 396: Special Topics in MPC Media Production and Criticism Concentration
English (ENGH) 309: Topics in Literature
English (ENGH) 362: Global Voices (satisfies Mason core requirement in global understanding)
Film and Video Studies (FAVS) 399: Special Topics in Film and Video Studies (up to 6 credits)
History (HIST) 398: Historical Study Abroad (up to 6 credits)
Integrative Studies (INTS) 399: Study Abroad in Special Topics (eg: Fashion)
* subject to change
How the program works
This program is worth six credits. Students and the Faculty Director attend all lectures and excursions together in order to gain a well-rounded understanding of Italy. The way that the student focuses on his/her main class is through the three, short papers written about their subject. For example, if you take ARTH 303, your papers will focus on specific art pieces found in Milan. During the excursions, you will have the opportunity to speak to an expert about those paintings in order to learn more and to write a comprehensive paper. If you are interested in Media or Film, you will have the opportunity to watch television, to watch films, and to engage with lecturers about these topics. From these experiences, your research, and your interactions with the experts, you will be able to write a comprehensive paper.
The program is broken up in to two parts, both equally important.
The first part of the 6 credits (worth 3 credits) is written work. Each student will write three short papers about their topic area.
The second part of the 6 credits (worth 3 credits) is a creative project. The student will, depending on his/her course, create a photobook or a video. The papers and creative project are supplemented by worksheets, textbooks about Italy, and two exams over the lectures in which everyone in the class participates, regardless of course number.
Program Dates*
July 1- July 29, 2018
Itinerary
Date
Description
1-Jul
Benvenuto a Milano!
2-Jul
Exploring the neighborhood & Getting to know each other
Welcome dinner at Pizza Pazza (which means Crazy Pizza!)
3-Jul
Milan Market
Neorealism movie
Elisa for Italian language lesson.
4-Jul
Luisa Leonini: Introduction to Italian Society
Chiaravalle Abbey
5-Jul
Federico Boni: Italian Pop Culture
Italian Comedy movie
6-Jul
Edoardo Fleischner: Italian Media Landscape
Italian Giallo
7-Jul
Certosa di Pavia
8 & 9 July
Weekend free
10-Jul
Cinema Museum and Fashion Tour in Turin, Italy
11-Jul
Stresa on Lake Maggiore
12-Jul
Castello Sforzesco at Sunset: Tour of the Covered Street of the Ghirlanda and the Walkway of the Battlements
13-Jul
Armani | Silos
Pre-symphony gathering
Symphony
14-Jul
Exam 1
15 & 16 July
weekend free
17-Jul
Religion & History of Milan through the ages, visit Duomo Rooftop Terrace
18-Jul
Dominic Holdaway, PhD from University of Bologna will visit to discuss film
19-Jul
Silvia Mazzucotelli: Italian Fashion Industry.
20-Jul
Alessandro Uccelli Italian History & Art at the Pinacoteca di Brera. Time, tbd
Jul 21, 22, 23
Long weekend
24-Jul
Massimo Scaglioni: Italian media System: Television
25-Jul
Luca Barra: Italian Music
Guided tour of the Last Supper
26-Jul
Chef Moreno welcomes us to Il Caminetto
27-Jul
Black Death Tour
28-Jul
Exam 2
Farewell Dinner
29-Jul
all participants depart Milan
* Dates and itinerary subject to change. The Global Education Office reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, and/or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Cost
Summer 2017: $4,770
Summer 2018: Coming Soon!
Included: Tuition for 6 credits, double or triple occupancy in dormitory style housing, daily breakfast and dinner, unlimited metro/bus pass for transportation within Milan in July, walking tour of the area around the University of Milan, excursions to Lago Maggiore, Castello Sforzesco, National Museum of Cinema, Armani | Silos, Milan Duomo Terrace, and Turin, personal guided tours of the Last Supper, Certosa di Pavia, di Brera, city of Pavia, and Milan Black Death Tour, full day personalized cooking class with Chef Moreno on Lago di Como, international emergency medical insurance.
Not included: Airfare*, passport and visa fees, lunches, other transportation, personal spending, required textbooks and/or course materials.
*Participants must arrange their own airfare, once instructed to do so by the Mason Global Education Office.
Program Payments
Students on MasonGEO programs must pay the advertised program cost in order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (Deposit + First Payment + Final Payment). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Deposit: A non-refundable program deposit $200 must be received by the application deadline. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by March 11, 2018 in order to confirm your enrollment in the program. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by April 8, 2018. This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or their VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments, financial aid, and information for non-Mason students: Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students are welcome to apply: Scholarships
Application Deadline:
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Application requirements:*
Program Deposit: $200 for all applicants.
Course Selection Questionnaire: You will choose the course(s) you would like to be receive credit for on this program. Check the "Academics" tab to see what courses are offered on this program. If you need help selecting your course, check with your academic advisor.
Passport Status Questionnaire: You do not need a passport to complete this questionnaire or the application. However, if you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now. The Global Education Office offers Passport Grants to help.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents regarding the acknowledgement of risk, the pre-departure orientation, and your financial responsibility.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: For Mason students only. If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the 1st payment deadline.
Additional requirements for non-Mason applicants:
Official transcript: To be mailed or emailed to the Global Education Office at George Mason University.
Non-degree Contract Course/Admission Form: Please complete the form and upload it into the questionnaire.
* Additional application requirements may apply to individual programs. Once you open your application, you will see all application requirements.