A Summer Abroad Experience in Florence, Italy
Coursework offered in Interior Design or Fashion Sketching and Millinery
Estimated Cost: $7,982 (housing included)
Dates:
Summer A: June 1 – July 4, 2008
Summer B: July 6 – August 8, 2008
Deadline: February 15, 2008
Updated: January 25, 2008
Index:
Program Description
Travel to Florence, Italy with AIU (American Intercontinental University) for a glimpse into the cultural revolution known as the Renaissance, which has been expressed in the design of the city’s architecture and interiors. From the days of the Renaissance, tailored elegance played an important role in Italian society. In the 16th century, Baldassare Castiglione wrote the famous Book of Courtier to instruct Italian aristocracy on how modes of dress and personal appearance were important features of courtly life. During the 20th century, Italy began to attract serious world attention as an industrial and cultural force rivaling both Paris and New York. Early collections inspired by Missoni, Versace and Armani, plus a steady stream of other high-profile designers have turned Italy into a destination that all aspiring designers should experience at least once.
The Interior Designer program is designed to give insight into the artistic traditions of Florence, through the exploration of the sumptuous villas and gardens built throughout the province of Tuscany during this time.
The Fashion Sketching and Millinery program gives students insight into the history of Italian fashion and how its heritage of technical excellence and style is manifested in today's Italian designs. The program examines the heritage of Italian fashion and the aesthetic beauty that inspired it. Based primarily in the city of Florence, the program will use the city's fashion and artistic resources to complement classroom activity.
The Visual Arts program is designed to give insight into the artistic traditions of Tuscany. You will attempt to capture the form and essence of famous works through a variety of painting techniques.
Florence, Italy
Florence lies on the Arno River and has a population of around 400,000 people, plus a suburban population in excess of 200,000 persons. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. A center of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. Florence is also famous for its magnificent art and architecture. It is said that, of the 1,000 most important European artists of the second millennium, 350 lived or worked in Florence. The city has also been called the Athens of the Middle Ages.
Courses
Courses offered in Fashion Sketching and Millinery during Summer A session:
FASHION SKETCHING (200-level course)
Prerequisites: FAS 104 or equivalent
This course explores the skills required for this growing specialty in the fashion industry. The stylist creates the visual fashion story whether it is for art, photography, video, window display, advertising, promotions or fashion shows. You will have the opportunity, in groups, to spend time in a photographic studio and on location to develop an understanding of the role of the stylist on fashion shoots.
ACCESSORIES (MILLINERY) (300-level course)
Prerequisites: ENG 101, FAS 108
This course introduces students to the principles of designing and constructing basic shapes of hats using various materials. The student will also study some history of hats and learn to recognize hat styles.
Courses offered in Interior Design during Summer B session:
THE ART, ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS OF FLORENCE (200-level course)
This course examines the art and architecture that defined the Renaissance in Florence. Works of Great Renaissance artists including Donatello, Masaccio and Brunelleschi are viewed. The course then analyzes how society evolved through the 16th century to shape and influence the interior buildings throughout Florence.
THE VILLAS AND GARDENS OF TUSCANY (200-level course)
This course explores the beauty of the region’s villas and sculpted gardens. From the arcaded porches of private residences to the magnificent loggias of public squares, you can examine how the history of garden design evolved in line with other artistic developments of the same period.
Courses offered in Visual Arts during Summer B session:
THE ART OF THE FLORENTINE RENAISSANCE (200-level course)
This course examines the works of art that defined the Renaissance in Florence. Using the work of Giotto as a starting point, students will view work by many of the great artists of the Early Renaissance like Donatello Masaccio and Brunelleschi. Using examples from the masters of Tuscan art (like Leonardo and Michelangelo) students will study how the art of the city evolved to influence many other aspects of the city's culture. Students will also seek to understand how Florentine society changed as a result of Renaissance ideas; specifically how ideas regained from antiquity mixed with the wealth of the city fathers who began to use art as an instrument to garner political power.
PAINTING I (300-level course)
This course offers a foundation in the studio practice of painting. Various techniques and their application in the context of fine art and illustration are presented. Exploration of visual language and personal creativity is encouraged. Students should expect to incur expenses for supplies.
PAINTING II (300-level course)
This class develops from and builds upon the painting foundation acquired in Painting I.Working more independently, students are expected to define their individual style and material direction. Greater emphasis is placed upon the conceptual and creative roles in studio practice. Students should expect to incur expenses for supplies.
Estimated Costs
Students will pay a program fee to UW-Stout to cover the cost of tuition and related fees for two classes, health insurance, accommodation, a Florence orientation program and laptop fees. All other expenses, including personal expenses, flight and some meals are paid directly by students and can vary based on personal spending habits.
5 week Summer session:
Estimated Program Cost $7,982
Estimated Housing Costs: included
Estimated Personal Expenses: $3,372
Total Estimated Costs: $11,354
For further breakdown of all estimated costs, please contact the Office of International Education (below).
Eligibility
Students must be sophomore status with at least 2.5 GPA and in good academic standing.
Housing and Meals
Student accommodations will be in apartment style within central Florence. Rooms are usually twin rooms with en suite communal lounge and kitchen facilities.
Passport/Visa
All students must have a valid US passport for entrance into Italy. The current passport fee is $100. If students already have a US passport, be sure to check the dates of validity. It must be valid for six months beyond the return date to the US.
Application Procedures
Please make an appointment with the Office of International Education (OIE), 400 Bowman Hall, to review and receive the application materials. Completed forms are returned to OIE. A $100 non refundable application fee is paid to the Student Business Services Office located in the Administration Building at time of application. Once accepted by UW-Stout, a $200 non refundable service fee will be required to hold a place in the program.
For More Information
- Please contact OIE for an appointment
to discuss your Study Abroad options
and receive application materials.
715/232-2132, E-mail: globaled@uwstout.edu