Exploring Florence: Italian Culture and Sustainable Living

Course Description:

This course offers an innovative way to learn the culture and history of the Italian peninsula while exploring Florence. Students will be introduced to the history of city parks, gardens, and other historical sites while guided in activities to explore Italian culture and reflect on the relationship between humans and nature.

The educational path develops on 4 levels:
- Personal: it guides students through a process of self-consciousness and personal growth in the debate regarding human future and wellbeing
-  Historical: the classes will be mostly outside, exploring green areas, markets, and gardens which will offer the opportunity to learn Florence History and culture and will be used as settings for the topics of discussion
- Cultural: students will experience first hand Italian culture and will learn basic vocabulary to facilitate interactions with the local communities.
- Ethical: each class students will read and comment on "History of the sapiens told to a coronavirus" and  will be engaged in team work to research on the topics brought on the table by the readings

Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. The course provides experiences and on-site lessons aimed at expanding the connection between individuals and the natural world and developing sustainable lifestyles. Each topic, excursion, and experience will be supported by a structured class of Italian language, and will provide a great opportunity to explore Florence, its parks, its people, and its traditions from a new perspective.