This program will explore questions around the social justice of food equity in relationship to food production, as well as topics relating to food science, including climate change, biodiversity, and food production technology. A special focus of this program will allow you to explore the impact that humans have on the food system and vice versa from a social justice perspective and by comparing the European and American systems. Classes vary based on the term. Each term has 4 required courses, for 15-16 UO quarter credits. You may take an additional course for up to 20 credits.
X=Required
For UO Environmental Studies and Food Studies students, courses fulfil the following requirements:
| Food, Science, and Sustainability |
ENVS: Food, Science, and Sustainability, 300-level, 5 credits |
ENVS: Area 3B (Sustainable Design and Practice elective)
FS: Elective and Capstone Seminar course
|
| Food and Culture in Italy |
ANTH: Food and Culture in Italy, 300-level, 4 credits
|
Core Ed: Social Science
FS: Elective and Capstone Seminar course
|
| Long-Lived: History and Culture of the World’s Healthiest People |
ENVS: 300-level, 4 credits |
FS: Elective and Capstone Seminar course |
| Wine in Italy and the Western World |
HST: Wine in Italy & The Western World, 300-level, 4 credits |
Core Ed: Social Science
FS: Elective and Capstone Seminar course
|
All courses offered in Siena are recognized and approved for academic credit by various GEO partner institutions. Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information. Courses are taught by Italian faculty who have experience teaching US students, including supplementary language tutoring offered by the site director. You will attend classes with other US students, and as part of the Cross-Cultural Communications course, you will meet with Italian students from the Università di Siena at the Language Lab or in classes at the university. Courses make use of a variety of materials and texts, all of which are provided as part of the program fee.
Optional Service-Learning Placement
Students are welcome to participate in a service-learning placement as part of the Cross-Cultural Perspectives course. If you opt for the service-learning placement, you will be required to make both a personal and a professional commitment. As part of the Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Service-Learning course, you will design a project in partnership with your organization host, conducting a needs and skills assessment. Over the course of the term, you will continue to develop your project while reflecting on your involvement and the cross-cultural context in which you are participating. At the conclusion of the program, you will present a portfolio of reflection papers, resumé, and project analysis. A service-learning placement requires flexibility and commitment to the internship schedule and entailed responsibilities. Because of the time commitment required, you may sometimes have to forgo a program activity or excursion in order to fulfill your responsibilities to the organization.
An optional service-learning placement is an exciting opportunity for students studying in Siena, Italy, during the fall or spring to immerse themselves in the local Sienese culture. Placements vary by term. In the past students have volunteered at local retirement homes, ceramic arts programs for community members with disabilities, pre-school and elementary schools, and rescue and social services.
