Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Europe
GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

Explore medieval Siena and modern mindfulness this summer with the Clark Honors College. This four-week program offers a unique blend of historical and contemporary studies led by Professor Kate Mondloch. In 'Art and Identity in Medieval Siena,' you'll explore the visual culture of medieval Siena, examining how art, architecture, and traditions shaped civic pride, religious devotion, and communal identity. Complementing this historical perspective, 'Mindful Living in the Digital Age' investigates the relationships between mindfulness, technology, and well-being, developing practical strategies for cultivating self-awareness and balance in our hyper-connected world. The program bridges centuries of human experience, allowing you to analyze how medieval Sienese used art to express identity, then apply those insights to navigate our digital landscape. 

Highlights include:

  • On-site learning at historic Sienese locations
  • Visits to local farms and vineyards
  • A day trip to Florence
  • Opportunity to witness the Palio horse race

Gain a new perspective on history and contemporary life while fulfilling two CHC colloquia requirements in Tuscany.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Summer202503/15/202507/30/202508/27/2025

Faculty-Led Scholarship Opportunity

Applicants to this program are eligible for program-specific scholarship funds. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500-$1,500. To be considered, apply to the GEO General Scholarship by the advertised deadline for the term you will be abroad. Students who apply will automatically be considered for all available funding within the General Scholarship, including this program's scholarship funds.

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

Students will take two courses during this four-week program. Students will earn eight credits total.

HC 431 Mindful Living in the Digital Age - 4 credits (40 contact hours)

This interdisciplinary course investigates the relationships between mindfulness, technology, and well-being in our hyper-connected world.

HC 434/421 Art and Identity in Medieval Siena - 4 credits (40 contact hours)

This course explores the visual culture of medieval Siena, examining how art, architecture, and traditions shaped civic pride, religious devotion, and communal identity.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: 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.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Kate Mondloch (PhD, UCLA) is a professor in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture in the College of Design and a Faculty Fellow in the CHC at the University of Oregon.  Prof. Mondloch has studied and taught in abroad throughout her career and has led student programs in Siena, Florence, and London. Prof. Mondloch’s research expertise in contemporary art and emerging technologies, combined with her enthusiasm for international education and emphasis on college student flourishing, makes her an ideal mentor for students interested in exploring art, culture, and well-being in an international context.

Dr. Daniele Di Lodovico (PhD, University of Washington) is an instructor at Oregon State University specializing in the visual culture of the Middle Ages. He brings extensive knowledge of how art, architecture, and literature shaped civic pride and communal identity in Sienese society. His engaging teaching style combines seminar discussions with immersive excursions, allowing students to connect historical insights with contemporary cultural contexts

Housing Description

Experience life as part of an authentic Italian neighborhood, living within the medieval city walls of Siena. Residences are spread out within the city center. All are within easy walking distance (~15 min) of the GEO Center, and you will have small local grocers, restaurants, and cafés nearby. 
 

Apartments: Apartments are fully furnished with beds, desks and a kitchen table and chairs. No two apartments are the same. Generally, there are 2-3 rooms per apartment, and you can expect to share a bedroom with one or two other GEO students. The kitchens are equipped with utensils, plates, glasses, cookware, an electronic oven and a gas stove. You will also receive two sets of linens and each apartment has access to a washing machine and drying rack (dryers are very uncommon in Italy).