The two following courses are compulsory:

Italian Language and Culture

Each MADE student will begin their study abroad program by completing an intensive Italian Language and Culture course. Over the span of the first four weeks, you will explore Italy’s history, culture, and language, both through lectures and local site visits. By developing an understanding of the unique historical and cultural context of Sicily as well as key Italian words and phrases, you are empowered to interact with the local community in a respectful and meaningful way. With this groundwork in place, you are ready to engage locally. *Students with advanced Italian language experience can instead complete an additional elective course.

Mediterranean Studies Research Project

An important element of a MADE study abroad experience is the Mediterranean Studies Research Project, which allows you to develop research skills while pursuing one of your passions. With a foundation of research methodologies, you will set out to explore an individual academic or career interest, supplemented by Sicily’s unique attributes and resources. With the support of our industry experts, such as a local NGO leader, volcanologist, designer, or artist, you will put to use valuable professional competencies, such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication. By the end of the term, you will have completed a final project or product, giving you a tangible takeaway from your high impact learning experience.

In addition to the compulsory courses, students can select one (1) of the following reflective courses: Drawing, Creative Writing, Photography.

Students then have the choice of choosing one of the following 6 credit tracks:

• Fine Arts Track (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography): these are 6 credit studios

• Design Track (mixed media, graphic design, fashion design, product design): these are 6 credit studios

• Mediterranean Studies/Liberal Arts Track: choose two (2) of the following courses: (Migration in the Mediterranean, Geology of Sicily/Volcanology, Marine Biology, Greek and Roman Ingenuity, Art History, Modern Italy, Western Civilization, Mediterranean Anthropology)

• Italian Language Track (additional Language Course; Italian Cinema/Special Focus in Sicily; Sicilian Writers taught in Italian)