Fall Abroad Program - 12 Weeks

The aim of the course is to provide the basic tools for understanding the main international economic phenomena underlying the globalization process. Furthermore, the course aims to provide the basic knowledge of commercial policies, monetary and fiscal policies in an open economy, the determination of the exchange rate and the choice of the exchange rate regime. Students should have taken introductory courses in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics prior to enrolling.

Theory and practice of marketing agricultural commodities for international markets. Specific emphasis will be placed on the domestic and trade policies of the major agricultural producing countries as well as the economic impact of preferential trade partnerships on the agricultural and general economy. Factors impacting the mobility of agricultural products, labor, and inputs will be addressed. Students should have taken a course in Microeconomics prior to enrolling.

The course provides an intermediate level understanding of the microeconomic approach to economic analysis. The course first presents the classical approach to individual choice, to demand, and to the general competitive economic balance of pure exchange. The production choices of the companies are then examined, under different hypotheses regarding the form of market. Finally, an introductory analysis is offered to the problems of strategic interaction, to externalities, to public goods, to decisions in the presence of risk and uncertainty, to asymmetric information, to the functioning of markets and organizations. The course presents numerous applications of theoretical concepts to illustrate their role in understanding and interpreting real economic facts.

The course aims to provide students with the knowledge of the main institutions of private law, the ability to systematically read the rules of the civil code, recognizing the principles of civil legal action. This knowledge is propaedeutic to allow the understanding of financial intermediation processes at the legal level, in relation to professional opportunities in the banking, financial and insurance sectors. The main objectives of the course: mastery of legal language; understanding of the civil code; knowledge of the argumentative tools necessary to solve legal problems, techniques for drafting and interpreting commercial contracts. Students should have taken a course in Public Law prior to enrolling.

The aim of the course is to illustrate the conditions and the problems that characterize the management of relations between producers and outlet markets. The system of exchange between businesses and consumers is analyzed from the point of view of strategic marketing and operational marketing (tools). At the end of the course the student will have an overview of the exchange issues and the basic concepts for drawing up a marketing plan.

The course illustrates, through an appropriate use of economic categories, the historical process of contemporary economic development. While focusing attention on Europe, the course considers the processes of economic growth in the world by extending the discussion to all geographical areas. The course is based on an exhibition that combines economic theory, description and analysis of stylized facts, measurement of economic phenomena.

Examination and discussion of current issues and events related to domestic and international agricultural business. Preparation of graduates to effectively and professionally discuss agribusiness and its strengths and weaknesses. Possible topics include the EU and agriculture; Italian policy and government related to agriculture; the slow-food movement; wine, olive oil, and dairy industries in Tuscany; and agro-tourism.

This course aims to introduce the main quantitative models for the analysis, evaluation and management of financial assets, and provides the fundamental elements for the quantitative study of bond finance. The student will have the opportunity to learn the terminology and the appropriate concepts for understanding and using the tools of financial mathematics. The critical capacity of describing and developing the basic models of finance will be stimulated with particular attention to the management of the risk-return profile of a financial asset. In parallel, the course develops the main quantitative methodologies useful as a basis for participation in advanced finance courses.

A study of the relationship of American animal agriculture to similar enterprises in the European Common Market. Particular emphasis on marketing strategies for red meat and poultry products and differences in consumer attitudes. May include field trips to production farms, processing facilities, markets and governmental agencies. Opportunity to experience and visit historical sites of interest, especially the origin of common breeds of meat animals. Investigations into the influence of European attitudes toward animal welfare practices and diet-health issues.

Examination and discussion of current issues and events related to animal agriculture. Preparation of graduates to effectively and professionally discuss animal agriculture and its strengths and weaknesses. Possible topics include the EU and agriculture; Italian policy and government related to agriculture; the slow-food movement; wine, olive oil, and dairy industries in Tuscany; and agro-tourism.

This course provides a global perspective in the development of visual art, though a survey of representative cultures, styles, artists and works from the Paleolithic era through the 16th century. Students will develop analytical tools necessary for “reading” works of art and study issues related to the restoration and conservation of archaeological heritage. On-site instruction will focus on Etruscan and Roman heritage, with particular attention to the artistic patrimony of Siena and the Sienese territory.

This course explores the historical, political, and cultural evolution of central and northern Italy between the 5th and 14th centuries through a study of relevant paintings, sculpture, and architecture within their cultural and historical contexts. Includes lessons on-site in and around Siena and Florence.

This course is an overview of the history of banking in Western civilization, with an emphasis on the merchants and bankers of the Middle Ages in Tuscany. Begins with the liberal revolution of banking gradually introduced by the Roman emperors Constantine, Theodosius, Aracadius, and Valentinian that encouraged banking in the west in spite of opposition by the Catholic Church, which believed it unholy to demand interests on loans. Then explores the role of the Republic of Siena, an emerging power in the 1200s, and especially Olrando Bonsignori, who develops the first foreign bank and financier of large European royal families. Further discusses the decline of Siena and the rise of the great Florentine families, such as the Bardi, Peruzzi and Medici, who joined the figure of the merchant to that of the banker tying their history to European political events.

This course will analyze how the Mediterranean model asserts itself in Italian cooking, beginning with the influence of Piroddi Lorenzo, the father of the Mediterranean diet. Students will explore the principles that underlie the simplicity and sophistication of the Mediterranean diet in discussions of heath, wellness, and nutrition, as well as in the preparation of representative dishes. The preparation and study of basic Italian cuisine through the use of seasonal, local products, including grains, olive oil, fish, fruit, wine and vegetables will help students understand why the Mediterranean diet plays a key role in longevity and quality of life. Course will include bi-weekly culinary classes and visits to artisan food stores and supermarkets to practice reading food labels.

Designed as a road map of contemporary Italy for students studying abroad, this course will explore historical developments of Italian society, culture, and politics over the past century. The course will focus particularly on crucial historical moments, including the rise of the fascist regime, the organization of fascist society, the anti-fascist resistance, and post-war reconstruction. The decisive role of the United States in the post-WWII rebirth of democracy in Italy will also be explored, with special attention to military strategies, the administrative measures taken by the Allied Military Government in the liberated regions, the support to the partisans’ actions and the generous economic aid during the Reconstruction. Students will analyze documents, photos, songs, and clips from classic movies of Italian Neorealism such as Roma Città Aperta and Paisà till recent contributions such as Miracle at St. Anna. The course will include trips to the Museum Stanze della Memoria in Siena and to the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial.

This course explores the writings of the illustrious figures, students, and teachers from all over Europe and the world whom Siena has hosted within its walls, discussing the multiplicity of ways in which Siena has presented herself to travelers and how she has been perceived. The course will also explore the writings of the Sienese and how Siena’s inhabitants have responded to the foreigner’s perception of their city. This relationship between travelers and natives will reveal to the student the historical importance of Siena as a transit point for those who travel the Italian peninsula, and help them explore their own relationship to the city as travelers and temporary residents. Assignments will help students better articulate their experience studying abroad.

Provides an overview of the development of lyric opera in Europe, with a focus on Italy. The course uses an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the political, social, intellectual, and economic conditions that contributed to the development of lyric opera. Students will also analyze music, drama, libretto structure, musical forms, and the different types of arias. During opera season, the course may include visits to lyric operatic performances.

This course explores the city of Siena as a text through an examination of the sociology, anthropology, history, and art history of the city. It is intended to orient students to the culture of the city, the region, and the country, and how that culture has played out historically and continues to play out in the lives of the Sienese. Includes on-site instruction to important historical and cultural sites throughout the city.

Introduction to and discussion of the following principles of mathematics: elements of logic and set theory; numerical sets; reports and functions; limit operations, their properties and applications; continuous functions; differential calculus, including the derivative, its properties and applications; vector and matrix calculation elements; and Riemann integral.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part is dedicated to the illustration of the principles of public and constitutional law, with comparative references to the Italian experience. The second part focuses in particular on the Italian experience, also considering the influence of integration in the European Union.

The course aims to provide students with a complete knowledge of European legislation relating to company and company law so that students can acquire the appropriate capacity to identify problems related to business activity and, specifically, to companies. Students should have taken a course in Private Law prior to enrolling.

The aim of the course is to explain the financial markets and the tools needed to build a portfolio. at the end of the course the students should be able to understand the functioning of the markets the characteristic risk returns of bonds and shares. The construction of the efficient frontier and the use of derivative instruments. Students will be able to hold a job position in the typical sectors of financial intermediation. Students should have taken courses in Financial Mathematics and Corporate Finance prior to enrolling.