Course Description
The goal of this course is to introduce students to academic community engagement; to broaden students’ intercultural knowledge and awareness as a way to encourage empathy; and to help students see their own communities and society from a more comparative, global perspective. With this in mind, there are two main components to the course: one experiential (internship) and one reflective (seminar). The internship itself requires a commitment of approximately 4 hours per week and the seminar meets for 2 hours per week.

Students can choose between the following internships:

• Palazzo Sorbello House Museum
  The academic internship and seminar at the casa museo is a unique way to learn about the cultural and artistic heritage of Italy, the region of Umbria, and of Perugia. The internship familiarizes you with the operations and functions of a small but modern house museum. As an intern, you collaborate with the museum staff in creating promotional materials for English-speaking visitors, giving guided tours of the museum in English and preparing exhibitions, conferences, and other cultural events.

• Urban Engagement 
  In this academic internship and seminar, you focus on participatory planning and urban exploration to understand the relationships between people, places, and values. You will learn about the history of Perugia to see how the past has contributed to shape the cultural, political and social landscape of the city today. In collaboration with the city government and local volunteer organizations, you will analyze how public space is used by different community members and how to foster civic participation in Perugia’s historic center.

•  Monimbò Fair Trade Cooperative
  For the Monimbò seminar, you take an in-depth look at Fair Trade, explore the social, political, and economic implications of global efforts, and research current initiatives in Italy. As an intern, you assist with general store operations and regional festivals, organize and market social and informational events, and facilitate school education workshops and awareness campaigns.

• Education Internship (Spring Only)
  In this academic internship and seminar you examine educational psychology, pedagogical models, and English language teaching methods. You intern with either a local public scientifico or Montessori high school, working closely with English language teachers and Italian students. Depending on your placement and the teachers’ needs, you will assist with lesson planning and classroom instruction or design and implement educational workshops with a specific theme such as language and travel.

Students are encouraged but not required to enroll in the following course(s) based on the complementary nature of their internship placement:

• Urban Engagement - PSIT 352: History and Politics of Modern Italy: From the Risorgimento to the Present
• Palazzo Sorbello House Museum – AHST 310: Survey of Italian Renaissance and Mannerist Art 1300-1580 and/or AHST 371: Special Topics: Leonardo da Vinci
• Monimbò Fair Trade Cooperative- SOIT 360: Contemporary Italy: Culture, Society, and Trends and/or BUFS 380: The Business of Food: Italy and Beyond
• Education- PYHD 430: Human Development