Business Summer Course in Italy

Study Business in Perugia, Italy— Summer 2014

This summer Prof. Richard Kinder will be teaching two courses, “Corporate Failures, Frauds, and Scandals” and “Understanding Modern Business“. Both are taught in English, so no Italian language proficiency is required. The courses are held in Perugia, in central Italy, at the Umbra Institute. Courses are twice a week, with no classes on Friday. The Summer Session runs from the last week in May to the end of June. Students can either take both courses, or take just one and choose another course from the elective courses offered at Umbra.

Course description: Corporate Failures, Frauds, and Scandals

Corporate Failures, Frauds, and Scandals–Course Description

It seems like every day there is a news story about a company or a business executive involved in a scandal, a fraud investigation, or a public relations disaster. This course will investigate reasons and consequences of those events. Students don’t need any prior experience or special knowledge on the subject. The course will begin by discussing ideas behind good management, followed by exercises to understand how difficult decision-making can be in business. Once these foundational concepts are developed, students will explore management failures and scandals, learning about probable causes, warning signs, and ways of identifying them before they happen. Students will know many of the companies and people involved in the cases.

Course description: Understanding Modern Business

Understanding Modern Business — Course Description

An understanding of business and management is essential to survival in the modern world. Publicly-traded and private companies, non-profit organizations, governmental bodies, sports clubs, church groups, even families – they all operate on a set of business principles. The ability to recognize, understand, and apply those principles is a major factor in the success of companies and organizations.

This course will provide students with an overview of modern business and businesses. The major forms and functional areas of businesses will be examined, as well as the role of business in the modern political, social, and economic environment – it’s important to remember that business doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Business is a complex and fascinating field. Being a good employee or a good manager and participating in a successful business is one of the most difficult, and rewarding, things a person can do.

A Big University Town in a Small Italian City. students will take advantage of the Umbra Institute’s incredible location in Perugia, Italy, to complete courses that count towards their majors, all while studying abroad and living in the real Italy. While the courses will be engaging, students ill also have ample time on the weekend to travel elsewhere in Europe.

Student Life. Each summer the Umbra Institute hosts between 80 and 100 American and Italian college students from colleges and universities across the U.S. and in Perugia. Housing is provided for all students in shared apartments within a 5-minute walk of the Institute. Apartments are furnished with full kitchens and have WiFi access. Check out some of the student activities offered at Umbra.

Note: Any student seeking credit must individually submit the courses for evaluation and determination through the college Registrar.

Prof. Richard Kinder

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I believe students learn best when they understand why the subject matter is relevant to them; when the learning is interactive; and, when they have fun. My role is to show how a particular course will enrich students’ personal lives and careers; to make learning an exchange among the professor, the students, and the community; and, to make sure we all enjoy the experience. The student’s role is to be prepared for each class, ask questions when help is needed, and look for ways to apply their new knowledge beyond the confines of the classroom. I’m looking forward to teaching students in Perugia!

Richard Kinder is an associate professor in the Department of Economics and Business at Washington and Jefferson College.

Student Profiles

Claire-Pilarski(130x150) Claire Pilarski
Student at Umbra Summer ’11

“In two short months, I created memories and friendships to last a lifetime all thanks to a smaller Italian city, Perugia. This small city provides you a chance to interact with the locals, taste the delicious food, and fall in love with the Italian lifestyle. Perugia, located in central Italy, also allows for easy day and weekend trips by train to explore the whole country in only a few hours. Choose the Umbra Institute and Perugia, and I promise you will never regret it!”

Emil Lendof
Student at Umbra Summer ’12

“Studying abroad through the Umbra Institute taught me about appreciating a rich and thriving culture of food, music, and art. To me Perugia was more than just a place of learning, it was a home.”