Course description

Students on this MTSE will be immersed in the language, music, history, and culture of Italy. During three days of on-campus coursework, students will learn introductory Italian language and culture, taught by Professor Michael Chipman, and Italian music history specific to Venice, Florence and Milan (the cities we will visit), taught by Dr. Derfler and Dr. Quinn. Following this introductory work students will fly to Italy beginning the adventure in Venice where we will spend three days visiting (among many other sites) St. Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Doge's Palace the Grand Canal and attend an opera at La Fenice, one of Europe's most famous and historic opera houses.

After Venice, we will move on to Tuscany, where we will spend a week in an "agriturismo" villa, complete with swimming pool and an on-site vineyard and olive grove. In Tuscany we will take day-trips to Florence, visiting the churches, museums and historical sites that were the birthplace of much of Western classical music. We will also visit Siena and Pisa, both important historical centers of music history and culture. Evenings will consist of “family-style” dinners at the villa or students can explore the local villages and famous restaurants of Florence.

Finally we will spend two nights in Milan where we will have the amazing opportunity to see an opera at La Scala, one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, as well as visiting some of the city's famous cultural landmarks including DaVinci's famous painting, "The Last Supper."

Coursework will include four blog posts about students' experiences visiting these historic cities, and a final video journal that chronicles the students' own “viaggio musicale,” what they learned about Italian music history, language and culture, and how that learning experience broadened their global perspective.

Click HERE to see the syllabus.

Who can participate?

While this course is especially valuable for music students, we welcome non-music students, as well. Any students interested in deepening their cultural education by exploring the language, music history and culture of Italy will enjoy this course. 

What is the cost?

$4,074 The Full Package: includes roundtrip airfare, lodging, museum entrances, ground transportation, travel insurance, daily breakfast and two dinners, tickets to operas at La Fenice and La Scala.

$3,772 The Mandatory Package: includes all of the above minus opera tickets and some attractions.

Students should also plan to bring $500-$800 for food and souvenirs (depending on how much they want to spend on food and souvenirs)

Do I need to speak Italian to sign up?

No. We will teach you some basic conversational Italian before we leave. We will use Rick Steve's conversational Italian Phrasebook and Dictionary and Behind the Wheel Italian Express (audiobook).

Keep checking this site for updates. For more information, contact Prof. Michael Chipman (mchipman@westminstercollege.edu) or Dr. Brandon Derfler (bderfler@westminstercollege.edu)