»About the Program

Florence University of the Arts

Apicius: The Culinary Institute of Florence

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Travelers are true seekers of knowledge. Driven by intellectual as well as human curiosity, in the course of travel to Europe one can deeply appreciate the experience of learning about other cultures. The quest for truth and authenticity, through immersion in the life of another country will foster the understanding of the anthropological connections between a language, a culture and its various social and geographical settings.

This in-depth exploration of Italian culture focuses on three major areas synonymous with the cultural achievements of Italy, in the past, and in the 21st century. These subjects – Digital Travel Photography, Art History, and Italian Cuisine & Wines – will be examined and presented in multi-faceted ways enabling students to make connections between their own cultural backgrounds, and the understanding of Italian Culture.

The Digital Photography workshop involves the students in hands-on technical assignments in order to create a photographic travel journal. It explores the use of state of the art computer software and technical, compositional & visual techniques of the camera. The Cuisine & Wines part of the program takes the student to the heart of a centuries old ‘family firm’ of winemakers on one day and to the preparation and tasting of regional culinary specialties the next. The Art History component of the course concentrates on the Renaissance period; slide lectures are supplemented by visits to museums, churches and palaces where students will gain a sure sense of how Italian creativity, in all the areas studied, is connected to trade, to business, to faith, to passion, to tried and tested traditions, as well as to a strong sense of civic pride and national and regional identity.

This program is organized exclusively for the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook and is under the direction of Dr. Andrea Fedi, Graduate Program Director of the Department of European Languages, Literature and Cultures. It incorporates a range of focused seminars, workshops and field trips that will enable students to develop the tools required for a deep knowledge of Italian Culture and for exploring relationships across and between cultures.