Academic Credit

The academic program is made up of a core curriculum (consisting of 16 university credits) and a component of elective courses, offered on demand.  The core consists of:

• Italian Language & Culture Course – 9 credits – 12 weeks
• Interdisciplinary course: Music, Politics and Greed in the Cradle of the Renaissance – 3 credits – 8 weeks (taught in English)
• One additional course (for Fall 2009:  Cinema italiano – A History of Italian Cinema – 3 credits – 8 weeks (taught in English and Italian)
• Service-Learning – 1 credit – 8 weeks

While the Italian Language & Culture course and the Service-Learning component are mandatory, there is flexibility with regard to the other courses in the core curriculum, and course substitutions may be made to better suit the student's own interests and needs.

The first three weeks of the semester are dedicated solely to the Three-Week Intensive Italian course, visiting service sites, and getting to know the host families.  The rest of the core curriculum begins in week four.   A list of elective courses in the arts and humanities is available under Course Menu. In many of the courses, learning is not limited to the classroom.  Whenever possible, field excursions are integrated to enhance comprehension and provide students with a multifaceted experience.   Certain courses may have prerequisites, while others have an open enrollment.  Most courses will be taught in English.

Transfer of Academic Credit

Credit will be awarded by Montana State University for all courses taken within the Arts & Humanities Semester in Tuscany.  Each student’s academic advisor, in consultation with the MSU Office of International Programs, will determine how these credits will apply toward specific degree requirements.  The Office of the Registrar at MSU will process the transfer of academic credits for non-MSU students.