* This program will run in 2020 *

PHL 299: Gastro-Philosophy: Reflections of Place, Time, and Identity 

About: 

Students will earn six credits through a mandatory course instructed by LVC professor, Dr. Robert Valgenti, and an elective course taught at the host institute. 

Mandatory Course (3 credits): Gastro-Philosophy: Reflections on Place, Time, and Identity (Instructed by Dr. Robert Valgenti) 

This course begins from the simple premise that human life flourishes only if thinking informs eating, and eating informs thinking. Each of us spends a lifetime thinking and eating. But what if we were to discover that we did neither of them well, despite how often we find ourselves eating and thinking? How could we arrive at such an insight? What would it mean to improve how we eat and think? Could their improvement be connected in some way? This course will meet the L6 Religion/Philosophy requirement and pending Intercultural Competence Constellation requirement. Participation in the program will fulfill an Immersive Constellation requirement.  

Elective Course (3 credits): Choose from Italian language, art history, food and culture, archeology, and literature course offerings. 

Students will select one course from summer course offerings at The Umbra Institute. Enroll in an introductory Italian language course, study the art and history of Italian culture, take a photography class, learn additional information on the history and culture of food, or read and write about Italian classic literature. All courses contain excursions or service learning opportunities. Browse summer course selections at http://www.umbra.org.

Highlights: 

Perugia is a vibrant city full of old world charm and cobblestone streets in its beautiful historic center. The center is known for its picturesque outdoor cafés along the pedestrian thoroughfare Corso Vannucci and the beautiful Fontana Maggiore in Piazza 4 Novembre. 

Students will take classes with other American students who are participating in the Umbra Institute's regular summer study abroad program. Perugia is a day trip away from Rome, and Italy is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, so independent travel on the weekends can take you to exciting new European countries.