aCademiC Catalog 2013-2014 - Lorenzo de Medici

School of Arts & Sciences ROME
Intercultural Communication
COM 290 R; Dual listed: ANT 290 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
The course, which introduces students to the basic patterns
of cross-cultural psychology and communication, proposes
an analysis of communication behavior in interpersonal and
intercultural, individual and group environments. Along with a
study of the influence of culture on identity, viewpoints, and
communication, it progressively proposes all the theoretical
concepts that are necessary to analyze communication in
an interpersonal and intercultural context. Topics include:
common communication difficulties, communication roles
and proxemics. Special emphasis is placed on rituals, message
patterns, clothing, myths, ideologies, and on the influence of
the mass media on our cross-cultural representation of reality.
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Public Relations
COM 300 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
We will study the definitions, functions and evolution of public
relations, including the application of PR theory and ways to
plan a PR campaign (planning process, issue analysis, research
methods and strategies). The different fields in which public
relations practitioners operate will be presented in relation to
case studies and exercises: media relations, event management,
crisis management, corporate identity, internal/external
communications, community relations, international PR and
marketing support, and effectiveness evaluation. Finally, future
perspectives and new technological opportunities will be taken
into account, trying to define new boundaries for a discipline
too often underrated or misunderstood.
Prerequisites: COM 180 Mass Communication, or equivalent
Writing for the Media
COM 312 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
This course is intended for students who are interested in
writing for the media. Writing exercises, geared towards
improving the students’ command of article development
will be combined with field reporting and producing to help
students gain practical experience in writing for print media
outlets. Objectives of the course are: to provide experience
in writing various types of stories, and to develop skills
in reporting and news gathering techniques; to develop
critical acumen necessary to check stories for accuracy and
correctness; to develop skills in graphics or photography that
complement the journalistic writing skills; and to provide actual
practical experience developing content. Special attention
will be devoted to developing news stories focusing on Rome
as Italy’s capital city and the center of Italian politics and the
Italian media world.
Prerequisites: WRI 150 Writing for College, or equivalent
Communications Internship
COM 362 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 135
This course provides practical and professional experience in
the field of Communications at a distinctive Italian placement
site. The intern is monitored by both the onsite supervisor and
an LdM faculty member. The grade assigned by the faculty
internship supervisor reflects assessment of weekly reports,
two papers, and an overall evaluation. Ten hours weekly at the
internship site; student internship schedules and onsite duties
may vary. The placement is with a private publishing company
specialized in tourist information. Interns may develop and
carry out various activities which may include but are not
limited to: writing articles, updating articles, events research,
filing database entries; contributing to blogs, social media,
websites; developing new projects.
Note: Placement opportunities are limited and subject
to change. Students who enroll must submit supporting
documentation by the registration deadline, and acceptance is
conditional upon result of an onsite interview during the first
week of the term. Fluency in Italian may be advantageous.
Prerequisites: English/Writing/Journalism majors of junior
standing
Cultural Studies
Women, History and Culture
CLT 250 R; Dual listed: GND 250 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
The course surveys the changing roles and perceptions of
women in Western history and culture from ancient times to
the present. The relatively recent political enfranchisement
of women and the rise of feminist thought and theory offer
a framework and a destination. Students examine a wide
variety of exemplary roles (wife, mother, priestess, nun, etc.)
and individuals. Matrifocal societies and the widespread cult of
the Mother Goddess were supplanted by patriarchal traditions,
examined through Judaism and the Classical Greek world and
their ideas, texts, mythologies, and social strategies. Students
next explore the religious, social, and medical views of the first
millenium and a half of the CE. With the Renaissance arrive
new and better-documented perceptions by and of women.
Social policies and both high and popular culture reveal
persistent prejudices. The Early Modern era brings changes
in social position as women become agents in the arts and
sciences. Women’s Rights are inscribed upon wider social and
cultural struggles of the modern world. In conclusion, students
encounter constructions of women present in today’s culture
and media, and still unresolved issues.
Prerequisites: HIS 130 Western Civilization, or equivalent
Gender Studies
Women, History and Culture
GND 250 R; Dual listed: CLT 250 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
The course surveys the changing roles and perceptions of
women in Western history and culture from ancient times to
the present. The relatively recent political enfranchisement
of women and the rise of feminist thought and theory offer
a framework and a destination. Students examine a wide
variety of exemplary roles (wife, mother, priestess, nun, etc.)
and individuals. Matrifocal societies and the widespread cult of
the Mother Goddess were supplanted by patriarchal traditions,
examined through Judaism and the Classical Greek world and
their ideas, texts, mythologies, and social strategies. Students
next explore the religious, social, and medical views of the first
millenium and a half of the CE. With the Renaissance arrive
new and better-documented perceptions by and of women.
Social policies and both high and popular culture reveal
persistent prejudices. The Early Modern era brings changes
in social position as women become agents in the arts and
sciences. Women’s Rights are inscribed upon wider social and
cultural struggles of the modern world. In conclusion, students
encounter constructions of women present in today’s culture
and media, and still unresolved issues.
Prerequisites: HIS 130 Western Civilization, or equivalent
Geography and Environmental
Studies
Introduction to Environmental Issues
ENV 180 R
Cr: 3; Contact hrs: 45
It is important in our lives to have more information to
understand, if possible, our mission on earth. Emphasis is placed
on key concepts and generalization of global environmental
issues within an earth-systems science framework including
climate change, air pollution, land and coastal degradation,
water resources and pollution, and habitat loss. The course
introduces students to ecological concepts that provide a
foundation for understanding present and future environmental
issues, and learning about critical environmental issues as
population growth, natural resource management, biodiversity
and global changes, wilderness, food production, and changing
habitats.
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LdM Academic Catalog 2013-2014