Classes

I haven't updated this past week because I think I've been establishing a routine, which is pretty exciting to do in a foreign country, albeit expensive. Instead of detailing all of my experiences from the past week, I am just going to describe my classes. Plus, I have pictures too. Fuck yeah, right mom? OK, here it goes.

Romans & their Literature- Professoressa DiBrucia, MW 10:30-12:00
This class can count towards either my Classics major or my English major, which makes it worthwhile for me to take. We essentially what the title suggests- we read Roman literature. One very interesting aspect of the course is that, instead of assigning one text book, Professoressa DiBrucia copied parts of translations that she liked. Thus, we can really come close to experiencing these texts in their original form. Thanks, girlfriend.

Italian 001- Professoressa Lucy, MTWR 1:00-2:00
While studying abroad in Italy, I am enrolled in Italian. Since it is the most basic level, we are currently learning the basics of the language; the course's main goal is to help us survive in Rome. So far, it has helped me a bit, and Lucy is able to answer questions about Italian culture as well. A bumbling, dumb-ass American kid, I'm sure I have offended plenty of Italians, but thanks to class, I'm learning how to be respectful with the language (for instance, I should say Buongiorno or Buona sera when I enter a Bar or store instead of Ciao because they are not my friends, which BTW I haven't made any of, Italian or American)

Museum History and Theory of Rome- Professoressa Kalb M 4:30-6:00, T 9:00-12:00
As a museum nerd, this class is particularly exciting for me. On Monday nights, we meet at school for a discussion on the articles we read for homework and a small lecture. Then, on Tuesday mornings, we meet on-site at a museum that we tour for the 3 hours. Very exciting, but it will get expensive with museum fees; however, it is completely worth waking up, walking, and paying, since Rome is a city so rich in culture and I will be able to experience it in the classroom with someone very knowledgeable about it.

Late Antique & Byzantine Art History- Professore Gadeyne W 4:30-6:00, R 9:00-12:00
This class also counts towards my Classics major, which rules; Jan Gadeyne also teaches this course, which makes it worth taking in itself. Similar to my museum class, we meet on Wednesday nights for a lecture and discussion, then on-site on Thursday mornings. As my Belgian teacher explained on the first day, "this course is one of few of its kind, and it is the most interesting course taught in Rome by the best teacher in Rome." I can't argue with much there, Jan is the man. He is also one of the fastest walkers that I have ever walked with. Very cool. As if the course isn't interesting and great enough, we go on a 4 day trip in April to Aquilea and Ravenna to "look at churches and talk about churches so much that we will throw up churches." Can't wait.

This is going to be a great semester, full of opportunities to learn about Roman culture- both ancient and contemporary. The city truly serves as my classroom, and I plan on taking full advantage of it. If anything exciting happens in these classes, I will post about it. Until then, this is what I do every day. Ciao, friends.