“A fool is one who admires other cities without visiting Rome.” – Francesco Petrarca.
From the Caesars to the Saints: Walking Ancient Rome (HUM 1006), 4 credits, HIST, no prerequisites.
This course will explore the history, society, and culture of the city of ancient and medieval Rome. The city’s ancient history is bound up with the history of the Romans’ territorial expansion in Italy and the Mediterranean. Its medieval history, meanwhile, is intertwined with the growing political and economic power of the Catholic Church. The course will thus examine these connections to understand the way people used and viewed Rome's urban space differently across time. We will gain access to these ideas through on-site exploration of Rome’s monuments and museums and through ancient, medieval, and modern readings regarding the importance of these sites and how they fit into differing perceptions of Rome. Additionally, living in Rome for three weeks will allow you to experience first hand the food, culture, people, and daily rhythms of life in the modern city.
Participants will be registered as an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota Morris and enrolled in a course that will show on an official transcript from the University of Minnesota Morris.
International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding.
Your faculty program leaders are Lisa Bevevino and Aaron Wenzel.
Itinerary
There will be coursework before departure for Rome. This coursework will consist of reading and Zoom sessions tentatively schedule the week before departure.
To be decided: Depart for Rome.
To be decided: Depart from Rome
2 Group dinners arranged.
We assume interested participants have the ability to walk for more than a mile over terrain that is sometimes rough, with varying elevations. A good sense of balance and athletic shoes or walking shoes are essential, and walking poles may be desirable. For more information on the availability of accommodations please contact Stephanie Ferrian.
Dates & Prices
Depart US - Depart Rome (To be decided)
There will be coursework before departure for Rome. This coursework will consist of reading and Zoom sessions tentatively schedule the week before departure.
Flights are not included in the program fee. We will put together a coordinated group flight, but participants are not required to travel with the group. The Academic Center for Enrichment will assist all participants as needed with flight arrangements.
Estimated Cost of Program: To be decided(based on 10 students)
Includes all housing and group transportation in country
Includes 4 UMN Morris tuition credits
Entrance fees for educational excursions
Student out of pocket expenses
Flight
personal expenses
most meals
The deposit is non-refundable. Full Cancellation Policy. $500 deposit in March 2025. Balance of program fee will be due May 25, 2025.
Course Registration:
Financial Aid Eligibility
Non-University of Minnesota students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for any financial aid from the University of Minnesota.
Standard inclusions
Unless specified otherwise in the description of the program, program charges includes dormitory lodging during the program; meals specified on the itinerary; site visits; entrance fees; guides; any internal train, bus, or air travel; emergency medical-evacuation insurance on international trips; all taxes and gratuities; management services; and the full educational program led by Professor Aaron Wenzel and Lisa Bevevino.
Standard exclusions
Unless specified otherwise in the description of the program, program charges do not include airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage, cancellation, and accident insurance; meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail service.
Additional Expense
Lodging
• Double/triple occupancy rooms in shared student apartments with a kitchen, bathroom, and general living area will be provided in Rome for the duration of the program.
• Exact housing placements will be given to participants upon arrival.
• Accent Global Learning may charge a supplement for each single room. Additionally, it may be necessary for participants to be housed with other Accent Global Learning groups or in mixed gender housing. Bedrooms will always be single sex.
• Pets are not allowed in program housing, other than medically certified service/guide dogs approved by Accent Global Learning. Any issues arising from the animal (including any quarantine requirements or supplementary charges necessary to accommodate this request both within or outside of housing) will be the responsibility of the participant, and a deposit for the apartment may be required.
Should a participant need to self-quarantine outside of program housing, due to a positive test for COVID-19 during the program or due to local quarantine mandates for international travelers upon arrival, Accent Global Learning will assist in locating temporary housing for that participant as quickly as possible. The cost for this temporary housing will be $100 per student per night and will be invoiced to UM Morris for as many nights as quarantining is necessary. The participant will need to remain in the temporary quarantine housing for the duration of the illness, or through the mandated quarantine duration, and until cleared by local health authorities. Accent Global Learning will assist with ordering food and supplies for home delivery, for which participants will cover the costs.
FAQ
Passport & visa requirements
In order to enter Italy, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Tour Pace
You will walk for about 3-5 hours daily across varied terrain, including cobblestone streets and unpaved paths, you should expect steep hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as lifting above your head.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact Stephanie Ferrian.
Transportation & arrival information
Round-trip flights booked arrive and depart in Rome. A representative from UMM will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who arrive in accordance with the itinerary. Travelers who purchase their own flights at alternate times may request airport transfers an additional cost.
Transportation in this program is by private motor coach, bus, and train.
Clothing and packing tips
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a fleece sweater, hat, gloves, and rainwear (weather in the mountains can change quickly).
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Program Leaders
Lisa Shugert Bevevino
Aaron Wenzel
