Study Abroad With the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification at Tulane SoPA
Tulane University has canceled the Summer 2020 coursework in Italy due to COVID-19. Please reach out to your advisor to discuss course options. This page will be updated with information on Summer 2021 as we learn more.
Ferrara, a beautiful city known for its Renaissance palaces and castles, is located in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, world famous for its cuisine. This summer abroad experience also offers a wealth of culture, community, and content.
Students have the option to choose two (3-credit hour) courses in Education, Art History, and Psychology. These courses focus on the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education, the growth and development of children and adolescents, and art appreciation in Italy.
All students will have an opportunity to visit the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre, the heart and home of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Students will also have many opportunities to enhance the context of their courses as they explore the museums and cultural centers of Ferrara, Venice, and Florence.
Students from any major or classification (i.e., freshmen, seniors or post-baccalaureate students), are welcome to join this rewarding and inspiring abroad experience. All courses are taught in English.
Eligibility Requirements
Undergraduates from Tulane and other institutions with a 2.5 GPA grade point average (based on a 4.0 system) and non-degree seeking students are eligible to apply for admission. New Tulane students applying for credit must meet the general admission requirements of Tulane University.
Intro to Psychology prerequisite is required
List of courses
- ARHS 3910: The Art of Renaissance Italy
- EDUC 6900 Special Topics (OR alternatively ARHS 6900 Special Topics in Museum Studies): Museum Education: An International Perspective
- EDUC 3160 Children’s & Adol Literature
- EDCU 6860 Special Topics - A look at Reggio Emilia Approach to Education
- PSYCH 3210 Child Psychology
- PSYCH 3200 Educational Psychology
Course descriptions
Shannon Blady, PhD, Director of Tulane University's Teacher Preparation and Certification
EDUC 6860 Special Topics: Exploring the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education
This course explores various curriculum models and underlying theories utilized in designing early childhood curriculum, with an emphasis on the Reggio Emilia Approach to Childhood Education. Through this approach, young children are encouraged to explore their environment and express themselves through many "languages," or modes.
EDLA 3160 Children’s & Adolescent Literature
This course is designed to provide prospective teachers with an overview of the field of children’s literature with a focus on works appropriate for children and young adults. The history, philosophy, significant authors and texts, and major genres of children’s literature will be explored.
Holly Flora, PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, School of Liberal Arts, Associate Professor of Art History
ARHS 3910: The Art of Renaissance Italy
This course will explore the art and architecture of central Italy from ca. 1300-1550 CE, with a special emphasis on the art of the city of Ferrara. Through sight visits and in-depth analyses of works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and others, students will gain an understanding of the development and impact of the Italian Renaissance. The course will examine the patronage of art by the Church as well as the aristocracy, particularly within the court culture of Ferrara and Mantua. For more information, visit https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/departments/newcomb-art/people/holly-flora
EDUC 6900 Special Topics (OR alternatively ARHS 6900 Special Topics in Museum Studies):
Museum Education: An International Perspective
This course will analyze the many diverse methods used by school teachers as well as museum professionals who teach using museum collections. Various methodologies and approaches to object-based teaching will be discussed, with special attention to the cultural differences in museum practices in Italy versus those in the United States. Students will learn teaching strategies using art for learners of all ages, including young children, and will develop a portfolio of lesson plans and assignments that can be used to enhance curricula in various museum settings. For more information, visit https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/departments/newcomb-art/people/holly-flora
Alexandra Sims, PhD, Professor of Practice, Tulane University Department of Psychology
PSYCH 3210 Child Psychology
This course introduces students to the scientific study of child psychology. The course provides a comprehensive overview of development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Course content emphasizes the multiple factors shaping development including the interaction of culture and biology. Through observations of children in local settings and explorations of cross-national research, we will also distinguish between universal and culturally unique aspects of development. For more information, visit https://sse.tulane.edu/psyc/faculty/sims
PSYCH 3200 Educational Psychology
This course will examine psychological principles applied to educational practices with emphasis on development, learning theories, and learning contexts. Its purpose is to help adults working with children and pre-service professionals understand links between applied educational practices and psychological principles and research. Through school site visits, data review, video, and readings, students will also have opportunities to engage in cross-national exploration of education indicators, practices, and outcomes. For more information, visit https://sse.tulane.edu/psyc/faculty/sims
Intercultural Learning Opportunities
Students will visit The Reggio Emilia Children’s Center, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Saint Marco’s Square, the Palazzo Ducale and the Venetian Ghetto in Venice, as well as the option to visit the Abbey of Pomposa in Ferrara in addition to other local museums. Students may also have an opportunity to volunteer at a local summer camp in Ferrara.
Housing
Double occupancy hotel accommodations in Ferrara, Italy
Wifi available
Cost
$6,800
Included: tuition, university and transcript fees, accommodations, opening and closing dinner, class field trips, weekend field trips and some group meals, pick up at airport, and comprehensive medical & emergency insurance
Not Included: airfare, passport and visa fees, telephone calls (send/receive), meals not specified, transportation other than specified, personal travel, course books and materials
Travel Information
To be reviewed at mandatory orientation sessions.
Contact
For more information, contact Dr. Shannon Blady sblady@tulane.edu or Office of Study Abroad 504-865-5339.