This January, a group of ten Chapman students, from a variety of majors, participated in the intensive University Honors Program travel course “Interpreting the Past: An Experience of Rome.” Through the mentorship of Dr. Pacchioni, the director of the Ferrucci Institute for Italian Experience and Research, and the engagement of an interdisciplinary team and the partnership of Rome’s Borromini Institute, the course enabled students to explore personalized scholarly and creative projects through the unique cultural resources of the Eternal City. This critical field study guided students to an understanding of the cultural identity of several historic neighborhoods in the Italian capital city. Through visits to deeply layered urban and archeological sites and museums, students also developed an appreciation of the complexity and significance of watershed moments in the history of Western civilization.
In the words of some of the students:
“This travel course not only opened my eyes to the spirit of Rome, but also to a greater understanding of the human experience. I could not be more appreciative of the people I met and places we explored.” – Keira Ryan
“This course allowed me to feel intertwined with the city of Rome. I was able to experience the normalcies of daily life in the city along with discovering the incredible history and landmarks it has to offer. I also felt that the small group dynamic allowed me to make lifelong connections through the memories we experienced together!” – Sofia Robe
“This travel course was undeniably essential for my educational experience, as for once I felt treated as a full, autonomous adult in an academic setting. By the end of the trip, I was so comfortable with getting around with public transport, I had tourists mistaking me for a local and asking me for directions. It felt great being given freedom and responsibility, and I learned a lot of important life skills like timeliness and being artistically curious.” – Brook Wellington
