In Italy with the Classics: Roman Italy and Renaissance

Roman Italy and The Renaissance

In Italy with the Classics 2026

June 5–19

After a long hiatus, the Signature Study Abroad Program for the Department of Classics & Letters returns. The political institutions, scientific advancements and literary accomplishments of Ancient Rome have left an indelible mark on Western history and were avidly restored and extended during the Renaissance. This course will take students on a journey through the history, art, architecture, and literature of Roman and Renaissance civilization on site in Italy June 5–19, 2026.

Ancient Rome and Its Environs

Day 1: Arrival into Rome
Day 2: Entertainment & Leisure in Ancient Rome
Site visits: The Flavian Amphitheatre, Circus Maximus, Via Appia, and Baths of Caracalla
Day 3: Making Their Mark: Epigraphy and Personal Legacies
Site visits: Epigraphic Museum, Palazzo Massimo, Columns of Trajan and Marcus Aurelius
Day 4: Religion and Politics in The Heart of the Empire
Site visits: The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Pantheon
Day 5: The Roman Economy and Daily Life in a Roman City
Site visit: Ostia Antica via private bus
Day 6: From Freedom to Tyranny
Site visits: Ara Pacis, Mausoleum of Augustus, (Free afternoon for the Villa Borghese or the Vatican)

Arezzo, Florence, and Orvieto

OU’s beautiful campus in the Tuscan town of Arezzo will be the base for the remainder of your course. On most days in Arezzo, you will have 1–2 classroom sessions for 60–90 minutes each.

Day 7: Journey to Arezzo
Departure for Arezzo
Orientation to OU Arezzo and Environs
Day 8: Arezzo: Gothic Art and Religious Orders
Site visits: Basilica di San Domenico, Basilica di San Francesco, and Cattedrale di Ss. Donato e Pietro, Pasta Making
Day 9: Arezzo: Roman Arezzo
Site visits: Archaeological Museum and Roman Amphitheatre, Casa Vasari, Winery Visit
Day 10: Florence: Renaissance Florence
(Day trip via Train)
Site visits: Duomo Opera Museum, The Bargello, Santa Croce, Galileo Museum and other churches as available
Day 11: Orvieto
(Bus trip from Arezzo)
Site visits: Orvieto Excavations of Etruscan Sites, Museo Claudio Faina, Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Orvieto, Orvieto Cathedral
Day 12: Florence: The Discovery of the Past
(Day trip via train)
Site visits: Biblioteca Riccardiana, Biblioteca Laurentiana, San Lorenzo, Archaeological Museum
Day 13: Arezzo
Day 14: Depart Arezzo for Rome
Day 15: Return to US

Registration Details

This course will, upon successful completion, convey 3 hours of upper-division credit. This course will eventually receive a permanent number and appear on transcripts as CL C 3903 Roman Italy & the Renaissance. Enrollment is limited to 18 students. Start your application TODAY!

Students are reminded that the Department of Classics & Letters maintains a number of scholarships for international study and further funding may be available through the College of International Area Studies.

Program fees include:

Accommodation
Excursion & entrance fees for all items on itinerary, except optional items where noted
In-country Transportation (Bus/Train)
Meals - Breakfast (all included), Dinner (6 vouchers, 3 group dinners, 1 pasta making)
Guides for activities
24/7 Emergency Support
International Insurance
Pre-Departure Orientation
Onsite Health & Safety Overview

Program Fee $3,025