The course aims to emphasize the importance of cultural roots which have brought together various peoples and civilizations, and have come to represent a fundamental element of European heritage. The course introduces participants to the foundations of Roman civilization and culture, as they came to be the primary influence of the development of the European states.

The importance of the archaeological sites of the Vesuvian area (Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae -some of the most visited archaeological sites in the world) and the influence of aspects of Roman culture (architecture, cooking, fashion and beauty, and music), offer participants the opportunity to investigate the roots of the traditions that have been so important and influential in the foundation of European history and culture.

This experience will deepen participants’ understanding of the theory and practice of archaeology in the field. Participants will enjoy an experience that will shape their world view and help them to understand Italy within its historical context.

• to introduce participants to Roman art, architecture, history and culture;

• to stress the importance and influence of Roman culture within the development of European culture;

• to encourage the sharing of personal experiences both between participants and with lecturers;

• to connect theory and practical experience in teaching and educational processes;

• to introduce the Bay of Naples as a destination for further art courses and trips;

• to introduce participants to history, folklore, culture, linguistics, art, architecture and archaeology with Roman influences.

The course methodology is based on a balance between both theory and practice and on the participants’ active contribution in the discussion of subjects and themes. The theory will offer participants the tools they need to build a strong understanding of the site and its history, which will be put into practice upon arrival at the site. Participants will take part in guided tours to the archaeological sites, where they will be given audio information and manuals with learning activities to complete. The lectures, led by qualified archaeologists, will focus on significant and interesting aspects of European culture and Roman civilization.

However, the goal of the course goes beyond its methodology: participants will learn about Roman culture and history in a fun and enjoyable environment. Exploring the aspects of daily life in the ancient world will engage and maintain the interest of participants. This methodology allows participants to find a connection between their own lives and ancient Roman culture in order to develop a better understanding and appreciation of Roman culture, history and society.

The project is based on on-site learning and experiences through direct involvement in workshops, visits in the region accompanied by guides and field experts, lectures and intensive classroom sessions.

This is very much an outdoor course in which the participants will visit various sites. Highly qualified guides and trainers ensure a simple approach while simultaneously experiencing a high level of education.

Specializing in Classical Archaeology at the University of Padua, and a graduate in Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the University of Bologna, Dr. Paul Gardellihas held lectures in Vesuvian archeology for both the Moscow State University and the Vladimir State University in Russia.

Dr. Gardelli is an accredited professor under the EU Life Long Learning Comenius/GrundtvigProgram with a focus on Greek and Roman Culture and Pre-Roman Archaeology. He has gained extensive excavation experience through digs in the ancient Roman city of SuasaSenonum, CastelleoneSuasa(An), the archaeological excavation of a residential complex of the Roman spa, Abano(PD) and the archaeological excavation of an emerging stretch of old Via Aemilia.

He is currently the Co-Director of the archaeological excavation project and restoration and architectural survey carried out at the spa district of the Roman Villa of Ariadne in Castellammare di Stabia, acting on behalf of the NGO Restoring Ancient Stabiae Foundation in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and under the direction the Archaeological Superintendence of Naples and Pompeii.

The main aim of our Italian language and culture courses is to offer to foreign students, who don’t speak Italian, the basis of our language, grammar and vocabulary in order to teach them how to communicate in all situations of daily life. The courses will be organized in different levels, starting from a general introduction to Italian, focused on the study of the main structures of the spoken and written language and of most common uses.

This is a general introduction dedicated to beginner students and aimed at familiarizing with the acquisition of Italian language. Phonetics, the foundation of grammar structures and verbs are introduced with attention to their actual use in an authentic linguistic context.

To provide students with basic skills in understanding the spoken language through the use of an appropriate vocabulary related to specific situations

To acquire the basic structures to communicate

To be able to comprehend and write short paragraphs

The teaching approach is comprehension-based. Participation and team working ability are encouraged in class. The role of the language professor is not only to provide the students with information, rules and correction of mistakes but also encourage them towards a challenging linguistic experience. Priority is given to comprehension and language production.

Each lesson  must respect the following points:

During the course, the professor will check students’ level of comprehension and learning through written and oral tests and homework assignments. At the end of the course there will be a final written and oral examination.

Learning Italian with songs.

Watching Italian movies with subs.

Role-plays.

Playing with language and words.

– Italian/English Dictionary;.

– Texts and exercises will be given by the professor during the lessons.

Antonia La Torre is a PhD Doctor in Contemporary Italian Literature. Currently she is a teacher of General Linguistics and Glottology for the bachelor degree in Translation and Interpreting and a teacher of Italian Language and Culture to foreign students. She is also teaching assistant for the courses of Theatrical Literature and Contemporary Italian Literature in the Department of European Linguistic and Literary Studies of the University of Naples “L’Orientale”. Her research activities and her main publications deal with Contemporary Italian Literature . They are principally centred on the relationship between Literature and Cinema and in particular on the analysis and critique of the screenplays written by Cesare Zavattini and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Other research interests include the study of Dino Buzzati’s short novels (in collaboration with “Dino Buzzati” Archive), the presence and influence of Dante Alighieri and Giovanni Boccaccio in Pasolini’s Cinema, the role of poetry in the Italian review «Officina». She is also a Member of committee for the examination in Italian Language and Culture for foreign citizens and Italians living abroad of Contemporary Italian Literature degree course on-line, held on July 2008 by ICON (Italian Culture on Net) in consortium with University of Naples “L’Orientale”.