Overview
Indulge your interest in Classical Studies in a city and region home to a unique combination of ancient Greek and Roman cultural elements.
With CIEE study abroad in Naples, you’ll enroll in a variety of engaging coursework, which is complimented by intensive Italian language study and frequent visits to museums, and archaeological sites. And with peer language partners, Italian roommates and cultural activities and excursions, CIEE offers you unparalleled insight into Italian culture and a truly immersive international experience.
In Naples you will:
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Begin or continue Italian language study through intensive Italian language courses, whether at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced level
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Explore the very roots of the Western world in one of Europe’s most ancient locations, taking classes that range from ancient languages and literatures to archaeology, art history, and philosophy
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Visit and participate in "L'Orientale" University’s ongoing archaeological excavations, and a field trip to Rome or Sicily
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Enjoy excursions to unique cultural and archaeological attractions in Naples and the Campania region such as Paestum, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabiae, and the Phlegraean Fields
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Choose from a variety of Classical electives ranging from Ancient Philosophy, and Classical Greek Literature, to Ancient Science and Technology, and Greek and Latin language learning. You’ll also have access to “L'Orientale” University’s wide selection of courses.
Excursions
The academic program is supplemented with excursions and cultural activities – including visits to museums such as the world-renowned Naples Archeological Museum and the Archeological Museum of Baiae; day trips to a variety of archeological sites in the area, from world-famous ones such as Pompeii to less known but equally significant ones such as Elea/Velia, Benevento, Capua, and Stabiae; and visits to the underground areas of ancient Greco-Roman Naples. CIEE also organizes weekend and overnight trips to main cultural ancient Greek and Roman areas within traveling distance, such as Rome, Sicily, and Apulia.
In order to provide you with the opportunity for a broader understanding of the cultural and historical development of the area, the study abroad program is enriched by visits to art museums and sites in the city such as the Capodimonte Museum, the Bourbon Royal Palace, and historical churches, as well as local festivals and seasonal cultural events. Group dinners with local and international Orientale students provide opportunities for sharing cross-cultural experiences.
Credit
Total recommended credit for the semester is 15 semester/22.5 quarter hours, and 30 semester/45 quarter hours for the academic year.
Course contact hours are 42 and recommended credit for all courses is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course, unless otherwise indicated.
Program Requirements
A full course load for the semester is five courses. All study abroad students enroll in a required, intensive Italian language course at the start of each semester. Following the intensive language session, all students are required to continue their Italian language study at the appropriate level throughout the semester, and take the CIEE core course. Additionally, students select two or three content courses from the CIEE Classics courses or from Orientale’s regular university courses. Students who wish to audit a course may do so in addition to the full course load.
About Naples
Located an hour on the high speed train from Rome, with the ancient Greco-Roman city still visible in its layout, Naples is part of a well-preserved ancient cultural area including Pompeii, Herculaneum, Cumae, and Paestum. Its history and position at the heart of the Mediterranean have made Naples a city with many different layers of civilization, one that has absorbed different cultures and peoples. The central historical district, where students live and study, has been renovated and revitalized
Where You’ll Study
Founded in 1732 by a missionary returned from China, the UniversitàdegliStudi di Napoli “L’Orientale” (University of Naples “L’Orientale," or just“the Orientale”) is based in historic central Naples. The Orientale is a center for the study of foreign languages and cultures—not only Asian but also Middle Eastern, African, European, and American, that is unique in Italy and has few rivals in Europe. There are approximately 10,500 students and 250 faculty. CIEE students have access to the University libraries, computer center, language lab and media center, student canteen services, and sports facilities.
Housing & Meals
Study abroad students live in furnished apartments with CIEE and Italian roommates. The apartments are within walking distance of the historic center. Students have their own room with shared living, kitchen, bathroom, and dining areas. Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Numerous stores for buying food and other items are within walking distance from the apartments. The historic center is also scattered with eateries of many kinds.
Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center at the University of Naples “L’Orientale” opened in 2010. The Classical Studies study abroad program is designed for students focusing on the Classics who want to deepen their knowledge onsite at an important Classical learning center. Content courses are taught in English, and are complemented by an extensive program of local site visits and Italian language study.
Students with five semesters of college-level Italian or the equivalent may also enroll directly in Orientale’s courses in the Classics or other fields, or in the CIEE Liberal Arts program courses. Students who wish to stay for the academic year, with sufficient Italian, may supplement the CIEE Classics courses with courses from the Liberal Arts program along with Orientale courses.
Academic Culture
CIEE courses are designed for U.S. undergraduates, and the teaching and learning methods will be familiar to most U.S. students. However, classes are taught by local faculty and require students to work independently outside the classroom. Learning takes place through a coherent blend of lectures, group seminars, visits, and practical work.
CIEE class size is small with classes taking place Monday through Friday. Classes at Orientale range from 10–60 students and the average class size is 25 students. Orientale classes meet from one to three times per week and the average class duration is about two hours, though it can range from one to four hours. The standard format is lecture, though often supplemented with seminars in the latter half of the semester.
Following arrival and orientation, CIEE students take two weeks of intensive Italian language classes, according to their level of language placement. After that, the overall course schedule follows the typical organization of semesters at the Orientale, with fall courses taught October through December and spring courses taught March through May. Some Orientale courses extend into January and into June, but early exams are permitted for CIEE students.
Nature of Classes
CIEE classes are primarily with CIEE study abroad students, although Italian students are invited to enroll. Regular L'Orientale courses are with Italian and other international students.
CIEE Community Language Commitment
As students gain proficiency in Italian, resident staff encourages them to use their language skills in everyday settings. The more students participate, the more a community that contributes to Italian language proficiency and understanding of Italian society develops.
Shortly after arrival, each CIEE student is paired with a L'Orientale student for a number of cultural activities, including ongoing language exchange.
Grading System
CIEE course assessment is grounded in a consistent blend of U.S.- and local-style methodology. It is based on the students’ overall performance, including class participation, mid-term tests and/or papers, and a final written and/or oral examination. Assessment is based on a U.S. letter grading scale, paralleled with an Italian 30-point scale.
Assessment in L'Orientale classes is based on a combination of students’ performance during the course, including writing assignments and a final oral examination. Italian academic culture traditionally emphasizes the final oral examination, where students are encouraged to answer questions regarding course materials while articulating a personal perspective on them. However, many courses have now adopted written final tests, or a combination of written tests and oral examinations. Assessment is based on a 30-point scale and is converted to a U.S. grading scale.
Language of Instruction
English
Italian
Faculty
CIEE courses are taught by faculty from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” and other local universities. L'Orientale courses are taught by L'Orientale faculty.
