UNH-in-Italy's curriculum explores the many dimensions of the Italian food system, allowing students to simultaneously study and experience the country's food culture & history, agricultural practices, and food traditions. Students will also have the opportunity to explore concepts related to the sustainability of the food system. We offer a semester-long experience or a 5-week, intensive summer term.
Students of all majors are welcome. UNH in Italy courses do not have any prerequisites other than student interest; most courses fulfill UNH Discovery Program requirements. Students indicate course preferences as part of the application and work with academic advisors to discuss their course plans. Unless otherwise indicated, all courses are 4 credits each. During the fall or spring semester, students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 20 credits; summer semester students will enroll in 8 credits.
Food Studies Courses
Students will be introduced to the Italian culture and its traditions, with a special focus on food. Part of the course will involve out-of-class activities and tasting experiences in the city of Ascoli Piceno, Italy. Discovery Category: World Cultures.
The course aims to investigate concepts and ideas that are essential to food studies. The philosophical aspects of the course are complemented by the experiential components that emphasize the particularity of the Italian environment. Discovery Category: Humanities
Students will examine the history of food in Italy and explore the interconnected sociological, cultural, political and environmental histories. Discovery Category: Historical Perspectives
Is there a diet that allows one to eat, drink, and still be healthy? While Americans struggle with rising rates of obesity and related health conditions, inhabitants of the Mediterranean region enjoy relatively low rates of heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Offers a unique on-site experience in Ascoli Piceno, Italy to investigate the cultural and scientific importance of the Mediterranean Diet. Students review basic nutrition concepts as well as the history and evolution of the Mediterranean diet. Currently offered during Summer semester only.
Students will gain an appreciation for food production (harvesting, processing), culinary preparation, and tasting. Hands-on experience will be emphasized through field trips and will provide a broad, informed perspective on farming and sustainable agriculture. Currently offered during Fall & Spring semester only.
Italian Language Courses
For students without previous training in Italian. Aural comprehension, speaking, writing, reading. (No credit for students who have had two or more years of Italian in secondary school; however, any such students whose studies of Italian have been interrupted for seven years should consult the Italian Studies Program Coordinator about possibly receiving credit.)
For students who have completed ITAL 401 or equivalent. Aural comprehension, speaking, writing, reading. (No credit for students who have had two or more years of Italian in secondary school; however, any such students whose studies of Italian have been interrupted for seven years should consult the Italian Studies Program Coordinator about receiving credit.)
*For UNH Bachelor of Arts (BA) students, taking both ITAL 401 and ITAL 402 will satisfy the foreign language requirement.
