Electives in Italy

This course focuses on three ancient civilizations that influenced the local territory: the Greeks, the Etruscans and the Romans. Students read, analyze and comment on written primary sources, archaeological remains and artifacts of the area in order to refine critical thinking skills. Students explore topics in the European tradition by building a chronology and content background combined with student-centered work and research. Students also learn to become more confident public speakers through re-enactments, presentations and group activities, while interacting with Etruscan tombs, Greek statues and Roman ruins as vehicles to better understand modern Italian people, culture and language. 

This course combines such science disciplines to examine rich agricultural traditions and processes that make Italian food known the world over. With a focus on sustainability, students will experiment to understand the role of food locally. Viterbo’s fertile soil, 12-month growing season and rich culinary customs will provide systematic comparisons between age-old practices and the applications of modern science in order to cultivate many of the local products Italy is known for, such as olive oil, wine, bread, cured meats and cheese. Students will ask research questions and employ laboratory methods in order to understand problems that present both local and global challenges. The course methods will concentrate on inquiry, hands-on experimentation, observation, statistical analysis and discovery. 

This course introduces students to the most pressing challenges faced by Italy, Europe and the world: economic crises; technological transformations; conflict; human rights and discrimination; migration and demographic change; education, political systems; environmental issues. Students examine these topics through various lenses – local (Viterbo), national (Italy vs. United States) and global– and learn a valuable reality: different cultures view “problems” in very different ways. Coursework takes place both in and outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to visit national institutions in Rome and around Italy. The course seeks to help students better understand the challenges facing all of us. 

Depending on enrollment, SYA will offer the following course or its equivalent.

This course is designed for students with a strong background in Latin grammar who have completed at least two years of Latin. It aims to facilitate reading skills to the point in which students can read primary texts in the original language. Emphasis will be placed on reading comprehension and deeper understanding of the texts rather than rote translation. The class affords an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the classical masterpieces in the original language. 

Depending on enrollment, SYA will offer the following course or its equivalent.

This course is designed for students who are not quite ready to enroll in AP Latin. Prerequisites are a solid foundation in Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary, some background in rhetorical and metrical analysis, some exposure to Roman political history and at least one year of experience reading authentic Latin texts. 

Depending on enrollment, SYA will offer the following course or its equivalent.

The AP Latin course focuses on the in-depth study of selections from two of the greatest works in Latin literature: Virgil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War. The course requires students to prepare and translate the readings and place these texts in a meaningful context, which helps develop critical, historical and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students consider themes in ancient literature and bring these works to life through classroom discussions, debates and presentations. The use of additional English readings from both of these works will complement the Latin readings. 

Depending on enrollment, SYA will offer the following course as an Independent Study. Course only available for Fall and Year-long students. Students attending SYA in the Spring may enroll only if they are taking Intro to Greek at their home school in the Fall. Prerequisite is one semester of Intro to Greek.

This course provides an introduction to Ancient Greek language, history and culture, using a combination of traditional and modern methods. The primary text, Athenaze, gradually introduces students to all the basic Ancient Greek grammar while reading and learning about the social and political context that led to the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Students also read and translate excerpts from Sappho, Herodotus, Sophocles, the New Testament, Homer and others. 

Depending on enrollment, SYA will offer the following course as an Independent Study.

This course begins with a review of topics from the Greek grammar text, Athenaze II, to ensure firm footing before reading Ancient Greek text selections. A thorough outline of Greek literature and mythology will accompany and complete the original texts. The aim of the course is to read, understand and translate a variety of texts, ranging from historians to tragedians to epic poetry. Readings are chosen to suit students’ initial skills and progress throughout the year. In addition, students are introduced to speaking Ancient Greek, using the Polis Method developed by Professor Christophe Rico.