To prepare for our study abroad experience in Italy, our class met once a week during the Spring Semester for an Intro to Italia course. The purpose of this course, taught by Professor Joyce Miller, was to familiarize the students with Florence and Rome through exploration of the cities’ historical and physical developments, as well as to provide a general overview of what to expect during our trip. Students gained a better understanding of Florence and Rome through research, writings, and presentations on some of the following topics: artists and architects, museums and churches, government, transportation systems, markets and commerce, cuisine and daily life in Florence and Rome. Each student had the opportunity to present on a historical topic, a restaurant of interest, and the various cities in Italy. Below are the slideshow presentations from class.