Introduction
From the wonders of Ancient Rome to the sweet buzzing of contemporary Roman society, the "Eternal City" is rich in history and culture unlike anywhere else in the world. Catholic University's Rome Summer Institute offers students an introduction to Italy's vibrant capital and its pivitol role in the development of Western civilization. Students have the opportunity to experience and participate in the past, present, and perhaps future of one of humanity's greatest millennial cities.
Eligibility
All students in good academic and disciplinary standing may attend the Rome Summer Institute.
Students from all universities are encouraged to apply. If space is limited, Catholic University students will receive priority acceptance.
Session I: May 11 - May 30, 2026
Session II: June 8 - July 3, 2026
Session II: June 8 - July 3, 2026
Summer Session I Courses
CLAS 206R History of Ancient Rome
The basic foundation of this course will be a chronological survey of the political and social history of Rome, beginning with myths and stories that describe the Roman people before the traditional establishment of the Republic in the late sixth century BC and concluding with the reign of the emperor Constantine (d. AD 337). Focusing in particular upon the city of Rome itself, the course will employ a textbook, primary sources read in English, and visits to selected archaeological sites to explore important issues in the evolution of the Roman state and Roman society, including but not limited to the processes and consequences of Roman expansion, the impact of powerful individual leaders upon the political and physical landscape of the capital, the development of civic and provincial administration, and the 'meaning' of the office of the Roman emperor. Course assessments will include reports on individual sites and historical events, as well as short-response assignments, a midterm exam, and a final paper.
Instructor: Sarah Ferrario
Instructor: Maria Mazzenga
The basic foundation of this course will be a chronological survey of the political and social history of Rome, beginning with myths and stories that describe the Roman people before the traditional establishment of the Republic in the late sixth century BC and concluding with the reign of the emperor Constantine (d. AD 337). Focusing in particular upon the city of Rome itself, the course will employ a textbook, primary sources read in English, and visits to selected archaeological sites to explore important issues in the evolution of the Roman state and Roman society, including but not limited to the processes and consequences of Roman expansion, the impact of powerful individual leaders upon the political and physical landscape of the capital, the development of civic and provincial administration, and the 'meaning' of the office of the Roman emperor. Course assessments will include reports on individual sites and historical events, as well as short-response assignments, a midterm exam, and a final paper.
Instructor: Sarah Ferrario
LSC 879 Visions of Italy: Culture in Twenty-First Century Rome and Florence
**Program dates: May 9 to May 23
This course is an introduction to the management and operations of religious and other cultural archives, records, manuscripts, objects and collections. Serving as the political center of western civilization for centuries, Rome is home to a plethora of structures, artifacts, texts, and documents illuminative of the rich history of the city as well as the Italian peninsula from classical times to the present. Further north, Florence is home to materials reflective of the city's cultural centrality during the Renaissance. Through readings, site visits, and meetings with professionals, students will gain a basic knowledge of how Italian cultural professionals make museum, archival, and library resources known to various user groups. We will explore religious and other types of public programs, outreach strategies, and digital and physical exhibits, study the principles and practical elements involved in creating each, with site visits and instruction designed to reveal the ways the application of such principles occur in existing institutions and apply learning in their public programming.Instructor: Maria Mazzenga
Summer Session II Courses
DR106 Acting for Non-MajorsThis course is an introduction to an action oriented contemporary approach to acting technique. Each class will explore and expand upon our understanding of the actor's process, the world of the play, the world of the professional theatre, and the means and techniques an actor uses in order to serve the story. Each class will incorporate elements of exercise work, improvisation, script analysis, rehearsal, observation, and discussion.
Instructor: Jay Brock
NURS 403 Introducing to Nursing Research
****Program dates: June 14 to July 11
The focus of this course is on the basic elements of the research process and the application of evidence to clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on each step of the research process, the characteristics of ethical scientific research, and critical examination of research.
Instructor: Mary Flynn
Instructor: Mary Flynn