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Special Programs

LPD Conference

La Pietra Dialogues

LPD convenes some of the world’s foremost scholars, policy makers, practitioners, business leaders, public intellectuals and artists whose ideas and work have made a significant cultural or intellectual contribution to global society and the revival of the spirit of humanism for which Florence is known. They gather at Villa la Pietra, New York University's exceptional site in Florence, to confront some of the most intractable issues of contemporary society through the creative interplay of ideas and perspectives.

LPD fosters the creation of partnerships across disciplines, cultures and institutions, as an established center in the heart of Europe attached to an American University with branches throughout the world, and contributes to the emerging global civic discourse that is at the heart of NYU’s mission as a global network university.

La Pietra Dialogues
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Music (Spring Only)

The Music department of NYU's Steinhardt School offers a program which draws on the rich musical heritage of Florence, Italy.  Offered in the spring semester, this program in Florence is specifically designed for music performance and music technology majors and offers a unique opportunity to study music history, take individual lessons and join ensembles with the guidance of expert local faculty. Internships are a very special feature of this program, and music business and music technology students benefit from hands-on experience with symphony groups, production studios, performers, management companies and other areas of the music industry in credit bearing placements arranged by the NYU staff abroad. Practice rooms, musical instruments and technology equipment are provided at the NYU academic center and in student residences. 

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Economics and Business

A center of medieval European commerce, Florence flourished as a major banking hub. Today, Italy faces budget deficits and meeting the standards of the European Union. Through the College of Arts and Science (CAS) and the Stern School of Business, economic and business students at NYU Florence specialize in the economies of Europe, which includes a population of 731 million people in 50 countries. Course work addresses the current economic climate of the member states of the European Union, taking into account each country’s unique economy, history, and politics as part of the overall composition of modern Europe. Business students take Stern courses in marketing, finance, and operations management, among others, that may satisfy their major requirements.

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Pre Law

A member state of the G8 international forum, Italy plays a significant role in world politics and is an influential member of the European Union (EU). Prelaw students select courses that develop their understanding of the various legal systems within the EU.  The curriculum offers a number of courses in economics, politics, business and sociology that develop students’ writing and research skills. Prelaw students are encouraged to enroll in European Law, a course about the legal systems of different European nations.  Those interested in the EU may register for the Acton Seminar: Policies and Politics of the European Union, where they will evaluate the development of the EU political system, examine the major policies of the EU, and study the consequences of the monetary union and its expansion.

Art and Art History

A comprehensive art and art history program is offered in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Many courses feature regular field trips to the city’s numerous churches, museums, gardens and villas. 

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Psychology in Florence

The Department of Psychology offers courses essential for psychology majors and minors such as perception, cognition, and community psychology.

 

Politics

Politics and international relations majors at NYU in Florence study the distinct political system of Italy as well as the more widespread policies of the European Union. La Pietra, the 57-acre Renaissance estate that is home to the NYU Center in Florence, regularly hosts conferences and events where world leaders and international organizations come together. Guests have included former British prime minister Tony Blair, former prime minister of Italy Romano Prodi, and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Along with learning about Italy’s unique governmental structure, students attend lectures that explore legal relations between the EU member states and implementation of policies across multinational coalitions.

Italian Studies

Students who are especially committed to learning Italian culture and language are invited to join the Florence Immersion Program. Take the next step toward fluency with special courses designed for students with Intermediate Italian or beyond. In addition to intensive language and conversation classes, NYU Florence offers Cinema Studies, Modern Literature, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Italian Opera, and a host of other courses taught in Italian (or with assignments in Italian) by a stellar faculty of local experts and professors. Full-year or spring semester students also have the option of taking courses at the University of Florence. Students can elect to reside in a homestay or Casa Fiorentina, a self-selected housing option, open to all students attending NYU in Florence who wish to speak in Italian but live within a residence hall setting. Students in the immersion program may be invited to guided tours, special trips, language exchange dinners, lectures, internships, volunteer opportunities—for this select group the learning extends beyond the classroom. As your Italian improves throughout the semester, new vistas of Italian culture and Florentine life will open up to you.

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