Thursday, September 4, 2008

Ciao, ciao!

I waited until tonight to post my class schedule, because I knew I would be changing things around. Today was the last day to add/drop classes, so here it is:



History of Ancient Rome and Italy - So far, this has been kind of...boring. Unfortunately, because I was really looking forward to it! I figured, when in Rome, why not take Roman history?! The teacher is a cute Italian woman (who I have for the next class as well), and she is funny...but not when she's teaching! It's really interesting (but...not really). My goal for the semester is to make her smile back at me while she's giving her lectures!

Classical Mythology - I also have Signora Bessi and she seems a little more "relaxed" in this class. I've been really looking forward to taking Mythology, especially after taking Art History last semester - we'll see if it lives up to my expectations.

Italian Cinema Since 1945 - I have another Italian woman teacher. Actually, I believe all my teachers are Italian women, so they've got accents (and are beautiful!) - it's so neat! I have to admit, it is a little hard to understand at times, but she's funny and told us on the first day of class that we would get used to her thick accent! We'll be watching films on Thursdays and discussing them on Tuesdays. I got the book for this class half off, which is always good news!

Italian language - I was really unsure about which Italian class to take. I took Italian four days a week, all summer, and it got pretty advanced. But I decided to be in a class that will help me review everything I learned this summer. I think I would have been struggling to remember things if I were in a higher class. I just need to practice every night and I'll be golden (kind of like the newly acquired tan I have from walking outside every day! Good thing I brought sunscreen, thanks Mom!) ;)

Renaissance Rome and Its Monuments (On-Site) - I was actually enrolled in an Ancient Rome class which met Thursday mornings, but I didn't want to have to rush back to get to my Italian Cinema class. So as you can see, I'll have plenty of time on Wednesday to get back to my 2:15 (or should I say 14:15) history class. Haven't met the teacher, but the syllabus looks really great. We'll be meeting at the site of historical churches, piazzas, and museums. The Ancient Rome class would be visiting site such as The Colosseum, the Pantheon, etc... and while I'd love to go back and have class there, I really want to get to some of the old churches, many of which have the most amazing paintings and sculptures inside!

The schedule is great. This Monday and Wednesday, when I didn't have class until 2:15, I didn't know what I was going to do with myself all day! I've been up at 7am on the dot every day this week (Mom, Dad, are you surprised?! I am too!) - I think it's because the sun shines directly in my room, which is a nice wake-up "call." I also love starting my day a little earlier than everyone else! And Tuesdays/Thursdays I only have one class on campus, so I'll take some extra time to study in the library or practice piano.

Weekend plans:
Friday - The 15th century in Rome at the Museo del Corso: The Renaissance of Art from Donatello to Perugino.



Saturday - Beach day through the University. A lot of SAI students are going, including my roommates and other friends from school. Hope it's not the one day it rains!
Sunday - Stick around Trastevere (where we live) and go to the flea market early in the morning. Hopefully get some good deals on Italian 'summer' clothing!

Oh! Also, shout out to my mom's co-workers, who I heard have been reading my blog! Thanks!! :-) And shout out to everyone who has been keeping up with me as well. For Westminster friends, hope your first week back goes well! Keep me updated. :-)

Amore,
Gillian

- Walking home from class - reminds me of Van Gogh's Cafe Terrace at Night, even if not Italian art -

2 comments:

alyssa said...

if that schedule doesn't prove that you aren't at westminster, nothing will! no classes on fridays? where is choir? days with just one class? blasphemous. enjoy it. :-D

mamafurlini said...

I love Nutella too! We had it in a crepe in Paris. Yum... love you.. xoxoxo