Class Overview
The cultural richness of Italy is so vast, people who visit often wish they could experience more. In this class, enjoy an exploration of the beautiful and fascinating region of Tuscany!
Discover Tuscany through lectures, stories, maps, photos, and food, led by two "insiders" of this region. Learn about places where the casual tourist does not typically venture. Explore colorful sub-regions of Tuscany, and find out what makes them special.
Our holistic “slow” approach will be to sample the artistic, historical, cultural, and touristic smorgasbord offered by the small to medium-sized towns dotted across the landscape. Enjoy learning about the rich Medieval and Renaissance history and art that is abundant in this region.
Although we will be in Seattle, this will be an experiential class. Enjoy simple and enriching homework assignments which will be additional (and optional) opportunities to have a more active experience in learning about Tuscany. Enjoy a class potluck consisting of Italian specialties from Tuscany on the last day of class.
You can also gain a basic understanding of Italian pronunciation so that you can participate in the enchanting language, and feel more comfortable saying basic words and phrases, articulating those “r’s” with flair. Glean basic travel tips and resources, though this is not a travel planning class, which reveals interesting aspects of the culture.
If you’re intrigued to know more about the fascinating region of Tuscany, this class is for you!
This class is part of our Broadway Hill Club offerings, designed for older students and offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome.
Learning Objectives
- Familiarity with sub-regions of Tuscany and what makes them special
- Better understanding of the art, history, culture, and landscapes of Tuscany
- Locate various sub-regions of Tuscany on maps, and be familiar with how to get there from Florence or Rome
Who Might Enjoy This Class
- Anyone interested in Italian art, history, culture, or language
- Italian language students wanting to gain a greater understanding of Italy
- People who are planning a trip to Italy, whether for the first time or returning
- Anyone interested in the “Slow” travel movement (related to the “Slow Food” movement)