Pacific University Travel Writing Class in Tuscany
May 20 to June 2, 2025 in Italy
Enroll in Engw 222/226 or Engw 322/326
Our Tuscan Experience
Tuscany's rich history, beauty, and current challenges will be the focus of our travel writing course.
Students' study will include
drawing class on the vibrant piazza in Prato
visit to the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo in Florence
cooking class in the Chianti countryside
public reading of student's own writing at La Macina Di San Cresci, an 1100 year old church and villa
afternoon bicycling atop the wall of the ancient capital city of Lucca
olive oil and wine tasting in Panzano, a medieval town with a panoramic view
and more!
Cost: $3 500 to $4000* Includes air fare, in-country travel, lodging, meals, study excursions and events.
*Actual cost will be announced in the fall 2024 semester.
Our Writing Course
In the spring semester (2 credits), participating students will develop their own questions about an aspect of the aesthetics, history, and culture of Italy.
During our travels in May and early June (2 credits), and with the help of Italian experts and local people, students will collect impressions for an informed and creative perspective. Students will develop innovative travel writing and digital online stories to share their discoveries.
Examples of individual travel writing projects:
Olive Trees in Mythology and Today in Tuscany
Fresco Painting Then and Now in Florence
Contemporary Life in a Medieval Walled City
Immigrant Assimilation in Rural Italy
Restoring an 1100 Year old Church in Chianti
Coffee and Its History in Tuscany, a Personal Quest
Professor Kathlene Postma and Scot Dobberfuhl will be your guides.
Kathlene is a writer, scholar, and avid Italy traveler. She is interested in exploring with students and through her own writing Italy's rich culture, history, and current challenges and beauties.
Scot, a world traveler, teaches in Pacific's International Programs. He visited La Macina this summer and is looking forward to returning to Italy.
Meet Jodelle, Pacific University's first Intern to Tuscany. She turned her internship into an exciting job in Italy.
The International Artist Residence, located in an 1100 year old villa and church where we will study.