Florence - PY130 - Gazing in Italy

Statue of David in Florence

What does it mean to gaze? In this course, while living in Florence Italy, we will examine psychological theories and research about emotions, embodiment and aesthetics as we gaze upon frescoes, paintings, portraiture and sculpture. Among the questions we will ask include: How do expressive features in art works of the Renaissance tell a story about the emergence of human personality and individuality? How is power depicted and embodied in art works and our own gazing? Can embodied aesthetics be practiced for our own well-being and to resist the gaze that objectifies and dehumanizes?

Course led by Prof. Tomi-Ann Roberts

Course Info

BLOCK: Block 3, Fall 2026

COURSE NUMBER: PY130

COURSE FULL NAME: Gazing in Italy

COURSE LOCATION(S): Florence, Italy

FACULTY LEADER(S): Prof. Tomi-Ann Roberts

PREREQUISITES: None. This course is open to students across all majors.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS MET: This course can be used as an elective within the Psychology major.

COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS MET: CP: Creative Process

THIS PROGRAM IS CLOSED FOR NEW APPLICATIONS

Applications for this Fall 2026 course are currently closed.

Programs later in the 2026-2027 Academic Year may currently be open. This program may also be offered in future years. Please check with the program faculty to ask if they intend to repeat the course.

Financial Info

Course Fee: $4,425

Included/Not Included in Fee: Fee includes all on-site lodging, transportation, group meals, excursions & group activities, and international health & travel insurance. Not included in the fee is airfare to/from Italy or individual meals. All students who have a full meal plan at Colorado College will receive a one-block refund of their meal fund with those funds available for on-site meal costs.

How to Apply or Withdraw

How to Apply: If applications are open, use this link to apply on Summit. No deposit is required.

Application Window: January 29-March 15, 2026.

Can I Apply After the Window Closes?: If the program is open for late applications, you can use the link above to apply.

Late Applications & Aid: Students who apply after the initial March 15 deadline may be at a disadvantage when seeking aid. Our aid funds are limited and may not be available to students accepted into this program after the March 15 deadline.

Withdrawal Deadline: August 1, 2026

How to Withdraw: Return to your Summit Application and use the "Request Cancellation" button to withdraw. Communicating a desire to withdraw to faculty or Global Education does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Charges for Late Withdrawal: Students accepted to this program may withdraw by August 1, 2026 with no financial commitment to the program. Late withdrawals will be billed 25% of the program fee. Withdrawal from this program during Block 2 of 2026 produces a charge of 75% of the program fee.

See our Billing & Finance page for more details.

Course Expectations

Heightened Physical & Psychological Requirements for All Study Away: Study Away or Abroad can be a very different experience than an on-campus course, requiring both physical and mental adjustments which may not be typical for your on-campus experience. This includes requirements for physical activity such as more extensive physical movement (walking, touring, extended sedentary time during travel, etc.), requirements to manage luggage, often on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets or buildings without elevators, or locations with limited medical facilities, potential extremes of weather and temperature.

Housing options are also significantly different from an on-campus experience. Some programs will use family homestays while others will require students live in pairs, triples, and quads. Travel is also inherently a stressful alteration to your normal routines, with greater flexibility, adaptability and resilience required, whether it is dealing with distinct cultures, language differences, feelings of “otherness” or lack of belonging, or simply greater ambiguity and unfamiliarity with surroundings.

We recommend that all students consider these realities of study away and abroad as they consider programs. Below we will list any known expectations which the faculty have identified for their specific course.

Expectations for Study on this Program: Students should expect significant expectations for mobility in an urban environment in order to attend classes and visit sites within the city as part of the course.

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Florence - PY130 - Gazing in Italy