AUR Viewbook in PDF - The American University of Rome

The American
Universityof
ROME

Overview
T h e A m e R I c a n U n I V e R S I T y o f R o m e
is a private institution of higher education offering
undergraduate liberal arts and professional programs
to degree-seeking and study abroad students
from around the world. Students study at AUR
because they appreciate the University’s location,
the intimacy of scale and warmth of our community,
our student-centered and interdisciplinary
academic approach and the experiential learning
dimensions of our programs. The American
University of Rome is accredited by the Middle
States Commission on Higher Education.
Students have the opportunity to meet and
befriend their peers who come to AUR from over 40
countries. They benefit from learning in every
venue: in their classrooms, in their everyday lives
in the city, through internships and on learning
excursions in Italy and beyond.
AUR students find the academic, cultural and
personal challenge they are seeking for their
university education, supported by our outstanding
international faculty and staff.
The University is situated on top of the Janiculum,
Rome’s highest hill. Our location offers a spectacular
view of Rome and the surrounding hills and
proximity to two large parks, historical landmarks,
diplomatic residences and international academies.
In short, it is a wonderful site for students seeking
to live and learn in a beautiful urban and intercultural
environment.
W e i n v i t e y O U to l E A R n a b O U t A U R a n d to a p p ly.

Contents
About the University....................................2
Student Life...................................................4
Academic Programs......................................6
AUREA English Language program.............7
Archeology and Classics...............................8
The American University of Rome was founded in 1969 with a motto
“Rome is our Classroom”. Its goal was to introduce the intellectual
and historical treasures of the Eternal City to American students.
Today, The American University of Rome (AUR) is an accredited
American style university that offers BA, BS and AA degrees to a
very international student body. AUR also hosts study-abroad students
from American colleges and universities for year-long, semester
and summer programs.
Over more than forty years we have built a student-centered institution
of higher learning with a dedicated and highly qualified international
faculty serving a student body representing over 30 countries.
And it is as true today as it was in 1969 that Rome is our classroom.
At AUR we prepare our students to live and work across cultures.
They leave us trained in the fundamental portable skills of language,
communication and critical thinking that will allow them to continue
to learn and thrive in a complex and interconnected world. For many,
the time spent in the uniquely stimulating city of Rome is life transforming.
At The American University of Rome we are proud to be carrying
the flag of the American tradition of a liberal arts college education,
blended with a rich international experience, and to see our students
mature into truly global citizens. We very much hope you will join us
in this endeavor.
andrew thompson
President
Art History..................................................10
Fine Arts Area.............................................11
Business Studies.........................................12
Communication and English......................14
International Relations..............................16
Italian Studies.............................................18
Interdisciplinary Studies............................20
Internships & Career Services....................21
Alumni Voices.............................................22
Study Abroad at AUR..................................24
How to Apply & Financial Aid....................25
Our Location...............................................26
AUR at a Glance..........................................28

About the University
Founded in 1969, the American University of Rome serves degree students from more
than 40 countries, transfer students from universities all over the world and study
abroad students who spend a semester or year on our campus.
I chose AUR for my business degree because of its prime location in Europe, the diverse student body and
“the highly qualified professors coming from varied professional backgrounds.
J e s s i c a W o e h r l i n
Mission
AUR is a private liberal arts university that uses Rome
as its classroom and Italy and Europe as invaluable
resources. Since its founding AUR has created programs
of study that capitalize on engaged learning inside the
classroom and active exploration of historical, cultural
and archeological sites in Rome and beyond.
Central to AUR’s mission is the preparation of students
to live and work across cultures. This goal is embedded
in every academic and extracurricular program at the
University. AUR is small, selective in admission and
internationally recognized for the quality of its degree
programs.
Participatory Learning
AUR values its intimacy of scale as this environment
encourages faculty and students to connect with one
another, to learn in a collaborative manner and to
engage actively in academic pursuits. Learning takes
place within the classroom and in activities and excursions
in Rome, Italy, Europe and indeed the world.
Students and Faculty
AUR students—whether they arrive on campus as first
year, transfer or study abroad—come well-prepared
academically. Theirs is the “road less traveled” as they
pursue their intellectual, cultural, aesthetic and international
interests in identifying AUR and Rome as their
destination of choice.
At AUR, students find an excellent and diverse faculty to
instruct, lead and collaborate with them in their educational
pursuits. Expertise among the faculty is both
conceptual and experiential. The result for students is a
practical liberal arts education of the highest quality.
Location
Our location on top of the Janiculum, Rome’s highest
hill, in a garden of Roman pines, offers a spectacular
view of Rome and its surroundings. The campus is close
to two city parks, Villa Sciarra and Villa Doria Pamphili
and historical landmarks. The area also hosts diplomatic
residences and several international academies. The AUR
campus is a short 15-minute walk from central Rome.
2

How the American
System Works
The American system at AUR is based on
individual courses, sometimes called classes.
They generally meet three hours per week
for a 15-week period, referred to as a
semester, or the equivalent. When the course
is completed, the student receives three
credits. One hundred twenty (120) credits
are needed to obtain a Bachelor’s degree.
This usually means 40 courses, five each
semester, or 10 per academic year, over four
years. Some students start with advanced
standing because their high-school education
includes the Maturità, the German Abitur, the
French Baccalaureate, A-levels, International
Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement (AP)
courses or similar rigorous studies. With
these you can earn a Bachelor’s degree with
fewer AUR credits.
The credit structure of the degree consists
of three components, general education, the
major and electives, as follows:
American Style Education
AUR is an American-style university offering bachelor degrees
in Archeology and Classics, Art History, Business Administration,
Communication, Film and Digital Media, Interdisciplinary Studies,
International Relations and Global Politics, Italian Studies and
associate degrees in International Business and Liberal Studies.
Minors and concentrations are available to students who wish to
extend their knowledge and skills in specific areas of study.
The University also offers study abroad opportunities for students to
spend a semester, academic year or summer studying at the American
University of Rome. Through studying in Rome for a semester
or year, students gain insight that simply is unavailable to the tourist
or short term visitor, absorbing the city’s vibrancy on a genuine,
profound level. A study abroad experience at AUR allows students to
complete their undergraduate degree on time, helps their resumés and
transcripts stand out, and allows them to challenge themselves to the
fullest, both academically and personally.
The AUR Bachelor’s Degree.....120 credits
General Education...................37-40 credits
Major.......................................36-48 credits
Electives..................................32-47 credits
Calendar
The University uses a traditional Americanstyle
calendar. The fall semester typically
begins around September 1 and concludes
in mid-December. An optional winter
session is offered in January. The spring
semester begins around January 20 and
concludes in mid-May. There are optional
summer sessions in June and July.
3

Student Life
“
C h r i s t i n a F o x
student life at AUR is a unique experience.Our
campus is intimate in scale and located
in a beautiful setting. Though our campus is
cozy the city of Rome serves as our broader “classroom”
and living space.
I am finishing my junior year at AUR and have loved every moment of it.
Residential Choices
Accommodations for students are distinctive. Most
new students choose university-facilitated housing
that features quality Italian-style furnished apartments
within walking or short commuting distance of the AUR
campus. Our housing choices exemplify the concept of
“the Italian way,” a full immersion into the day-to-day
life of a residential neighborhood of Rome. An optional
meal plan offers students the opportunity to order
vouchers for a semester that are accepted by local grocers
and restaurants.
Learning through Participation
The mission of the University—to promote intellectual
excellence, personal growth and an appreciation of
cultural diversity in an international environment —
plays out in every sphere of student life.
The University recognizes that learning and personal
growth occur in all settings that allow students to
develop their knowledge and skills. Students engage
actively in clubs, excursions, athletics, performing
groups and student government and are represented on
many of the university’s governance committees.
AUR also encourages students to learn through participation
in community service. The Reach-Out Club is
just one example of students’ commitment to give
and learn about the world through service. Many
students choose to become active in the University’s
Student Government as another form of service.
Clubs and organizations offer movie nights, multicultural
dinners with open debates on topical issues, a literary
magazine, seminars and networking fairs. Students may
become active in local events or improve their Italian in
organized conversations with neighbors. The “ResGrad”
program of peer-to-peer intercultural and practical
mentoring offers students an opportunity to better
engage the local culture.
Students participate in athletic and recreational offerings:
competitive university men’s and women’s soccer
leagues, a coed running club, a yoga club, a men’s basketball
club and even a fan club. True to Roman myth and
history AUR athletes are the Wolves and She-wolves with
a mascot to lead the cheers.
4

A Legend of Romulus
and Remus
In 753 BCE, Romulus founded Rome on the
banks of the Tiber. Years earlier he and his
brother, Remus, were set adrift on the Tiber
by their cruel uncle. They were found and
nursed by a she-wolf. Eventually, they were
discovered by Faustulus, a shepherd, who,
with his wife, Acca Laurentia, raised the twins
as their own.
When they were grown, they decided to
found a town of their own. Romulus built a
wall on the Palatine Hill, but Remus made
fun of it because it was so low. He jumped
over it and angered Romulus, who killed him.
Learning excursion to Moscow
Romulus named the town Roma after himself.
He ruled for many years and proved to be a
great leader. He did not die but disappeared
in a violent storm.
Learning Excursions
The University offers learning excursions as a feature of
extracurricular and academic life. “Learning Italy Excursions”
introduce new students to the people, art, history, language,
landscape and culture of the Italian peninsula. Trips are one
to three days long.
Other excursions—sometimes sponsored by academic departments—
feature destinations like Pompeii, Florence, Sicily,
Venice or Tuscany for weekend trips. The International Relations
trips, for example, typically offer more distant destinations such
as Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, all with international organizations
of note, or Kosovo and the Basque region where specific
international issues are manifest.
Orientation and Health Services
AUR also offers an orientation and a first year program
designed to help students make a successful transition to
our community of learners. The University provides free
medical and psychological services and information for
students about health insurance that complies with Italian
requirements.
La Lupa, the Capitoline She-wolf, is the
symbol of Rome.
AUR Mascot
In recognition of the
role of the she-wolf
in the legend of
Rome’s founding,
the wolf was chosen
as our mascot.
5

Academic Progr ams
Rome has beckoned students to AUR for the
past 40 years and serves as its “classroom” for
students in every academic program.
I have an opportunity to get an American education and experience another culture at the same time.
“A b d u l r a h m a n A l - Z a m i l
The strength of an AUR education lies in the
blending of an in-depth major field of study
that combines theory, practice and a capstone
experience with a broad general education program that
provides breadth of knowledge and the development
of life-long learning skills. Add to this the opportunity
for practical experience through fieldwork courses and
internships and an AUR degree prepares you for further
study or work anywhere in the world.
Interdisciplinary Approach
AUR has adopted an interdisciplinary approach to a
liberal arts and professional education. Our academic
departments and degree programs emphasize the
intellectual connections among fields of study.
Students in International Relations, for instance, engage
in the study of history, political theory, government,
economics, law and public administration as they focus
on the regions of Europe, the Mediterranean and the
Middle East. The Business Studies program has an
international focus with opportunities for students to
explore the social and cultural ramifications of operating
in a global economy. Archeology, Art History, Business
Studies and Italian Studies collaborate to offer programs
in The Business of Art, Cultural Heritage Management
and The Italian Business Environment.
6
At AUR students take a wider, more interdisciplinary
and holistic perspective on their university education.
General Education Program and Skills for
Life-long Learning
All degree-seeking students complement their major
with a well-established General Education program.
These courses are rooted in the mission of the University:
to develop practical skills that can lead to successful
careers and professions, draw on the rich instructional
resources of Rome, enhance understanding of ethics and
multiculturalism in our society and identify and address
social issues of diversity. All AUR degree students develop
the following skills through the General Education
program: Writing, Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning,
Italian Language, Information Technology, Information
Literacy and Oral Presentation. These skills are
further refined in applications in their major courses.
Through a broad array of minors, fieldwork and internships
related to current interests and future careers and
capstone experiences in the senior year, AUR students
strive to realize the University’s mission “to live and work
across cultures as skilled and knowledgeable citizens of an
interconnected and rapidly changing world.”

The AUR curriculum
prepared to live and work across cultures
AUR students have the ability to study at another university
in Rome or experience university study in another country.
Students with the requisite Italian language ability may
arrange for part of their study at the nearby Libera
Università Maria SS. Assunta, known more popularly as
“LUMSA”. LUMSA is one of Italy’s most prestigious private liberal
arts university and AUR students may choose from a broad
array of courses. Our AUR Abroad program provides students
with the opportunity to study at well respected universities in
other countries including the USA, Costa Rica, China, Ecuador,
Greece, Jordan, Morocco, Belgium, Germany, Peru and many
others.
AUR also helps students with locating practical career-related
work for credit experiences to better prepare them for the
workplace. Popularly called internships or practicum
experiences, students gain practical work experience and credit
towards their degree. These important experiences can be had
in Italy, Europe or the Americas.
Participation in any or all of these opportunities certainly helps
make a student stand out in today’s competitive academic and
working world.
Bachelor’s degree Programs
• Bachelor of Arts in Archeology and Classics
– with Cultural Heritage
– with Screen Media
• Bachelor of Arts in Art History
– with Art Business
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication
– with concentration in Intercultural
Communications
– with concentration in Writing for the Media
• Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media
– with concentration in Visual Media
Production and Technology
– with concentration in Film and Digital Media
Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
and Global Politics
• Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
– with concentrations in Finance, Management,
Marketing, Social Marketing, or The Business
of Art
Associate Degree programs
• Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
• Associate of Applied Arts in International
Business
Minors
A number of minors are available for students who
wish to develop a secondary area of specialization.
Most minors are available to students not majoring
in the same discipline.
AUR’s minors currently include:
Archeology, Art History, The Business of Art,
Classical Studies and Classical Heritage,
Communication, English Writing, Film and Digital
Media, Finance, Fine Arts, Global Politics,
International Business, International Relations,The
Italian Business Environment, Italian Studies, Latin,
Marketing, Social Marketing, Social Science
AUREA Program (AUR English for Academia)
is designed as a bridge program for students whose
English language skills need development in order
to benefit from a full academic curriculum at AUR.
Students will develop speaking, listening, reading,
and writing skills in English while attending selected
credit-based General Education courses at AUR. Upon
successful completion of this full-time two semester
program, students will be ready to continue their studies
at AUR in the academic program of their choice.
Students may apply directly into the AUREA program
or be offered admission to the program on the recommendation
of the admission committee.
7

Archeology and Classics
Archeology and classics takes full advantage of
our locations in rome and our ability to view the
ancient past first-hand. we experience archeology
as it happens.
Rome is our classroom
Since I was a child I have dreamed of becoming an archeologist like Indiana Jones and unveiling the
mysteries of the world’s past. By coming to AUR my dreams have a chance of becoming a reality.
“O r f e o D i M i z i o
BA In Archeology and Classics
The degree in Archeology and Classics combines the
theoretical and the practical. In this major students learn
about all aspects of ancient Mediterranean civilizations.
Stewardship of our heritage is a major concern of modern
Archeology and our program recognizes this through
a component in Cultural Heritage Management.
Students have the opportunity to participate in practical
archaeological fieldwork through excavations. For
those who prefer written texts there is a comprehensive
program of the Classics in English plus the opportunity
to study Latin and Greek.
Recognizing the growing importance of popular History
and Archeology the department offers a sequence
of courses in film and media for students contemplating
this career path.
ARCHEOLOGY IN THE FIELD
There are many opportunities for students to interact
with archeology in the field. In the summer students
have the option to participate in the AUR field school at
the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint in Southern
Albania. In this program, run in collaboration with
Albanian Heritage and the Albanian Institute of Archeology,
students learn the practical skills of excavation and
archeological conservation. Each fall students are given
the opportunity to take a training course in geophysics
in collaboration with Università di Roma Tre. The
fieldwork for this course is carried out on the Appian
Way (Appia Antica). Courses incorporate visits to current
excavations and to laboratories carrying out postexcavation
work. We also visit the museums and ancient
monuments both in Rome and further afield.
A Renowned Faculty
AUR’s faculty in Archeology and Classics bring diversity
and exceptional qualifications and experience to our
international University. Their professional and scholarly
work in archeology, managing heritage sites, translating
classical texts, and delving into the precious archives
available in Rome and elsewhere in Italy, informs their
teaching, benefiting students at all levels.
8

Valerie Higgins
Associate Professor of Archaeology
Chair Department of Archaeology
and Classics
Ph.D. University of Sheffield,
Great Britain
M.A. University of Sheffield,
Great Britain
B.A. (Hons) University of Liverpool,
Great Britain
On site class at the Paestum Greek Temples
Professor Valerie Higgins was awarded her Ph.D.
in Archaeology from the University of Sheffield,
Great Britain, with a thesis on the excavation at
San Vincenzo, an Italian monastery site in the
Apennine mountains. She currently researches
the impact of war on heritage and communal
memory and changing attitudes to the excavation
of human remains in contemporary society.
Dr. Higgins has recently appeared on National
Geographic programming (“Mystery Files”)
providing expert commentary on the life and
times of Cleopatra and BBC World programming
(“Spanning the World”) where she explored the
importance of the Milvian Bridge.
AUR Archeology and classics Advantage
Students seeking academic challenge, a participatory style of
education and close personal mentoring from faculty thrive in
our programs.
Dana Phelps
Art History Major
Archeology Minor
AUR has prepared me for my masters in
Cultural Heritage Studies at University College
London by giving me a hands-on approach to
the study of Archeology and Art History in a
modern day context.
A wonderful excursion to Ghana, where I did
archeological excavations and ethnographic
fieldwork, provided me with contemporary and
theoretical perspectives in Archeology.
On site class at Pompeii
9

Art art history History
Students may choose to focus solely on classical
Art History, or combine Art History with
an Art Business concentration. You will have
access to a constantly expanding internship
program, which provides an important bridge
between university and postgraduate study or
the workplace.
Pantheon detail
“
Rome is a place to live and breathe Art History.
Majors and Learning in Context
If a picture holds a thousand words, then Rome is an
eternal story waiting to be read. From the Roman Forum
to the Sistine Chapel to the MAXXI Museum of Contemporary
Art, Rome houses countless art treasures, each
contributing irreplaceable insight to the field of Art History.
Art History students at AUR go beyond textbooks
to come face to face with these masterpieces in the
unique atmosphere of our on-site classes. By learning in
this interactive manner, our students can fully grasp the
intrinsic nature of a wide variety of works of art, including
painting, sculpture and architecture.
The BA in Art History holds many of its classes on-site in
Rome and elsewhere in Italy and Europe.
Innovative Education in an Ancient Setting
The Art History program at The American University
of Rome provides an innovative education focused on
western and neighboring visual cultures. The program
stimulates the acquisition of knowledge and encourages
critical thinking skills, creativity and cross-cultural understanding.
Our international faculty of active scholars
instructs small classes, many on site in Rome and around
Europe. The AH 318 class, Picasso and his Times, for example
balances in-class study and a trip to Nice, France,
to see one of the birthplaces of Modernism. Through
interactive teaching and personalized supervision we
aim to develop each student’s intellectual potential and
life-long engagement with cultural heritage by fostering
the skills necessary for the modern workplace.
The Creation of Adam, Michelangelo’s fresco
Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted circa 1511
10

URSULA HAWLITSCHKA
Department of Art History
Ph.D. Art History, Temple University,
Philadelphia
M.A. Art History (Fine Arts Administration),
Temple University,
Philadelphia
Zwischenprüfung, Art History,
Eberhard-Karls Universität
Tübingen, Germany
The Fine Arts Area
MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome
Ursula Hawlitschka has taught Art History in both
the U.S. and Italy for over fifteen years, specializing
in modern and contemporary art as well as
Art Gallery Management. Dividing her time between
the academic and professional art world,
she has held positions of researcher and curator
at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Institute
of Contemporary Art, and Temple University Gallery
in Philadelphia.
Dr. Hawlitschka has directed international
modern and contemporary art galleries in both
New York City and Rome, conducted interviews
with internationally renowned artists on Italian
television and produced a documentary on the
Pastificio Cerere, the (in)famous Roman pasta
factory turned art studios, in San Lorenzo.
Professor Hawlitschka also continues to work as
independent curator and art consultant.
The Fine Arts Area offers students extraordinary
experiences in the fields of painting, drawing
and music. With a faculty richly diverse in
style and method, students of the visual arts
are encouraged to grapple with themes both
contemporary and classical. Instruction is
both technical and theoretical, but the true
“Master Classes” are given by the Old Masters
themselves; works by Michelangelo, Raphael,
Caravaggio and Titian await all eager and
aspiring artists in many of the neighboring
museums and churches throughout Rome.
For those more interested in music, students
may choose to study the history of opera or
they may engage directly the power of song
by participating in the university-sponsored
Amazing Grace gospel choir.
“Tree Ascending”
Oil on canvas, 95 x 154 cm
Prof. Breda C. Ennis, 2006
Irene Greaves JAImES
Venezuela
Art History
I fell in love with Rome when I first visited. I applied to
AUR, was accepted, and came in a heartbeat. Studying
art history in Rome has been the best experience
of my life and Rome as a classroom is priceless. I
have had many on-site courses, including one on
Modern Art that involved a trip to Paris and another
on Renaissance Art that went to Florence. I have
worked as a guide for a company that shows Rome’s
art to visitors; volunteered with German archeologists
in Rome; participated in Harvard’s Model UN
conference in Boston; contributed to Remus, AUR’s
literary magazine; and enrolled in a summer course at
Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London.
11

Business Studies
AUR offers one of the leading Americanbased
undergraduate business Programs
in Europe. Our Business Studies Department
capitalizes on the University’s location in
Rome and the resources available in Rome,
Italy and Europe.
AUR has helped me gain better understanding of what being a global citizen is all about.
“A n d e r s L a d e g a a r d - P e d e r s e n
Diverse Faculty
Business Studies faculty come to AUR from diverse
educational, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and from
various parts of the world, including the US, Greece,
Britain, Ireland and India. Some are life-long scholars
and researchers. Others are business people who leave
their offices to share their real-world experience with
our students in our classrooms and several are managers
who have become full-time academics.
a seminar-style, case-based application of the tools and
concepts acquired in the first three years of study.
Our program has a global focus with a dozen courses
devoted to international issues and students from
30 countries contributing their perspectives. Our
approach ensures extensive exposure to the social and
cultural challenges of living and working in today’s
global economy.
A Curriculum with an International Focus
Our program introduces students to all the functional
and quantitative areas of business studies. Our curriculum
is grounded in accounting, finance, marketing, and
operations. Students learn about prevailing management
theories as well as issues related to legal and ethical concerns
in the international economy.
Upper-level courses incorporate case analyses, group
projects and creative problem solving. All students
spend their senior year completing two courses serving
as the academic culmination of the program: Decision
Making and the capstone course, Strategic Management,
Learning Off-Campus
AUR brings the business community into the classroom
and takes the study of business out into the world.
Students majoring in Business Administration earn
credit with internships in one of the many international
organizations or corporations headquartered in Rome.
Our highest achieving students may also choose to
spend a semester at Emory University’s Goizueta
Business School or the Copenhagen Business School
in Denmark.
Each semester private and public sector leaders participate
in AUR’s Business Roundtable discussions, and
Business Speaker Series, sharing their expertise and
12

Kathleen Fitzsimmons
Associate Professor of
Business Administration
MBA, Harvard Business School,
BA, Duquesne University
Site visit to Ferrari
Professor Fitzsimmons spent 15 years in management
and marketing at Time Inc. in New
York and at Playtex Italia in Rome after earning
her MBA at Harvard. A hallmark of her teaching
style is the ability to bring this “real-world”
experience into the classroom to exemplify and
enliven business concepts and models.
Professor Fitzsimmons has led the development
of six concentrations and a number of interdisciplinary
programs in the business curriculum
at AUR, serves as advisor to the AUR Business
Club and AUR Campus Girl Scouts and directs
the AUR Careers & Internship Office. She is the
Chair of USA Girl Scouts Overseas – Rome and
oversees the location’s management team.
experience at organizations including JWT (J. Walter Thompson),
The Walt Disney Company, and The Federal Reserve Bank.
Faculty members in Business Studies also organize and lead
learning excursions throughout Italy and Europe.
Justin Wynne
United States
Business Administration
Goals for Our Students
Diversity is a touchstone of our program. We foster an
appreciation of cultural, linguistic, ethnic and managerial
diversity. Our graduates are ready to begin their careers in
business in the fields of marketing, finance, manufacturing,
sales, advertising and management, and are comfortable
working in either American or international settings. Our
degree also provides a firm foundation for MBA graduate study.
I decided to study internationally for a different
and exciting undergraduate experience.
I chose AUR for its location in Rome and its
business program.
I transferred from a college in New York because
AUR offers many opportunities to study
elsewhere, including Shanghai where I will
study this summer. It has a diverse international
student body and faculty. All of these things
drew me to AUR where I have had an amazing
experience.
13

Communication & English
The Department of Communication and English
has multiple strengths: an ideal location for
the study of communication, faculty with diverse
backgrounds and skills, programs reflective of
the dynamic nature of communication in modern
society, opportunities to learn through internships
and sensitivity to living and working in
multicultural and international settings.
Not only do you learn how to act in a multicultural environment, but you learn to respect people from
other cultures. I will always look back at AUR as the University where I discovered myself and others.
“G a b r i e l l a D ’A d d e z i o
Our Curriculum — Two Degree Programs,
Many Professional Pathways
AUR’s faculty have responded creatively to the revolutionary
changes in the field of communication over the
last 25 years. Students now are able to choose from two
distinctive degree programs.
In the BA in Communication, students engage in theoretical
and practical study of the mass media, journalism,
writing for the media, intercultural communication
and other related topics. Students may select one of
two concentrations to focus their studies: Visual Media
Production and Technology or Film and Digital Media
Studies, or they may choose a broad range of study that
encompasses courses from both concentrations.
The BA in Film and Digital Media is unique in Italy and
is offered by an award winning team of film and media
faculty. The curriculum includes courses in film and
video production, web design, animation, graphic design,
new media, screenwriting, photography, and film and
digital media studies. Students select one of two concentrations
to focus their studies: Visual Media Production
and Technology or Film and Digital Media Studies. They
benefit from use of the state-of-the-art Battista Multimedia
Lab, which includes first-rate computer technology,
software, and broadcast-quality cameras.
All students in the Film and Digital Media program
develop portfolios as evidence of their learning and for
use in applying for employment or advanced study after
graduation.
Learning in Every Setting
Students are able to capitalize on the University’s location
in Rome. Faculty and students work together to
identify appropriate opportunities for internships in international
companies and organizations. AUR students
have participated in internships with the Associated
Press, Vatican Radio, and the World Food Programme’s
Office of Television and Communications. Learning in
the classroom and in the workplace is fundamental to an
AUR education.
14

Paul Zinder
Associate Professor of
Communication
MFA, Syracuse University
BS, Towson University
Professor Zinder, an award-winning film and
video maker, has taught Media Production,
Studies, and Screenwriting in the United States
and Italy for over fifteen years. His short documentaries
Uno degli Ultimi (One of the Last) and
Benedizione delle Bestie (Benediction of the
Beasts) screen at over 40 International film festivals
from 2008 – 2011 and won eight awards.
Professor Zinder’s years of filmmaking experience
continue to shape his teaching philosophy
and his supervision of senior capstone projects.
Goals for Our Graduates
Graduates of our degree programs possess excellent writing,
analytical and critical-thinking skills. They are able to use the
tools and technology of media production and information
literacy skills. With these skills they live and work successfully
in a world defined by diversity, intercultural relationships, and
fast-paced and ever-changing means of communication.
Writing and art are essential to a
liberal arts education and AUR’s
Literary journal, Remus, provides
an opportunity for AUR students to
express themselves creatively and offers
them the opportunity to graduate
from AUR as published writers.
Professor Zinder’s writing has been published
in the cult television anthologies Investigating
Veronica Mars; Essays on the Teen Television
Series by McFarland in 2011 and Investigating
Alias: Secrets and Spies by I.B. Tauris in 2007.
Jennifer Sharps
United States
Communication
My grandparents are Italian and I always
wanted to learn more about Italian culture
and language. AUR has been the perfect
choice for me because of its location in the
heart of Rome, its multi-cultural staff, faculty
and student body and its Communication
program.
I love the intimate atmosphere on campus.
And my professors have proven to be of
the highest quality.
Jennifer designed the map found on page 27.
15

International Relations
and Global Politics
AUR’s Department of International Relations
features an excellent faculty, students who
embody the diversity of people around the world,
a curriculum that is both theoretical and
practical in character, opportunities for fieldwork
and internships and learning excursions
in Europe and beyond.
International Relations at AUR is a community of diverse students and faculty who have made me look at
the world through different perspectives.
“A l e x a C a e s a r
Rome serves as the ideal backdrop for the study
of international relations and global politics and
provides opportunities for internships with
organizations dedicated to the pursuit of enhanced
international cooperation.
Faculty and Students—Diverse Backgrounds
and Shared Interests
Members of the faculty in International Relations are
a microcosm of the world in terms of their countries
of education, life experiences, academic interests and
expertise. This diversity of education and intellectual
interests enriches the dialogue in the classroom and
the learning of students in academic and real-world
situations.
AUR’s students are from around the world as well.
Both faculty and students bring to their conversations
the diversity of perspective that contributes to lively
discussions and a more informed basis for learning.
Curriculum—Theory and Practice
The faculty have designed the curriculum to provide
students with the practical and theoretical skills required
to serve professionally in the field of international
relations. The curriculum offers a focus on Italy and Europe,
the Mediterranean and the Middle East, with core
courses in international relations, politics and globalization,
and specialized courses in anthropology, religion,
sociology, economics and international law. Each course
offered incorporates elements of comparison with the
role of the United States as as an actor in global politics.
Students supplement class lectures with international
conferences that address issues of current topical interest
and give students opportunities to meet, listen to
and question those who develop and implement international
relations policy.
Learning through Participation
The Department offers a series of on-site classes that
immerse students into Rome as a global city, as a laboratory
for new forms of multiculturalism, as a historical
site for war and peace, and as a core city for international
diplomacy. Students take relevant field trips in Italy,
Europe and beyond. During every winter session, AUR
students and faculty travel to Ghana to study its politics,
history and culture. Students also travel to areas of current
political interest such as Kosovo to learn about the
history, politics, and peoples of this area of the Balkans.
16

BJØRN THOMASSEN
Associate Professor of
International Relations
Department Chair
B.A., M.A., University of
Copenhagen
Ph.D., European University
Institute
International Relations and Global Politics trip to Egypt
Recent themes for conferences and workshops organized by the
department include topics as diverse as international migration,
urban change in local and global Rome, human rights and
global justice, modern forms of slavery, Italian nationalism,
transatlantic relations, and rebellion and revolution in the Arab
world and beyond.
The University and the International Relations Club sponsor
lectures, seminars, films and visits to embassies and other sites
in Rome. Recent speakers addressed topics as diverse as racism,
Abraham Lincoln and the Italian imagination, and the concepts
and consequences of revolution.
Collaborative Learning, Professional Readiness
Students in our program relish the mix of learning in the
classroom, in fieldwork and internships, and in learning
excursions and conversations with peers from around the
world. In addition, internships in Rome with organizations
such as the Food and Agricultural Agency of the UN, The World
Food Program, the NATO College, and a number of embassies
prepare our graduates to pursue advanced degrees or build
careers nationally and internationally throughout the world.
Professor Thomassen’s professional interests
cover a wide range of topics within the social
and political sciences which he continues to
develop in tandem with his teaching at the AUR.
He has done research on nationalism and the
anthropology of borders and boundaries (the
focus of his Ph.D. thesis). He is publishing on
both anthropological and political theory. He is
particularly interested in how anthropological
ideas and approaches can inform political and
social theory and the study of contemporary
politics. His research agenda also includes the
study of memory and identity politics especially
as related to the Italian debate. He has
published on International Relations theory,
from the perspective of long-term history and
comparative civilization. His teaching areas include
thematic courses in anthropology, politics,
sociology and history and regional courses on
Urban Rome, Italy, the Mediterranean and the
Balkans.
Marzieh Talebi
Netherlands/Iran
International Relations
I applied to AUR after looking at its International
Relations web page and when I visited
I experienced the ease and comfort of AUR’s
cozy campus.
Now—two semesters later—I realize AUR is
unique. Based in The Eternal City, its multicultural
setting is a perfect place for diplomacy
and understanding among its students, creating
a warm and loving atmosphere that is a
pleasure to work in. Students are always being
encouraged to immerse themselves in the Roman
culture and language. All in all, AUR is an
easy stepping-stone between high school and
graduate school with not only very interesting
and varied courses, but amazing professors
as well.
17

Italian Studies
Students committed to the study of Italy, its
language, literature and culture, thrive in our
Italian Studies Department. Students capitalize
on our location in Rome and develop their
skills in the language and their knowledge of
Italian culture, society and literature in our
classes, in their everyday lives in the city and in
learning excursions throughout Italy.
Every day is a new experience and AUR gives you a chance to be in the center of Europe while receiving an
excellent American education.
“S e r a G e n o va
The Italian studies major
We place special emphasis on studying the language,
literature and culture of Italy, but students also enroll
in a wide range of related courses such as art history,
international relations, film and music. Our approach is
interdisciplinary in character, allowing students to experience
the intellectual connections among various fields
of interest and study.
Students in Italian Studies gain expertise in the Italian
language while acquiring knowledge, through a wide
range of innovative courses in both English and Italian,
of the cultural, social and literary history and presentday
reality of Italy. Characteristic of an AUR education is
the preparation to live and work in international settings
with requisite intercultural skills.
After successful completion of the program, students
earn a BA in Italian Studies. Graduates are prepared to
begin careers in administrative, professional or business
positions or to commence graduate study in Italy and
elsewhere in the world.
our faculty
The AUR Department of Italian Studies features faculty
with outstanding credentials who were educated in the
United States, Italy and England. Faculty members have
diverse expertise in the language, culture, literature, history
and politics of Italy.
choosing a minor in italian studies
Students majoring in other disciplines may complement
their study with a minor in Italian Studies or in The
Italian Business Environment, offered jointly with the
Business Studies Department.
learning in other settings
Faculty members in Italian Studies sponsor various
activities to extend students’ learning of Italian language
and culture. A semester-long Italian film series and
lectures organized by the department on topics about
Italian culture and society attract enthusiastic student
participation.
Language classes visit local markets, shops and other
sites to practice real-life Italian language skills. Literature
and culture courses incorporate visits to local
museums and landmarks to bring topics studied in class
18

catherine ramsey-portolano
Associate Professor
of Italian Studies
PhD, The University of Chicago
MA, The University of Wisconsin -
Madison
Laurea, LUMSA (Libera Universita
Maria Santissima Assunta)
BA, The University of Tennessee,
Knoxville
Excerpt from Dante’s Inferno
to life. The Department of Italian Studies prepares students to
live and work in a multicultural society and “Rome truly is our
classroom”.
choosing aur’s program in italian studies
Students are attracted to our program because of our ideal
location, innovative and extensive program of courses, expert
and enthusiastic faculty, interdisciplinary approach, intimacy
of scale and the participatory style of teaching and learning we
promote.
Professor Ramsey-Portolano has taught Italian
Language, Literature and Culture courses in the
United States and Italy for fifteen years. Her
principal areas of research are Gender Studies,
19th & 20th century Italian women writers and
Italian film, particularly from the early and fascist
periods. She has published articles on Luchino
Visconti’s Ossessione, Carmine Gallone’s
Malombra, Igino Ugo Tarchetti’s Fosca, the
women writers Neera, Sibilla Aleramo and Dacia
Maraini and on the theme of homosexuality in
Pietro Aretino’s Il Marescalco. Most recently
she has co-edited a special issue of The Italianist
entitled Rethinking Neera.
Edgar Barrales
United States
Italian Studies
I chose AUR because of its challenging
curriculum in Italian Studies. I decided on this
major as I have always loved the language and
culture of this boot-shaped peninsula.
I have embraced the opportunity at AUR to
befriend students and faculty from all over
the world. Our multi-lingual community has
furthered my understanding of Italy and the
world. The international faculty and staff are
always willing to spend time to help students.
19

interdisciplinary Interdisciplinary studies Studies
Crossing intellectual barriers and making
connections between different forms of evidence
is at the heart of the major in Interdisciplinary
Studies.
Prof. Paul Gwynne’s on-site class in Syracuse, Sicily
The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies provides
choice and flexibility for students.
The program will develop the ability to
make meaningful and effective connections across
disciplines, to identify and incorporate discussions
of cultural, political, artistic and religious diversity
and to critically analyze and evaluate alternative
points of view. This degree enables undergraduates,
in conjunction with their academic advisor,
to foster and develop personal interests and assemble
a program of “clusters” of courses that do
not fall either within the American University’s
existing range of degree program options or under
a single, conventional, academic heading.
PROF. PAUL GWYNNE
Interdisciplinary Studies Director
Associate Professor of Classics
B.A., University of Reading
M.A., University of York
Ph.D., The Warburg Institute, University of London
Diploma Palaeographica Diplomatica Archivistica, Vatican
Paul Gwynne received his Ph.D. in Combined
Historical Studies from the Warburg Institute,
University of London and since living in Rome
has successfully completed the two-year
diploma in Palaeography and Diplomatics
from the Scuola di Paleografia, Archivistica e
Diplomatica at the Archivio Secreto Vaticano.
As well as teaching a wide variety of courses
in Classics, Professor Gwynne is also responsible
for Interdisciplinary Studies. His research
interests include the reception of the Classical
Tradition with particular emphasis on the development
of Humanism in Renaissance Rome.
His first book, entitled Poets and Princes: the
Panegyric Poetry of Johannes Michael Nagonius,
will be published by Brepols as the first
in a new series on Medieval and Renaissance
Court Cultures. He is currently completing an
annotated edition of the works of the Neo-
Latin poet Francesco Sperulo (fl. 1490-c.1530)
and researching the artistic and literary patronage
of the infamous Cesare Borgia.
Study Abroad Students Reenact Raphael’s School of Athens
20

Internships & Career Services
Alessandra Potenza
Communication
AUR Class of 2011 and a published
author, is enrolled in the Masters
Program at the Columbia University
School of Journalism
“I did two internships in the journalism field:
National Geographic and Il Manifesto, an Italian
newspaper. It was great to work for both because
I had the chance to experience two different fields
in journalism. At Nat-Geo, I collaborated in the
creation and update of the new website. At Il
Manifesto I learned a lot about how a newspaper
is built, and the mentality surrounding the daily
choice of news and assessment of news values.”
AN INTERNSHIP is an opportunity
for students to work for an
employer in a career field that
matches their major and interests.
Interns are able to apply
the theory of the classroom with
the reality of the workplace,
have a chance to observe, participate,
and grow to understand
the workings of a professional
environment. With internship
experiences, students gain the
skills needed to seek employment
with confidence.
AUR prepares student well for
these experiences. A Supervisor
at the NATO Defense College
wrote:
In terms of intellectual capacity she
demonstrated a keen insight into
international security affairs. She
also displayed an unusual level of
cultural sensitivity and tact which
earned her the respect of both the
senior officers on course and the
staff of the NATO Defense College.
She is clearly ready to handle
increasing levels of responsibility.
THE CAREER SERVICES Office
organizes workshops on building
an effective resume, how to
succeed in an interview, and the
importance of building a professional
network. The Career
Services Office provides AUR
students with an exclusive online
resource – the World of Work
Blog - where opportunities for
internships, jobs, and graduate
school are posted.
Anias Engelmajer
International Relations
AUR class of 2011 has accepted a
position at the FAO
“I interned in the emergencies reporting unit at
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the
UN). My Internship focused on international development
and complex emergencies. It involved
writing, editing and translating. The skill set that
I acquired will be important for any future job that
I could have with an international organization –
making this experience more than rewarding.”
Kristin Lichtenberg
Business
AUR class of 2012
“I Interned at Bioversity International in the Finance
Department. It was a great experience for me. My
superiors were helpful and entrusted me with a lot of
responsibility. I learned how to use a new accounting
software system, developed my skills in Excel
and managed travel expenses for the department. I
definitely consider it time well spent!”
21

Alumni Voices
AUR alumni enjoy successful and exciting
careers around the world in business,
finance, communication, film, education,
the arts and arts administration and a range
of other fields.
Peter Stoykov, 2011 Class Representative
M
ost AUR graduates either go on to further their education
or choose to immediately enter the workplace.
Alumni have translated their academic accomplishments
and practical experiences at AUR into positions with
diverse employers, including Vatican Radio, the World Food
Programme, J Walter Thompson Italia, the Fulbright Commission
in Rome, Oglivie and Mather Europe, Boeing and Aquila Properties
in Dubai, as well as many others. Of those students choosing
to enter the workplace after graduation, over 70% regularly locate
employment in less than a year. Graduates and alumni are supported
via a close networking system. AUR’s Global World of Work
Blog is setting a new standard for peer-institution-peer sharing of
professional information and contacts.
Equally impressive is the record AUR graduates are compiling in
graduate study. Alumni have enrolled in master’s and doctoral
programs in prestigious universities around the world, including
Johns Hopkins University, Brown University, Columbia, Standford
and Middlebury College in the US; Università Degli Studi di
Roma “La Sapienza” in Rome, Trinity College in Dublin, the
Bocconi School of Management in Milan, the University of
Oxford and University College London in England and many
others.
Simone Amorico ‘04
United States/Italy
Business Administration
After graduating from AUR with a B.A. in
Business Administration, I traveled with the
Women’s Tennis Association tour as a private
coach for a tennis professional. Then I put
my studies into action by forming a company
called Access Italy that provides personalized
tours of Italy for celebrities and senior executives.
As Managing Director, I depend upon
the solid base I received from the professors
at AUR who brought years of experience to
the classroom. The capstone Strategic
Management course gave me the tools to
build my business.
I am a dual Italian/American citizen who was
born in Rome of an Italian father and a Chinese-
American mother. My multicultural background
fitted in perfectly with the global AUR environment
and I spent many fascinating afternoons
with classmates in the AUR garden.
Our alumni also keep in touch with each other through the
alumni newsletter Wolftracks and the “First Thursday with AUR
Alumni” in Rome. More information and copies of Wolftracks on
www.aur.edu/american-university-rome/alumni/
22

Mehtab Dere ‘07
India
International Relations
Blerina Maci ‘05
Albania
International Relations
My experience at AUR was highly informative
and helped to shape my world view. AUR
provided the foundation for me to succeed in
graduate school.
After graduating from AUR, I enrolled in the
Masters of International Relations program at
Johns Hopkins University, spending the first
year at their School of Advanced International
Studies in Bologna, Italy, and the second year
in Washington, DC.
I have worked at the Peace Research Institute
in Frankfurt, Germany, as a researcher on nuclear
weapons proliferation and as a consultant for
the World Conservation Monitoring Center, an
organization affiliated with the United Nations.
I recently accepted a fully-funded position in
the doctoral program in political science at
Brown University in the US.
As Head of Cabinet, Ministry of European Integration
of Albania, I found the blending of the
international faculty, students and staff, the
unique location and the diverse program of
study at AUR to be the ideal academic institution
for all students like me who want to contribute
to making a difference wherever they are.
The American University of Rome was a life
changing experience for me. The knowledge I
gathered at AUR helped me with my graduate
studies and to build my confidence in successfully
pursuing a career in my country.
Bojana Dulanovic ‘03
Serbia
Business Administration
Monica Casale Romei ‘04
Italy
Communication
With solid instruction and courses covering
a wide spectrum of topics and issues, my
AUR Communication degree prepared me
for a master’s degree in Management from
Regent’s College London. I have worked in
public relations and management for a luxury
hotel in Switzerland and now as a real estate
investment advisor in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates. I still pursue my horse riding and
appreciate the important role AUR has played
in my interesting and exciting life.
AUR was a great help to me. I learned from
wonderful business professors and from the
classmates I met who are now living and working
all over the world. After graduating, I worked for
several companies in Rome before becoming CFO
of MTV for the Adriatic region in Belgrade.
I have fond memories of AUR, Bella Roma and the
exciting field trips I took with the Business Department
to interesting businesses throughout Italy.
GRIFFIN EVANS ‘05
Art History
Every employer I have dealt with was immediately impressed
that I studied Art History in Rome. It looks great
on a resume or CV, and is an immediate conversation
starter during interviews. It flat out sets you apart from
the crowd! Once employed, Art History (and the Classics
in general) gave me the problem solving skills that were
essential for my job in the legal industry. The ability to
visualize large frameworks of ideas (think Sistine Chapel
ceiling) is essential to see a system and identify how to
proceed in the task at hand as well as diagnosing foreseeable
difficulties.
23

Study Abroad at AUR
I wanted to study outside of the US in a cosmopolitan and culturally rich city such as Rome.
“N i c h o l a s S c i a s c i
Choose to study abroad at AUR
For more than four decades AUR has been the host to
students from across the United States as well as from
other countries who come to Rome to experience Italian
art, culture, history, cuisine and lifestyle. The University’s
international environment offers students an
opportunity for intellectual, cultural, ethical and artistic
development in the Eternal City.
AUR has developed partnerships with affiliate universities
and organizations in every part of the US to
facilitate the process of planning for the experience of
a lifetime. Students can spend a semester or a year at
AUR or can choose a shorter winter or summer session
program depending upon their own needs and academic
plans. In all cases students can select from a full array of
course offerings across the full range of the University’s
disciplines.
Spending a semester, academic year or summer studying
at The American University of Rome will give students the
opportunity to absorb the city’s vibrancy on a genuine,
profound level. Through studying in Rome for a semester
24
or year, students gain insight that simply is unavailable to
the tourist or short term visitor. A study abroad experience
at AUR allows to complete undergraduate degree
on-time, helps the resumé and transcript stand out,
and allows to challenge students fully academically and
personally.
Study Abroad Students staying at AUR may take the opportunity
of an internship through AUR career services.
Students with the requisite Italian language ability may
arrange for part of their study (for credit) at the nearby
Libera Università Maria SS. Assunta, known more popularly
as “LUMSA”.
Students interested in a study abroad experience at
AUR should consult the Study Abroad or International
Study Office on their campus to determine if a partnership
between their university and AUR has been established.
If a partnership is not in place, you can still study at AUR.
See our web page at:
www.aur.edu/studyabroad

How to Apply &
Financial Aid
Applying—Choose AUR
We invite you to become a member of our community of
learners in The Eternal City.
Please submit the following to complete your application
(refer to our website for details):
• Online application form at www.aur.edu/apply
• Official copy of high school transcript;
• One academic recommendation
(from a teacher or counselor);
• Official copy of your university transcript(s) -
for transfer students only;
• SAT or ACT scores —for high school students
graduating from a US-style school (in the United States
or abroad);
• 500-word statement (see website for details);
• 250-word essay on one of three topics
(see website for topics);
• English Language Proficiency;
• Non-refundable application fee (see website for
details).
Financing Your AUR Education
AUR is committed to providing an affordable university
experience for students who value a high-quality, multicultural,
intimate-scale education.
Choosing to study in Rome is comparable to, or lower
than, the cost of a private university education in the
United States or elsewhere.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents should complete
the FAFSA to be considered for Federal Direct Stafford
and Federal Direct PLUS Loan programs.
Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of
outstanding academic achievement without regard to
financial need, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
disability, veteran/Reserve/National Guard Status
or natural origin. The scholarships range from €2,500
to €5,000 per academic year. For a list of the criteria
and more information please check our website at: www.
aur.edu/scholarships.
AUR Scholarships
We encourage all students to apply for an AUR Scholarship
as we consider candidates based on major, grade
point average, financial need and SAT or ACT scores (or
the equivalent), as well as special skills and talents that
they will bring to AUR. For more information and to apply
please visit: www.aur.edu/scholarships.
Student Assistantships
Students may also apply for Assistantships which are
work study positions with administrators or faculty at
the University. For more information please visit
www.aur.edu/assistantship.
When in Rome . . .
Whether you are a prospective student from the
Americas—or Europe—or Asia—or elsewhere—plan
to visit with us.
Arrange your tour of our campus and Rome through our
web site—www.aur.edu/visit.
AUR is pleased to participate in the VA Yellow Ribbon
Program. AUR proudly offers U.S. Veterans benefits.
25

Our Location
Students benefit from AUR’s location on the
Janiculum, a hill providing panoramic views
of Rome. Situated between two large city parks
and near the Botanical Gardens, our campus
offers an appealing combination of residential
urban living and the amenities of cafÉs, shops
and an outdoor market.
26

Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese Public Park & Gardens
Basilica di San Pietro
St. Peter’s Cathedral
Castel Sant’Angelo
St. Angel’s Castle
i etta
Rip
Vi
a di
Piazza del Popolo
Popolo Square
Città del Vaticano
Vatican City
Piazza Navona
Navona Square
Pantheon
Pantheon
Villa Doria Pamphili
Villa Pamphili Public Park & Gardens
Trastevere
Isola Tiberina
Tiber Island
Gianicolo
Janiculum Hill
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere
Villa Sciarra
Villa Sciarra Public Park & Gardens
The American
University of Rome
Viale Trastevere
Fiume Te
T vere
Ti
v r
T ber Rive
Via M
Lungotevere Av
A entino
Marmorata
Via Pietro Roselli, 4
00153 Rome, Italy
www.aur .edu
Piramide
Pyramid
Illustration by Jenny Lynn Sharps
Either by bus or a 15-minute walk, students enjoy easy access to the historical, cultural, recreational and
internship opportunities of central Rome.
27

AUR at a Glance
AUR Library Evans’ Hall
Founded: 1969
Location: On top of the Janiculum, Rome’s highest
hill, in a garden of Roman pines, offering a spectacular
view of the city and the surrounding hills. The campus is
walking distance to Rome’s historic center.
Type: Private, independent, not for profit, liberal arts
university founded on the premise that Rome itself is
an ideal classroom.
Focus: American degree blending the liberal arts with
career preparation and elements of the Italian/European
classical tradition of the humanities.
Student Profile: 400 – 500 students from more than
30 countries. 65% Study Abroad, 35% degree seeking.
Average class size: 18
Calendar: Semester (Fall Semester, Winter Session,
Spring Semester, Summer Session)
Academic Programs: Eight bachelor’s degree programs
with 16 concentrations, two associate degree
programs and 18 minors (see page 7 for a complete list).
Library: The Evans Hall Library has access to the catalogs
of 19 libraries in Rome: 10,000 catalogued electronic
resources and e-books; and 1,200 DVDs and videos. It
holds 15,000 volumes in its own beautiful two-story villa
with lovely gardens, all with wireless Internet access.
Technology: Main general purpose computer lab with
55 PCs and several print stations; PC teaching classrooms;
Mac-based multimedia laboratory; 14 library
workstations; wireless Internet access throughout the
campus, outside in our gardens, on our terraces and in
student housing.
Study Abroad: Destinations include: China, Denmark,
Ecuador, England, Greece, Spain, United States, Belgium,
Germany, Peru.
Internships: Academic internships for course credit,
available in all majors, provide students with a practical
way of relating their studies to their career interests.
Faculty: 65 (full and part time)
accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher
Education (MSCHE)
Student Organizations: Student Government,
Business Club, Communication Club, Culture Club,
International Relations Club, Italian Club, Reach Out
Club, Acting Club, Vocal Ensemble
Athletics: Intercollegiate competition in Rome
university soccer leagues:
–The AUR Wolves (Men’s team)
–The AUR She-Wolves (Women’s team)
Mascot: Wolf
Colors: Green and White
28

Logo
AUR’s logo is derived from the design of the distinctive paving pattern
of Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio on the Capitoline Hill
in Rome. Its twelve-pointed geometry has a multitude of meanings.
Primary among them is the radiant role of Rome as the center of
the world, the Caput Mundi, as the ancients fashioned it and as the
Renaissance revived it.
The suggestion is still compelling in the dynamic unity of this place
as a symbol of the millennial traditions of art, politics, science and
culture that are the basis of the liberal education at The American
University of Rome.
Accreditation and Memberships
The American University of Rome (AUR) is regionally accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSche), 3624 Market
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (215) 662-5606. MSche is an institutional
accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education
and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The American University of Rome is licensed by the State of Delaware
Department of Education to award associate and bachelor degrees.
The American University of Rome is registered as a legal entity with the
Rome Tribunal and is authorized to operate in Italy by the Ministero
dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca.
The American University of Rome is a member of the following
organizations:
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
American Colleges Overseas
Association of American Colleges and Universities
Association of American International Colleges and Universities
Association of American Colleges and University Programs in Italy
Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges
American International Recruitment Council
College and University Professional Association of Human Resources
College Consortium for International Studies
Common Application
Council of International Schools
Eduitalia
European Association for International Education
European Council of International Schools
Forum on Education Abroad
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
National Association for College Admission Counseling
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling
Society for College and University Planning
Universal College Application
Equal Opportunity
The American University of Rome provides equal opportunity for all
qualified individuals in its educational programs and activities. The
University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance,
sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source
of income or veteran status. It conforms to all applicable federal and
state non-discrimination laws. The policy of equal opportunity applies
to every aspect of the operations and activities of the University and
includes admissions and employment.
© The American University of Rome, 2011.
cover
The use of an Italian tile on the background of our cover reminds us of the Middle Ages when it became popular to use ceramic tiles in architecture. The tiles
were mostly hand decorated majolica, a tin glazed earthenware that was introduced to Italy by Moorish Spain through the island of Majorca. Italian artisans
borrowed from terracotta tiles prevalent in the late Roman Empire and from Islamic tiles that had also been introduced to Europe to create beautiful Italian tiles
that you will have the opportunity to see as a student of AUR as you explore this beautiful country.

The American University of Rome
Via Pietro Roselli, 4
00153 Rome, Italy
tel: +39.06.5833.0919
fax: +39.06.5833.0992
toll free to Rome from the US: 877.592.1287
toll free in the US: 888.791.8327
toll free fax in the US: 866.287.2025
email: aurinfo@aur.edu
www.aur.edu
5
decades
of service
Fall 2011