Summer in Rome and Bay of Naples

HIS 319 - Special Topics in History: Daily Life in Ancient Rome & Pompeii
(Anticipated dates: June 9-21, 2027)
 

Join National Geographic Explorer, Professor Eric De Sena, on a journey through time and space where you will learn how the ancient Romans lived. This immersive program invites undergraduate and MA students to step into history while earning 3 academic credits (HIS 319) and experiencing some of Italy’s most fascinating places firsthand.

The course explores the culture and history of the ancient Romans from their Latin and Etruscan origins in the 8th century BCE through the Fall of the Empire in the 5th century CE. Learning comes alive as you visit major monuments and museums of Rome (Roman Forum, Pantheon, Capitoline Museum, Colosseum) as well the world class archaeological sites of Pompeii and Ostia Antica. You will explore temples, marketplaces, houses, and entertainment venues in order to understand the realities of life in ancient Rome. A strong focus will be on architectural innovations  and engineering.

You'll experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, while getting your fill of authentic pizza, pasta, and gelato!

Program fee for tuition, housing, excursions, special meals, and insurance is $3,310. The program fee does not include international airfare from/to the USA, most meals, or personal expenses. 

Eligibility and information:

• HIS 319 is open to SUNY students in any major and may satisfy a Liberal Arts & Sciences elective
• GPA Requirement: 2.75
• Good disciplinary standing
• Application deadline (and $500 deposit) March 16, 2027.  

Scholarships:

• Students who receive Pell awards are eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship External link (early March 2027 deadline)
• Check out other Scholarships. 

Curriculum:

• On site lectures & discussion of the history, culture and society of the ancient Romans from their origins in the 8th century BCE through late Antiquity. Visits in Rome, Pompeii, Naples, and Ostia Antica.
• Individual and group projects involving travel journaling and multimedia.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrating history, sociology, political science, the arts, and cultural heritage management, the program equips students with skills relevant to careers in the Humanities, international affairs, journalism, hospitality, and cultural heritage management.
• Global Competency: Participants will strengthen their intercultural communication abilities, gain insights into the successful bridging between the past and present, and sustainable tourism, and enhance both their global perspective and professional readiness.

Dr. Eric De Sena is an internationally renowned archaeologist and a National Geographic Explorer who brings to Farmingdale 20+ years of experience overseas, 14 years of teaching experience, and 10+ years of administrative experience. He holds a BA from SUNY Albany in Mediterranean Archaeology, a MA in Art History from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a PhD from University of Bradford (UK) in Archaeological Sciences. As an archaeologist, De Sena participated or led projects in Italy on the Palatine Hill in Rome, Ostia Antica, Pompeii, Cetamura del Chianti, Monte Pallano, Colleferro, Nomentum, and Gabii; in Romania at Porolissum and Bozna.  

While living in Rome, he was the Curator/Archaeological Laboratory Associate of the American Academy in Rome and a professor of ancient art and archaeology at John Cabot University, Saint Mary's College, and Duquesne University. He served JCU as Chair of the Dept. of Art History and Studio Arts. He directed the American Research Center in Sofia, which supported American and Southeast European scholars, published monographs, hosted lectures and conferences, and offered grants for cultural heritage projects in Bulgaria. While living in Europe, De Sena developed short-term Faculty-Led programs in Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. 

For more information contact studyabroad@farmingdale.edu