JAF291: International Seminar in Italy

Vision

The JAF Winter Seminar takes advantage of Gordon College’s leased property in the cliff-top town of Orvieto, situated in the Umbrian countryside between Florence and Rome. Participants will sojourn in the recently-renovated thirteenth-century monastery that serves as the home of Gordon’s long-running semester program. The nine double rooms in the residential wing come with private baths. The library-classroom is bright and airy. Our private chef Maria takes pride in presenting the best of Umbrian cuisine. 

Curriculum

This seminar in Italy combines the Great Books, Socratic approach of Gordon College's Jerusalem and Athens Forum (JAF) honors program with the emphasis of the Gordon In Orvieto semester program of experiencing art, architecture, and literature in situ-in their original settings. Readings and topics vary year to year, but are generally drawn from the late antiquity to the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Excursions to Rome, Florence, and Assisi, among other places, are typically part of the program.  

Prerequisite(s): Successful application into program and submission of all international program forms through the Global Education Office.

• Fulfills Fine Arts core.
• History major distribution: One of History of the Ancient and Classical World or History of Medieval Europe

Instructor

Dr. Jennifer Hevelone-Harper, Professor of History & Co-Director of the Jerusalem and Athens Forum honors program at Gordon, will be this year's instructor for the JAF Winter Seminar in Italy. Dr. Hevelone-Harper brings a wealth of knowledge in history (including art history) as well as extensive experience in the town of Orvieto, having taught a month-long course for the Gordon in Orvieto program multiple times.

Dates

December 19, 2025 - January 12, 2026

Cost

The total cost of the program is $5,200. The following are covered for all seminar participants.

• Round-trip airfare from Boston
• All ground transportation in Italy
• Lodging in double-occupancy rooms, each with private bath
• All meals, except on Sunday
• Admission to visited sites
• Tuition for credits earned (current students)

Snacks, coffee, souvenirs, private travel and personal purchases are covered by individual participants.

Application Procedure & Deadlines

The seminar is open to current Gordon College students. Students from all majors are invited to apply.

General requirements:

• 2.5 overall GPA
• Sophomore standing or higher
• Complete online application
• $35 application fee

Upon acceptance to the program, a non-refundable program deposit of $750 will be due to confirm participation.

Any student participating in an international GEO seminar is required to attend a safety and security preparation meeting with GEO staff. The date for this meeting is stated in the program application. Attendance is mandatory.

Application deadline: September 22, 2025