Natural Resources and Civilizations in Italy with - Dr. Chad Heinzel

The purpose of this webpage is to help you start planning for the logistical aspects of doing well in our Natural Resources and Civilizations course to Italy. We will provide more information on preparing academically as the Spring semester progresses. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

MVI 1813 from Explore Iowa's Geology (IGEIN) on Vimeo.

Exploring Southern Italy and Sicily

Rick Steves Podcasts : Italy - Italian Cuisine 1 (audio), Italian Cuisine 2 (audio), Pasta 101 (audio) , Rome - Colosseum (audio AND map) , Sistine Chapel (audio AND map) , St. Peters (audio AND map) , Pantheon (audio AND map), Michelangelo in Rome (audio), Rome Beneath the surface (audio)

Getting ready to travel this summer...

1. Basic packing list and ideas (not complete - Please let me know if you have questions), Electrical adaptor (info) Or the minimum you might need

2. Handouts for learning Italian numbers and phrases... Page1 , Page 2 , Page 3 , Page 4

3. We will be walking and hiking a lot in this course. We will work to provide options, but often the best way to get around Rome is to walk across the old city center. It is not uncommon to walk 10 to 15 miles or more in a day while in Rome. The Stromboli hike is amazing, but hard due to hiking up the volcano for about 4 hours then back down in about 2 hours. There will be an option to see the volcano erupt from a boat rather than on foot. We highly recommend preparing for this course by talking long walks this Spring and/or working out at the WRC or elsewhere. The best footware for this course are trial shoes they will work for walking in the city and/or hiking.

This video of the Stromboli Hike shows both perspectives. You can either stand on near the summit OR you can be on one of the boats below, The tiny spots on the water. This hike has about a 3000' elevation gain.

Course Content

2024 N,R,C in Italy Syllabus

PreSession - Logistics for studying abroad in Italy approx. 45min

Session 1 - Natural Resources and Civilization- The Foundation - Due March 29 Homework questions embedded in the audio. I asked you to address questions throughout the presentation.

Session 2 - Italy's Landscapes, Resources and Sustainability - Due April 12 - For this homework simply write a no more than one page summary of the presentations concepts/important parts.

Session 3 - Italian Natural and Human History - Due April 26 - For this homework simply write a no more than one page summary of the presentations concepts/important parts.

PODCASTS - Try to listen to these and take basic notes so when we discuss them while in Italy you can add to the conversation. Click to listen online OR right click to download the mp3

Podcast 1 - Lori Santos - Happiness

Podcast 2 - Robin Wall Kimmerer - Environmental Reciprocity

Podcast 3 - Kathrine Hayhoe - Climate Change

Session 4 - Natural Resourcs and Civiliations - Italy Summary

Additional Content

Prof. Novellino University of Naples - History of the Mafia

Chad's - Cosa Nostra Talk -

In person sessions - Please try to make it, if you can't let me know and I will do what I can to keep you engaged

1 - Thursday, March 28, 5pm, Latham Hall 111

2 - Thursday, April 11, 5pm, Latham Hall 111

3 - Thursday, May 9, 5pm, Latham Hall 111

Lodging -