Natural Resources and Civilizations in Italy - Dr. Chad Heinzel

The purpose of this web page 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 - These podcasts and info. are for 'fun'. They will help you learn about some of the places we will explore. 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 adapter (info) Or the minimum you might need , just an example, there are new ones that have USB-C ports :-)

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 footwear 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. Stromboli, will be optional... The hike has changed the past few years, Dr. Heinzel will explain...

Course Content - the following dates are there to encourage you to work on the content. If you need an extra day or two to turn something in, please let me know. When you complete an assignment, please email me a docx or pdf file, with your name in the file eg. Heinzel_ItalySession1March28.pdf

2025 N,R,C in Italy Syllabus (in development)

Pre-Session - Logistics for studying abroad in Italy approx. 45min

Session 1 - Natural Resources and Civilization- The Foundation - Due March 28 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 11 - 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 25 - For this homework simply write a no more than one page summary of the presentations concepts/important parts.

PODCASTS - Listen to these and take 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

Additional Content

Prof. Novellino University of Naples - History of the Mafia

Lodging -

Rome - Hotel Windrose

Florence - Hotel Meridiana

Trapani - Bed & Breakfast Belveliero

Lipari/Canneto - Baia Unici

Sorrento - Hotel Cosmomare

Rome