FlorenceSummer Study Tour

Required Course(s)
Strategic Leader

The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy, in the 14th century due to the social and civic peculiarities of Florence at the time, its political structure, the patronage of its dominant family, the Medici, and the migration of Greek scholars and texts to Italy following the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks. During this time, Florence was the home of legendary political thinkers and strategic planners such as painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, military engineer, and draftsman Leonardo da Vinci. Alongside da Vinci, we also find the Italian diplomat, politician, historian, philosopher, humanist, writer, playwright, and poet Niccolò Machiavelli as well as Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet Michelangelo. In Florence, we will follow in the footsteps of these great thinkers and discover some of their secrets to leadership and strategic planning in a modern perspective.

Tour Objectives

  • Research and visit some of the magnificent modern organizations found in Florence, and discuss what makes them successful
  • Investigate the importance of the environment and individual institutions for fostering leadership and strategic planning
  • Follow in the footsteps of modern and historical leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists

Possible Activities

  • Visit acclaimed modern corporations and institutions such as the iconic fashion brand Gucci, the Medici Bank, and the legendary watch manufacturer Panerai, founded in Officine Panerai in Florance 1860
  • Experience the spectacular opera venues of Teatro dell’Opera di Firenze, Teatro Goldoni, Teatro Auditorium al Duomo, and St. Mark’s Anglican Church
  • Visit a local newspaper such as The Florentine, Leggo, Metro, or La Nazione