The civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome achieved exceptional heights of intellectual activity, social organization, and world power. Not only did they provide the foundation for many of the current political, social, and cultural institutions of the Western world, the legacy of their cultures has shaped centuries of humanist philosophy and learning. In this program students will draw on the classical environment of Rome to explore various facets of the entire era of Greco-Roman civilization, including archeology, art, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, and theater. Students with no previous instruction in the classics or classical languages can enroll in this program as an introduction to classical civilization. Majors or minors in classics, Latin, Greek, or other classical areas can study the original languages at any level, or texts and materials in the original language.

The program supports interaction and dialogue between Lexia participants and Italian faculty and students whenever possible by organizing social and academic events with Italian and other foreign students and encourages participation in Italian community events, institutions, and family life. In addition, organized excursions contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the civilization of ancient Rome and its influence on Rome today.

No prior knowledge of Italian is required, as most coursework is in English. Language instruction during the first month of the program is taught intensively to help students develop the language skills and confidence to live and study in, and integrate themselves into, the Italian community. During the latter part of the program, some classes and excursions are conducted in Italian at a level intended to enhance vocabulary and idiom usage.