University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

Page 123 text:

I he Villa Corsi-Salviati is where the University of Michi- gan Florence program is based. The students participating in the program lived and took classes at this site. The villa was erected in the early 1400s, though addi- tions were made in the 1500s and 1600s. Students had the opportunity to take advantage of this beautiful and historic land- mark, including its elaborate and famous garden. Tolitical science senior Jesse Jannetta writes in his journal atop his favorite rock during his summer at the New England Lit- erature Program. He nicknamed this rock outside his cabin the Glacier Erratic. Jesse medi- tated on this rock and wrote in his journal almost every day dur- ing his stay at NELP. Peter Nielsen photo courtesy of Sarah Altschul I he Musee D ' Orsay offers a stunning view to onlookers in the museum. Some students in- volved in the Florence program had the chance to take trips to exciting sites around Europe. The Musee D ' Orsay in Paris used to be a railroad station, but has been converted into a museum housing what some consider the finest collection of Impression- ist art in the world. Students viewed the works of Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and Whistler, among others. photo courtesy of Sarah Altschul Summer Programs 119

Page 122 text:

iT ' eter Nielsen Summer Learning by Deborah Bang While most students searched for internships or employment, others elected to participate in summer academic programs where they received credit toward graduation. Summer programs offered students a chance to flee the hustle and bustle of Ann Arbor. Two unique programs offered by the University were the New England Literature Program (NELP) and the Florence, Italy study abroad program. The Florence, Italy program of 1997 accepted approximately 50 students, 20 of which were from the University. Students were housed in the Villa Corsi-Salviati, located in Sesto Fiorentino on the edge of Florence. Senior political science and American culture student Juliane Morian said the six-week program was relaxing. We became rT TH-e FFV?- comfortable with the country before we began to travel. It was an empowering experience and it was really cool to leave the States, Morian recalled. Students agreed that it wasn ' t difficult to study and earn six to eight credits in Florence. Most weekends included excursions to European cities. Students traveled on the European rail system to major cities such as Rome, Sienna, and Venice, as well as a trip to Switzerland. Morian said, It was good to feel comfortable with the country first, and then travel. : f 7 P e NELP attracted students who were interested in American literature and nature. Based at a camp near Lake Winneapesake, NH, this six week program gave students a communal living experience. Students commented on the literature they studied by writing in continual journals and through other forms of artistic expression. Students took turns cooking meals and teaching classes while appreciating the beauty of New England and learning from the literature and each other. This program ' s approach to education seemed successful with students. The staff was incredible, commented senior social science major Sarah Altschul. I thought the program was the best alternative approach to learning. It was the best thing I ' ve ever done. Jr} ate Black, an Americ culture senior, grins as she s cessfully reaches the top of tt Pemi mountain in New Hamj shire. NELP students went oj hikingtripseveryninedays. Thj trip was known as the Smoi gasbord trip -- the group hi fourteen miles on a rainy day reach the top of this challengi: mountain. 118 Academics

Page 124 text:

-JIUU Kristi Kozubal TH-E- Head of the Class by Sarah Mangla Imagine being face to face with the president of the University every Monday and Wednesday morning for an entire semester. President Lee Bellinger made this possible for interested juniors and seniors, taking time out of his busy schedule as an administrator to move back into the classroom. About 40 students had the opportunity during the fall semester to take the class Freedom of the Speech and Press, taught by former law professor and current University President Bellinger. Normally a class taught to law IN)E C7 T students, this course provided undergraduates exposure to the First Amendment and the media. Political science senior f TH-IK) 3r?. Jill Brunt summed it up as a constitutional law class covering classical First Amendment problems, focusing mainly ? M f F ) on free speech. Many juniors and seniors had to decide whether it was worth meeting at 8:30 a.m. to have a class taught by thepresident. Idon ' tlikeitat8:30,butit ' sworthit. Youcan ' tpassupthatopportunity. It ' s aonce in a lifetime chance to have a class with the premier expert in this field, said Chris Ryan, a political science senior. Students agreed that TH-e- ?A-ME Bollinger was a lively and talented professor. Business School senior Robert Wollin said, President Bellinger is one of the best professors I have had while here at U of M. He makes class fun, and he makes me want to come to class, L-lTl A-U especially at 8:30. He has a terrific sense of humor, and always makes sure that we understand the material. Although President Bollinger was thought to be a dynamic professor, the class was a little intimidating at first, said Ryan. Brunt added, By not knowing any previous in-depth law knowledge on the First Amendment, it was a little difficult at first. There is a slight intimidation factor in the class, but when it ' s being taught by such an intelligent, well-respected man, it ' s understood. The class proved to be challenging. You really have to stay on top of things, added Ryan. Large amounts of reading made the class a difficult one, and since students ' grades were based solely on a midterm and a final, students were forced to truly understand the material, said Wollin. Academics