Lunchtime Talks: Cracking the Italian Code

This innovative, one-unit course is designed as a vibrant, weekly conversation around the themes, traditions, and contradictions that define modern Italy. Anchored in Florence and guided by Stanford faculty and expert guest speakers, Cracking the Italian Code introduces the country's complex identity through history, literature, art, politics, food, cinema, and fashion. The format is informal but intellectually rich: weekly lunchtime talks (with food provided!) followed by Q&A and discussion. Stanford staff will be present at each session to help connect the dots across topics, support the conversation, and ensure continuity throughout the quarter. Designed to complement and facilitate students' academic and cultural immersion in Florence, the course unfolds like an interpretive map that will greatly enrich their Italian experience and help them 'decode' what they see, hear, and taste every day in Florence - and make sense of Italy's place in the world.