Academic Streams

Academic Stream I

"Globalization: What Does It Really Mean and Why Should I Care?"

What is globalization? Why do some oppose it violently while others vigorously defend it? Economic globalization is one of the most significant and commonly misunderstood phenomena of our time. Through lessons, case studies, discussions and weekly debates, students will gain a thorough understanding of the key issues underlying one of the most salient topics of their generation. Topics covered and questions addressed will include:

1) What is globalization?

2) Economic globalization: Who wins, who loses?

3) Globalization and history: Are we living in unique times?

4) Governing globalization: The World Bank, the IMF and the WTO. What are they and what do they do?

5) The ethics of globalization: human rights, global poverty and international development

6) Controversial issues and debates: thinking critically about how globalization affects you

Academic Stream II

“Public Policy Analysis: Government Solutions to Social Problems”

This public policy track introduces participants to the tools of government decision making. Case studies in the area of drug and crime policy are used to explore various policy approaches to social problems. Participants will learn how politics, economics, geography, race and gender affect government policy making. Several issues related to these policy areas will be discussed and debated, and by the end of the course, participants will be able to apply the approaches learned to other issue-areas. The following specific questions will be addressed:

1) What are the pros and cons of government intervention to address social problems?

2) What are some ways that different governments approach current policy debates? What are the costs and benefits of each approach?

3) Why might different policies be considered effective? What tools do we have to answer this question?

4) How might identical statistics be interpreted to reach different policy prescriptions?

5) How do race and gender play a role in determining criminal justice outcomes?

Academic Stream III

“Ancient Philosophy: The Origins of Western Thought”

       1)    Early concepts of the physical nature of the cosmos

       2)    Motion and multiplicity of objects

       4)    The immortality of the soul

Latin (Optional for all students)

Skills Workshops

Workshop I

Organizing Your Passion Effectively: How to Make a Difference on Your College Campus

Most of us have social issues that we care passionately about: environmental awareness, human rights, racial justice, gender equality, drunk driving prevention, etc. This workshop gives instruction in how to organize your cause and get others actively involved. Topics such as garnering press publicity and securing funding will be discussed. Participants will take part in simulations specifically focused on establishing and running organizations on college campuses. They will leave this workshop ready and able to make a difference in their communities and campuses.

Workshop II

Getting Into College 101

Applying to college these days is an arduous, expensive, and multi-faceted process. Since we have done it (effectively!), we will help you navigate the various steps of the application process – from what strengths to highlight in your personal statement, to basic interview skills.

Workshop III

Essay Writing That Stands Out

Writing effectively is absolutely essential to a successful college and professional career. In this workshop, participants learn how to approach an essay topic, formulate an essay thesis, construct a nuanced line of argument and identify evidence to support their points. Students will have the opportunity to hone these skills by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of sample essays, and by producing writing samples of their own.

Workshop IV

Public Speaking and Effective Verbal Communication

Strong public speaking skills ensure that one’s ideas and convictions are heard. In this workshop, participants learn how to express their ideas effectively and concisely in a variety of contexts. Speech writing and delivery, seminar-style presentations, and informal debating skills are all covered.

Morning Current Events Roundtable/"De Re Publica" Discussion

Every other morning after breakfast, all RISE participants gather to explore one or two items from that day’s news headlines. The group reviews the background and context of each news article and discusses its implications and broader significance. Led by a RISE mentor-scholar, the Current Events Roundtable gently guides participants to identify the political, economic and social issues at stake in each story, and to recognize signs of journalistic bias. Articles will be drawn from reputable sources such as the New York Times, the Economist, and the International Herald Tribune.

On days where we the Roundtable is not held, David Rich will discuss the roots of Western ethics and citizenship via an in depth analysis of the last book of Cicero's "De Re Publica".

Activities at the Villa

Beach Days

With Lazio's picturesque coastline a short distance from our Villa, we will take optional trips to the beach. RISE students can choose to enjoy the Thyrrhenian Sea, accompanied by our chaperones. Pack your sunscreen!

Organized Sports and Swimming in the Villa’s Pool

The RISE villa offers an ideal setting for outdoor activity and recreation. Interested participants can regularly take part in organized sports (e.g., soccer, football, volleyball, etc.) on the RISE grounds. Participants will also want to take advantage of our private pool for swimming and relaxation.

Game Nights, Improv & Theater Sports

Bring your best game to Rome! RISE makes ample time in the evenings for board games and large-group games.  The evenings are also set aside for relaxation and personal time.

Film Nights

At least once a week, RISE participants come together to view popular, foreign and/or independent films on a large projection screen in the villa, with select screenings followed by a group discussion of the film’s themes.

Daily Schedule

Living Arrangements and Rules of Conduct

Students at RISE live in single-sex, double rooms. The villa's layout -- which spans three separate buildings -- is such that girls and boys will never share a bathroom or intimate space.

At RISE, we take very seriously any violation of the conduct contract signed by all participants and their parents. Students found in violation of our policies (i.e. drinking or other drug use, sexual activity, or violence) will be sent home immediately at their parents' expense.

Health and Safety

Insurance and Medical Care

Included in the RISE tuition fee is a tailor-made insurance plan which gives each student added protection for things such as medical services (e.g., medi-vac) and lost luggage. This insurance also covers cancellation expenses in the case of unforeseen illness or family emergency. Details on our exact policy are given upon request or subsequent to enrollment.

RISE has a nurse or doctor available 24-hours a day, as well as agreements with specialist doctors in the area for short-notice emergencies. Most likely, your private health insurance will cover these health expenses incurred abroad. Since the RISE tuition fee includes an insurance plan with AIG, out-of-pocket expenses should be minimal, if any.

Staying in Touch with Family

RISE participants have 24-hour access to their families through the internet. Students may also purchase a calling card and/or bring their personal cell phones to Rome. In addition, RISE maintains a photo gallery throughout the summer which is continually updated with images chronicling the RISE experience.

Security at the RISE Villa

RISE is located in a gated, secure, closed-campus environment. No outside visitors are ever allowed on the multi-acre premises, and staff remain vigilant in looking out for any suspicious activity. Local law enforcement is also aware of our program. All RISE personnel undergo a rigorous criminal and personal background investigation.