The Mediterranean Center for Arts & Sciences (MCAS) offers a wide range of liberal arts courses every semester which, combined with academic fieldtrips (included in the program fee and an integral part of the program in Sicily) enable students to explore the diversity of the Mediterranean world from a unique perspective and experience the richly varied culture of this fascinating island.

Its faculty and their interests are international in scope. The five main discipline areas – classical studies, environmental studies, history and political science, Italian studies, and studio and fine arts – offer you a unique cultural and educational experience that fosters the positive expression of ideas and ideals. You can take up to 18 credits per semester. At least one of your courses must be in Italian language, and the remainder can be selected from across disciplines. Coursework focuses on both the rich resources of the center’s Mediterranean surroundings, and more mainstream areas of academic inquiry. All courses are taught at the Palazzo Ardizzone, but instructors make frequent and engaging use of the city and its environs as an extension of the classroom.

Students in archaeology and certain other classics options, art history, and environmental science classes should expect to be required to attend at least two to three Friday fieldtrips in the semester session. Academic fieldtrips (program inclusive, depending on class selection) examine the following sites: Agrigento; Piazza Armerina and Morgantina; Taormina and Castelmolo; Ragusa, Modica, Noto, and Scicli; Pantalica and Anapo Valley; and Mount Etna.