As the capital and central city of the Tuscan region, Florence has been a vibrant city for Italian art, architecture, food, culture, trade, and Florentine style since the first century BCE.

Considered the birthplace for the Renaissance and perspective in art, Florence is the perfect location for pairing the study of how our representation of the human form and daily life has progressed over centuries, and relating it to how design, living, work, and our environment have similarly changed. During our time in Italy, we will complement our studies and appreciation of the Italian way of life with several excursions, which will allow us to include a decidedly different Italian lifestyle and attitude in our experience.

Our studies of human factors, ergonomics, anthropometrics, and design, as seen from an Italian point of view will educate and expand our skills and appreciation for the Italian, as well as our own American life.

Program Dates: May 18-June 8, 2025

Course Description

IE493: Applied Human Factors and Art in Florence
3 credit hours, Mini-term 2025

This course will be conducted over three weeks in Florence, Italy, the heart of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, with several day trips. The course interweaves an understanding of how and why to apply Human Factors principles to improve work and life, gained through the study of Italian manufacturing, products, and living space, with an examination of how the human form and daily life has been represented in various art forms over history.

In the course of the mini-term, we will complement lessons and discussions with guest lectures, facility tours, cultural immersion activities, artistic study, and appreciation of Italian life.

Student Objectives 

• Develop and enhance Human Factors/Safety knowledge while building practical experience applying theory to solve workplace, design, and human interaction challenges.
• Gain exposure to these methods in European culture, primarily through instructor-designed content, guest lectures, cultural excursion, and facility visits.
• Incorporate the study of how the understanding and presentation of the human form and ‘workspace’ (anthropometrics and ergonomics) have changed over history, as presented in various artforms.

Program Activities and Excursions

In addition to your classes, you’ll also get to do the following as part of your time in Florence:

Florence 

• Piti Palace and Boboli Gardens: Visit the late home of the powerful Medici family that served as a residence of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.
• Museo del Bargello: The oldest public building in Florence which houses one of the most important collections of sculptures from major Italian Renaissance masterminds.
• Leonardo da Vinci Museum: Visit this interactive museum where you’ll be able to get hands-on with some of the inventions by the world’s most well-known polymath.
• Monte Ceceri: Take a guided hike through this beautiful nature reserve where you’ll get to see the greener side of the Arno Valley.
• Galleria dell’Accademia: Home of the world-renowned David statue. See this and other artistic masterpieces by Michelangelo.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: (aka the Duomo)The signature landmark of Florence and one of the architectural wonders of the early Renaissance, you’ll get to explore the cathedral and take an optional climb up to the dome itself, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.
• Galileo Museum: Dedicated to scientist and astronomer, Galileo Galilei, this museum hosts one of the world’s major collection of scientific instruments.
• Uffizi Gallery: Home to some of the most famous masterworks in the world, such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, da Vinci’s Annunciation and more.
• Piazzale Michelangelo: Take a walk up to one of the highest points overlooking the city and grab some gelato! You’ll want to see this.
• Business Visits: Included are also multiple business visits with local artisans, companies, and factories, to understand modern Italian design, business, and efficiency processes.

Day Trips & Excursions

• Siena: Visit the neighbooring city of Siena, where you’ll explore the city center and other historical buildings.
• Scandicci: Located just outside of Florence, this suburb will have you visiting a local workshops in designer and couture leather products.
• Emilia-Romagna: This region just to the north is home to several key industry producers in Italy for automotives, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar. 

*Excursions and activities are examples only and are not an exhaustive list. Inclusions are subject to change based on availability and programmatic changes.