Students in the program must be adaptable if they wish to succeed academically, for Italian universities differ in important ways from American universities, despite their common use of the lecture system. The Italian system places a premium on self-discipline. Assignments consist of a long list of recommended readings rather than a shorter list of required readings; students then determine their own reading priorities from within the list. Some courses run the entire academic year, others for a semester only. University of Bologna courses are the equivalent of two U.S. semester courses, whether full year or semester in length, so each carries 6 semester credits. It is possible, however, to take only a segment of some courses for fewer credits. Though written assignments are becoming more common, grades are often determined by a final oral examination covering readings and lectures alike, without the frequent quizzes and midterm examinations that encourage American students to keep up with their work.
Students accepted into the program will receive information about the curriculum, including a description of BCSP courses and a list of University of Bologna courses that students have taken in the past. Final course selection occurs in Bologna . The resident director serves as academic advisor and will orient students to the Italian academic system. Most students take courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Other links:
Past courses approved by Notre Dame can be found by clicking here
View syllabi for the Bologna program by clicking
here
system places a premium on self-discipline. Assignments consist of a long list of recommended readings rather than a shorter list of required readings; students then determine their own reading priorities from within the list. Some courses run the entire academic year, others for a semester only. University of Bologna courses are the equivalent of two U.S. semester courses, whether full year or semester in length, so each carries 6 semester credits. It is possible, however, to take only a segment of some courses for fewer credits. Though written assignments are becoming more common, grades are often determined by a final oral examination covering readings and lectures alike, without the frequent quizzes and midterm examinations that encourage American students to keep up with their work. 
