Renaissance Leadership for the 21st Century
Gonzaga offers you the unique opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. You will study how powers collided during the 15th century, ultimately producing one of the most creative times in world history, the Renaissance. You will learn how leaders of the day managed conflict, and used influence to ultimately change business, art, architecture and music, and how those skills can be used in contemporary organizations.
Gonzaga University has its own campus in Florence. During this faculty led course, a typical day can include a morning museum visit and a few hours in the classroom time in the afternoon. The evenings are yours to explore the culture of Florence.
This is not a traditional study abroad program with a big, time commitment, this course is designed to fit your busy work schedule.
Many of our students extend their time in Italy and Europe either before or after the actual Florence experience. The program is affordable and you can use your financial aid toward the cost.
You must be a current student (active in class) to apply to Study Abroad programs.
Questions?
Contact:
Heather Schmitt
Call or Text: (509) 313-6240
Email: schmitth@gonzaga.edu
Schedule an Appointment
Program Details:
Dates:
- October 20 - 27, 2025
Estimated Costs:
- Tuition - 3 credits: $3,150*
- Study Abroad Fee: $1,250*
*Tuition and program fees are an estimate and subject to change.
Includes:
- Museum entry fees
- Some group meals and excursions
- Insurance
Not included:
- Airfare
- Accommodations in Florence
- Most meals
- Textbooks
- Personal expenses
Curriculum
The course is hybrid with online components.
ORGL 510 - Renaissance Leadership for the 21st Century - 3 credits
Instructor: Dũng Q. Trần, Ph.D.
This course provides an examination of Renaissance leadership as it applies to contemporary organizations. Course study is designed for an interdisciplinary group of students to explore the power of Renaissance thinking as it applies to renewal, rediscovery, invention and creativity. This course will help emerging leaders develop new perspectives and strategies to bring health, creativity and energy to their organizations. Learners will draw upon the creative processes of artists - painters, architects, musicians and writers - and apply the same dynamics of creative thinking to the practical work of leaders in today’s organizations. Special emphasis will be given to the artists of the Italian Renaissance, especially as developed in the city of Florence.
Course Objectives:
- Explain the dynamics involved in the creative process, especially as illustrated by the Italian Renaissance
- Apply these dynamics to leadership in contemporary organizations
- Draw upon an inter-disciplinary network of colleagues to process an integrative approach to the art of leadership
This course can serve as an elective for the Global Leadership Concentration or Servant Leadership Concentration.