please help, is this a scam? it did not ask me to give her some

I have a new house to rent out, I received this email from craiglist post, this email did not ask for sending her money back.  but it is from Italy. 

 

        I really appreciate your efforts to answer those questions as
regard the house.. My Research project commence by 15TH of January but
I'll be in states on or before. It's an individual research to improve
my knowledge and understanding on Crime, Delinquency & Female
Criminology. I want to compare and contrast Crime in the United states
to crime in Italy and the rest of the world. I'll not be working with
any Organization or group of people in the states except for my
Respondents. I am a family oriented man with a very Good record and
reputation.. I want to sign an agreement of 1yr with you and i am
ready to offer you the first month rent fee + the first month security
deposit fee to secure the house prior to my arrival to the states by
Certified American Check, and on my arrival, i'll pay for the
remaining 11months by cash. Forward the lease agreement/application
form for my Review. In my opinion, appending signatories should be
done properly and at best physically when i get to the states and also
the back ground check. But i can assure you that i have a very good
employment record. Forward your name, address and phone number for
check payment.

 I understand that the house is Unfurnished,  I'll be making
arrangement with a furniture company over there in states to supply
some exclusive furniture into the house, because transporting
furniture across-board will not be easy and it'll be too expensive. I
want you to send the measurement/dimension of each section of the
house to determine the size and amount of Furniture that'll be supply
into the house.  My Furniture company will fix a delivery date andtime
that will be convenient and you'll be at the property on the delivery
day to monitor the delivery and set-up of my furniture. For my flight
booking, email me the nearest Airport close to your house or close to
the property. I'll be responsible for all Utilities

Let us know how to move ahead as we intend to complete this deal
before we move in by 12th of January. we will let you know the exact
date as soon as we get a booking on a flight to the states. I want a
less risk, fair,transparent and a hitch free transaction so imattached
the pictures of my family so that you can have an ideal of who you are
dealing with.

    In view of my work schedule, i would want us to finalize basic
arrangements.With this arrangement, my Trustee in the states,will be
effecting your payment deposit to you. I believe we can work together
and ensure every arrangements that we shall both execute in line with
my taking up the tenancy should be done accordingly to ensure we have
a proper understanding.

                      Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

Prof Professor of Sociology
University of Italian Studies for Foreigners of Siena
University of Milan
Department of Sociology
Milano