Art and Culture in Madrid

Summer 2008: June 10 - July 8 (tentative dates)

Academic Program

Spain is one of the most wonderful and culturally rich countries of Europe. In this study abroad, students will have the opportunity to experience Spanish cultural life, its art and history by living and studying in one of the most exciting cities in the world: Madrid. The Prado Museum with its imposing art collection, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Foundation, the Reina Sofia, The Palacio Real and other cultural venues will be the backdrop against which students will have access to an unforgettable educational experience. The history of the “villa”, reflecting every passage of the history of Spain, from its pre-historic beginnings to the conquest by the Islamic armies to the declaration of Madrid as capital of Spain will present students with a unique opportunity to reflect on how man shapes its environment and is, in turn, shaped by it.

Students will be able to take three credits of Literature, and six credits of Spanish language. As part of the course assignment, each professor has designed excursions and visits to sites of interest related to the course. In this fashion, the student will have access to a virtual experience of the academic content of the course. In addition to that, we will have weekly day trips to the cities of Toledo, Aranjuez, Alcala de Henares, El Escorial and Salamanca.

Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours,journal assignments and/or papers, and tests/exams.

Tentative course offerings:
SPAN TBA Spanish Language, 6 credits (students will be placed according to level determined by testing on-site)
GENG 239 Spanish Literature in Translation, 3 credits

Accommodations

Students will reside with host-families in Madrid, Spain. Meals are included.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit an essay and a faculty recommendation. A personal interview will also be required. Applicants must have a 3.0 minimum GPA.

For More Information

For additional information about the Art and Culture in Madrid program, please contact the program director:

Dr. Maria Odette Canivell
Department of English
Tel: 540-568-6412
E-mail: canivemx@jmu.edu