Art and Culture in Madrid

Summer 2010: May 17 to June 9 (tentative dates)

Academic Program

Spain is one 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 of 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.

In addition to the stay in Madrid, the group will finish by traveling to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Alicante, where this “Spanish experience” will be enhanced with visits to Valencia and other exciting cultural sites of interest.

During this intensive program, students will enroll in three courses for a total of 9 credit hours. One in the area of literature (GENG 239) and two other courses in Spanish Language and Culture for 6 credits, for a total of 9 credit hours.

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

Tentative course offerings:

GENG 239: Studies in World Literature, 3 credits
SPAN 101, 102, 231, 232, or 300-level: Spanish language based on level of language skill, 3 credits (students will be placed according to level determined by testing on-site with enrollment in two courses for 6 credits of language)
ENG 434/SPAN 434: Latin American Literature in Translation, 3 credits
SPAN 446: Madrid Literario, 3 credits
SPAN 446: Madrid Artístico, 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. It is preferred that applicants have a 3.0 g.p.a.; however, all applications will be considered.

For More Information

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

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

Tomás Regalado-López
Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Tel.: 540-568-3511
E-mail: regalatx@jmu.edu