Honors: Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

Location

Barcelona, Spain

Program Description

Though an important part of Spain, Barcelona is proud of its independent Catalan identity and language. The city has long been an intellectual and artistic hub and, by the twentieth century, the city saw an efflorescence of modern art, political consciousness, and revolutionary politics. Both the unique aspects of Barcelona and its ties to the rest of the country will be explored during the study abroad program. We will particularly focus on key moments in twentieth century Barcelona history: 1920s urbanization and dictatorship; modernist artists notably Dali, Miro, and Picasso; the Second Republic (1931-1936); the Spanish Civil War; the Franco era (1939-75); and the transition to democracy in 1975; and the post-Franco period.

Through guided visits of the Catalonian Museum of history and the Museum of the City of Barcelona and to key Gaudi sites and many other city locations, students will be exposed to the character of the metropolis, its people, and its history. Students will hear lectures by local academics and a journalist/film maker who will speak to the unique experience and identity of Catalonia. Students will also attend a live concert as a group in the breathtaking Palau de la Musica Catalana. Day trips include the Dali Museum in Figueres, Girona, the famous monastery of Montserrat, and local beaches. Course work includes informal lectures, readings, and student writing.

No Spanish language training necessary but is advantageous. All instruction will be in English.

Location Description

The city of Barcelona is located in Northeastern Spain in the region of Catalonia. It is a coastal location with striking Mediterranean beaches on the Costa Brava. In June, during the program's dates, Barcelona is normally warm and partly humid with a lot of sun and occasional rain.

The city is modern in every sense. It has a renowned subway system that students will navigate with the program directors. It is also a walking-friendly city with many cafes and shops, particularly in the safe and central neighborhood, the Eixample, where students will stay. Several hours by train will bring you to Madrid, Spain's capital, or to France, Spain's neighbor to the north.

Director

Jessica Davidson | davidsjb@jmu.edu | History

John Tkac | tkacja@jmu.edu | Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Accommodations

Students will stay in short-term apartments likely located in a central part of the city with access to public transportation. Students will likely share a room with another student. The apartments are normally for between 2-6 students. Each apartment has a full kitchen.

Students will be given a weekly stipend for meals. Students may choose to prepare food in the kitchen of their apartment or eat their meals at restaurants. Various meals will be taken as a group and paid for with program funds.

Additional Items to Consider

No visas are needed for visits under three months in Spain, but students must have a valid passport. 

Applicant Criteria

Honors GPA minimum required

Rising sophomore to rising senior Honors students with any major