Location

Barcelona, Madrid, Spain

Program Description

This program offers a deep dive into the culture and history of twentieth-century Spain, with emphasis on political and social changes. Spain experienced major shifts, often felt most deeply in the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid beginning in the 1920s with civil and economic unrest, into the democratic renaissance of the 1930s, the Spanish Civil War and subsequent Franco dictatorship lasting until 1975, and culminating in the transition to democracy.

Barcelona, Spain has long been an intellectual and artistic hub, and, in the twentieth century, it saw an explosion of modern art, political consciousness, and revolutionary politics. With a focus on the history of gender and political change, the course will explore contemporary issues like nationalism and the Catalan independence movement, as well as the role of immigration in creating a complex urban identity. While in Barcelona, we will explore themes in the 20th century through visits to historical sites and a variety of museums including the Sagrada Familia, the City History Museum of Barcelona, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, a bomb shelter from the Spanish Civil War, key Gaudi landmarks and many other locations. Day trips include a visit to the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres and the striking monastery of Montserrat, as well as to Sitges, a famous beach near Barcelona.

While in Madrid during the last week of the program, we will continue our study of the history of Spain through visits to sites of major social and cultural significance. Like Barcelona, Madrid has a diverse and international population. Yet Madrid is committed to retaining its uniquely Spanish identity which residents of the capital city cherish. As a group we will explore the Royal Palace, the modern art museum (Reina Sofia), the Barrio de Las Letras with its cobblestone streets and bustling cafes, and the charming old neighborhood of La Latina among other destinations. If time permits, we will take a daytrip from Madrid to the historical city of Toledo, Spain.

The foundation of this study abroad course is experiential learning. The program supports hands-on, immersive learning through daily trips to museums, monuments, landmarks, and participation in cultural activities in the city and surrounding areas. Students will also meet with expert scholars of the history of Spain, attending exhibits and lectures. With guidance from theinstructor, students will be encouraged to explore themes of interest to them while studying in Spain.

During the three-week program, students will complete readings and will participate in weekly scheduled discussions. They will complete short writing assignments based on course content and personal reflection. For the final project, submitted after the program concludes, students choose their topic related to the course and produce a traditional academic paper or a digital essay.

No Spanish language experience is necessary. All instruction and coursework will be in English.

Barcelona Program Slideshow

Location Description

Director

Jessica Davidson | davidsjb@jmu.edu | History

Accommodations

While staying in Barcelona, students will live together, in groups of 4-6, in fully furnished apartments located within easy walking distance of a wide variety of restaurants, supermarkets, shops and the Mediterranean coast. Each apartment will have a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom(s), WIFI, central air, and washer. A metro station is easily accessible from the apartment complex. In Madrid, students will stay in a centrally located hotel for the final segment of the program. Students will receive a weekly stipend that they can use to eat out or purchase food in the markets to cook in their apartments. In addition, at various points during the program there will be group meals taken with the professor.

Additional Items to Consider

Students must have a valid passport. 

Prior to departure, we will hold several meetings and short classes in which we will discuss expectations and students will discuss course work and ask any related questions.

Applicant Criteria

Open to all class levels and majors

Director will touch base with all applicants regarding any additional requirements