Location

Oviedo, Porto, Spain, Portugal

Program Description

This course is an immersive experience with visits to the Picos de Europe National Park, the coastal city of Gijon, and walking through rural landscapes and villages along the Camino Primativo. Students will immerse in contemporary world of Asturias while experiencing the history and culture that grounds this region firmly in the past. Guided tours of the Santa Maria del Naranco a 9th century church, along with visits to the regional archeology and art museums provide context for the past and present. Class will meet in a hybrid format prior to departure and after.

Asturias, a region of northern Spain home to centuries old pilgrimage trails, pre-Romanesque churches, and dramatic landscapes of towering mountains and rugged coastline sits at a crossroads of culture and history. Known as "Espana Verde" or Green Spain, studying in Asturias offers students a unique view of Spanish identity, medieval history and outdoor adventure. Central to Asturian culture is the traditional pouring and tasting of cider, along with a strong identity associated with culinary tradition. This region of Spain, less influenced by tourism, allows for a more immersive and authentic experience. Oviedo will be the central location of the program prior to beginning a short pilgrimage, tracing the route of King Alfonso II, on the Camino Primativo to the small rural town of Grado. From there we visit Santiago de Compostela the end point of the Camino, where according to Catholic tradition, the bones of Saint James are buried along with two of his disciples.

Porto, Portugal will serve as our final destination and departure point.

Location Description

Asturias is a region in northern Spain known for its unique cultural traditions, rich history and outstanding cuisine. Oviedo sits between the beautiful Cantabrian Mountains and Bay of Biscay, creating a beautiful backdrop of rugged coastline and striking green mountains. The Camino Primativo "the original way" begins in the heart of Oviedo and ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela known as the site containing the bones of Saint James.

Asturias is defined by its geography, maritime traditions and mix of cultures including, Celtic traditions like those found in Ireland and Scotland.

Director

Shaun Mooney | mooneyms@jmu.edu | History

Felix Wang | wangch@jmu.edu | Honors College

Accommodations

Accommodations will be a combination of local hotels and albergues (hostel for pilgrims on the camino). Students will share rooms and have access to Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Housing will be centrally located and within walking distance to major sites in Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela and Porto, Portugal.

Meals will be provided by the program organized in a group, or students will choose their preferred meal option for selected activities and days.

Additional Items to Consider

This program includes a several days walking the Camino Primativo. Participants should have good physical endurance and be able to walk extended distances over a two-day period.

The course will include synchronous and asynchronous assignments prior to departure and after return using Zoom.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to students in all majors and class levels.