Summer Study Abroad in Barcelona
- The Arcadia Center for Catalan, Spanish & Mediterranean Studies is located in the bustling neighborhood of l'Eixample, home to many of Barcelona's most interesting attractions and intriguing architecture
- The program takes advantage of the rich heritage and history of the region of Catalonia with courses focusing on writing, photography, language, and culture
- Summer program core and elective courses are taught in English; students also take a Spanish language course.
Program
This eight-credit summer program consists of two required courses and one elective. Students take the core course for two credits and a 3-credit Spanish language course, along with their choice of either a photography course or a creative writing course.
Core Course
BARC MSBC 350S Barcelona Capital of Catalunya: History, Culture and Language (2 credits)
View complete syllabus.
This course is designed for students who are interested in discovering and experiencing the city of Barcelona. We will explore the city both as a capital of Catalunya and as part of Spain. Through guided explorations and tours to emblematical, historical and modern sites, in addition to observations, reflections and other activities, students will understand aspects of Barcelona’s history, Catalan culture and Catalan language. At the same time, the contrast between Catalan and Spanish culture, and the co-existence in the city of their respective languages, will be analyzed.
Elective Courses
BARC ARSP 113S Photography: Portfolio of Spain (3 credits)
View complete syllabus.
This course will be dedicated to the fundamentals and technique of basic 35 mm color photography. Emphasis will be placed on creative and artistic aspects and the students will use the city of Barcelona to elaborate and explore their own personal expression. The basis will be local architecture and historical elements in context and juxtaposition with its peoples and culture. Activities will include class and field work, discussions, critique sessions, slide viewing, visits to museums, photography collections, foundations and excursions in and around Barcelona. The objective of this course is to advance knowledge and personal skills relating to photography and aesthetic values in general, and to produce an individual portfolio representing personal feelings and visual impressions of Barcelona.
BARC ENSP 360S Creative Writing: Travel Journal and Essay (3 credits)
View complete syllabus.
This course is designed for students who are interested in expressing themselves through writing and looking to give shape to their experiences of living abroad by creating pieces of creative non-fiction in a supportive workshop environment. Students will be required to produce writing on a daily basis in a writer's notebook, execute in-class writing exercises, and create full-length essays related to various themes involving their travel experiences. We will examine non-fiction works written by travelers to Spain, and focus on writing style as well as stereotypes and cultural differences. By the end of the course, students will have gained skills in close critical reading and written expression. Classes will mainly consist of a workshop-style format, in which students will work with their own texts and those written by other authors, both individually and in groups. Group discussion and critical analysis of the texts will occupy the most part of the classes, although we will also work with brief lectures and oral presentations. Students will be given a dossier with a selection of required readings for the course.
Credits
Summer program: 8 credits.
Admission Requirements
GPA Requirements: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
You must be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation. You need to submit a complete application including a transcript, letter of recommendation, and an advisor's form before your application will be considered.
