One of the variables that has most influenced Spain's history and culture is the Mediterranean Sea. Its waters have brought to this nation many cultural aspects that have shaped irreversibly the lives of its inhabitants. From ancient cultures to today's immigrants, different people have left and are leaving their mark on the Peninsula. This study abroad program will immerse students in the culture of Spain through the analysis of the lives of people who live in Spain and their interactions with an environment common to most peoples around the Mediterranean. Students will visit several cities and towns near the Mediterranean, Our Sea, as Romans used to call it and Spaniards still do. The base for the Study Abroad trip will be in Valencia, with field-trips to Andalucia, Madrid, and other small communities. Students will learn about the roles, lives, and contributions of people in ancient cultures and their role today as the country is immersed in economic and social situations that exemplify the effects of globalization.
This program will challenge the idea of “Spanishness” as a homogenous concept based on commonly held views and perceptions of what “being Spanish” means. We will pay special attention to and follow current events and issues faced by today’s Spanish society while on the trip and will analyze their impact in the development of Spanish identity.
Selection Criteria:
Prerequisites:
- Must have completed the lower-division Spanish language sequence up to 2020 or equivalent.
Destination:
- Valencia, Spain
Program Dates:
May 21, 2022 - June 18, 2022