Seminars

General Observations    Seminars Offered

General Observations

We know you’ve spent a lot of time hitting the books and that college will mean more of the same. You’ve chosen to take a year off because you want to experience something different. You’re not against growing and learning — about yourself and about the world — but you want to do those things in a new and stimulating setting.

To get the most out of your time in Spain, you’ll want to quickly improve your Spanish (and maybe pick up some Catalán as well), and you’ll need some help and guidance in interpreting what you see around you. Our course offerings are limited, and so is the time you’ll actually be spending in the El Casal classrooms. A lot of the learning occurs outside the 19th century Art Nouveau building which is El Casal’s home. We want to emphasize the importance of hands-on experience through field trips, travel, community service, language exchanges and interaction with your host family and your new Spanish friends.

Students may enroll in four seminars for a total of about 12 hours per week. Normally, students take Spanish Language, Contemporary Society and Politics, Art History and Spanish Film. Catalán language is offered if there is sufficient demand.

Seminars meet in the mornings, Monday through Thursday. Afternoons are for community service and internship activities. Friday mornings are for local visits and group activities in Barcelona and environs.

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Seminars Offered

The seminars are offered subject to enrollment. Other humanities courses related to Spain and Spanish culture may be offered depending on student interest.

Art History of spain

This course will review the history of Spain and its artistic heritage with an emphasis on the historical periods and corresponding artistic manifestations which can be appreciated most readily in Barcelona and along the Camino de Santiago. The history of the Catalán cultural renaissance of the second half of the 19th century will receive special attention. The class will make use of primary and secondary sources, slides and other media. Field trips will focus on the topics discussed in the seminar. Lively class participation is encouraged. Taught in Spanish.

Contemporary Spanish Society

A seminar and discussion course. After a brief review of Spanish history in the 20th century, we will explore current issues in Spanish society and politics, including Spain’s role in the European Community, regional differences and nationalisms, economic issues and terrorism. A basic text will be supplemented by newspapers, journals, other readings and films. This seminar is conducted in English during the first half of the term and in Spanish the second half.

Intensive Introductory Catalán Language

This is a language course which focuses on speaking and listening. The aim is to provide you with the skills sufficient for dealing with everyday situations in Catalán. Taught in Catalán.

Spanish Language

This course offers a chance to hone your grammar and conversational skills and to expand your vocabulary. Participants are grouped according to their command of Spanish on arrival. A lively text will be supplemented by readings, videos and other materials. Taught in Spanish.

Spanish Cinema

Spanish Cinema treats Spanish film history from the Civil War to the present. The course aims to improve the students’ Spanish as well as familiarize them with the major social issues facing Spain. Approximately ten films will be shown, with special attention given to Spain’s most important directors, such as Buñuel, Saura, Erice, Almodóvar and Amenábar. Taught in Spanish.

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