Location

Barcelona, Spain

Program Description

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. Both the unique aspects of Barcelona and its national and global ties will be explored during the study abroad program. While in Barcelona, we will explore contemporary issues like nationalism and the Catalan independence movement, the effect of tourism in the city, and the role of gender and popular culture in creating a complex urban identity. Course work covers key moments in twentieth-century Barcelona history beginning in the 1920s with dictatorship, the democratic renaissance of the 1930s, the Spanish Civil War and subsequent Franco Regime lasting until 1975. Political and social changes will be charted through the experience of women and other marginalized groups in Spain. Students will also learn about cultural hallmarks like the Catalan modernist movement featuring Gaudi's architecture and the interplay between the tumultuous twentieth century and the artwork of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. Through guided visits of some of the most significant museums and landmarks like 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 sites and many other locations, students will be immersed in the history of this unique metropolis.

Day trips include a visit to the Dali Museum in Figueres, the striking monastery of Montserrat, and to the Medieval town of Girona. In Barcelona, students will also meet with expert scholars of the the history of Spain, attending workshops and lectures. Students will also participate in weekly scheduled discussions of course readings and assignments and will have the opportunity for regular one on one academic exchanges with the program directors. The program instructors specialize in Spanish Studies. They represent the disciplines of History, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, most of the learning will be experiential as we actively explore sites of interest with a tour guide. Students will also present to the class research they have completed at these historical sites. During the three weeks abroad, students will read related assigned texts, and complete short writing assignments. For the final tiered project, due 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 training necessary but is advantageous. All instruction will be in English.

Check out the program slideshow here!

Location Description

Barcelona is proud of its unique Catalan identity and language. The city of Barcelona is located in Catalonia, a region on Spain’s Northeastern coast. Its geographic location provides the best aspects of the sea including striking Mediterranean beaches on the Costa Brava and fresh seafood, with the amenities associated with a 21st-century metropolitan area, like an excellent array of museums, restaurants, and extensive public transportation network.

Barcelona’s pedestrian-friendly layout offers the chance to stroll past cafes and shops located in the various neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, the centrally located Eixample, or the quirky Born.

During free days, several hours by train will bring you to Madrid, Spain's capital, or to France, Spain’s neighbor to the north. In May, Barcelona is a mix of sun and rain, with temperatures in the low 70s.

Director

Jessica Davidson | davidsjb@jmu.edu | History

John Tkac | tkacja@jmu.edu | Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Accommodations

Additional Items to Consider

No visas are needed for visits under three months in Spain, but students must have a valid passport. 

Applicant Criteria

Students must be in good standing with the Honors College.

First Years, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors

Students must be part of the JMU Honors College.